In the fast-paced world of crypto, where meme tokens can skyrocket or crash in a heartbeat, solid advice from seasoned pros is like finding a hidden gem. Recently, Mert, the CEO of Helius Labs—a powerhouse in Solana infrastructure—dropped a nugget of wisdom on X (formerly Twitter). He shared a clip from Packy McCormick, the mind behind the Not Boring newsletter, outlining three golden rules for startups. While Packy's insights come from the broader tech scene, they hit home especially hard for anyone building or investing in meme tokens.

Mert's tweet highlights Packy's advice: differentiate, avoid competition, and tell your story from first principles. This isn't just fluff—it's battle-tested strategy that can make or break your meme project in a sea of dog coins and viral cats. Let's break it down, with a nod to how these principles play out in the meme token ecosystem.

Why Differentiation is Your Meme Token Superpower

Packy kicks off with a simple truth: stand out or blend in. In a world where AI and social media make it easy to copy everyone else, true differentiation means digging deep into what you uniquely care about. For meme tokens, this is crucial. Think about it—successful memes like Dogecoin or Pepe didn't just slap a funny image on a token; they tapped into cultural vibes that resonated deeply.

If you're launching a meme token, ask yourself: What's the twist that no one else has? Maybe it's tying your token to a niche community, like gamers or eco-warriors, or incorporating utility that goes beyond the hype, such as integrated DeFi features on Solana. Differentiation isn't about being weird for weird's sake; it's about creating something irreplaceable. As Packy notes, the easier it is to mimic others, the more vital it becomes to carve your own path.

Steering Clear of Competition: The Smart Way to Build in Crypto

Echoing Peter Thiel's zero-to-one philosophy, Packy advises minimizing competition wherever possible. Why battle a dozen similar projects when you can target untapped territory? In meme tokens, this means avoiding overcrowded themes. Sure, animal memes are fun, but if everyone's doing dogs, why not pivot to something fresh like AI-generated art or retro internet nostalgia?

By focusing on underserved niches, you face less direct rivalry and can build a loyal following faster. Mert, coming from Coinbase and now leading Helius, knows this well—Solana's ecosystem thrives on innovation that sidesteps Ethereum's congestion wars. Apply this to your meme: Launch on a chain like Solana for speed and low fees, and position your token as the go-to for a specific trend. The goal? Save your energy for taking on the big players later, not scrapping with copycats from day one.

Telling Your Story from First Principles: Authenticity Wins in Meme Land

Finally, Packy emphasizes being authentic—don't regurgitate the same old pitch. Instead, craft a narrative from first principles, explaining why your project exists at its core. For meme tokens, storytelling is everything. A great origin story can turn a simple token into a cultural phenomenon.

Write a manifesto that fires people up, or wait until you've got real traction before shouting from the rooftops. Avoid the generic "We're raising seed, here's our progress" posts that drown in the noise. In crypto, think of how Shiba Inu built its lore around being the "Dogecoin killer" with a twist. Be passionate, be real, and tie it back to fundamentals—like how your meme solves a fun problem or captures a zeitgeist.

Mert links to the full episode on YouTube here, where Packy dives deeper. It's worth a watch if you're serious about crypto entrepreneurship.

In the end, these tips from Packy, amplified by Mert, are a roadmap for meme token creators. Differentiate to stand out, dodge unnecessary fights, and tell a story that sticks. Whether you're a dev building on Solana or a trader spotting the next big meme, applying this advice could be your edge in the wild world of blockchain. What's your take—got a meme idea that nails these principles? Drop it in the comments!