In the ever-evolving world of blockchain and meme tokens, wisdom from industry pioneers can be a game-changer. Recently, Mert from Helius Labs shared a gem of a thread on X featuring startup advice straight from Anatoly Yakovenko, the visionary founder of Solana. If you're diving into creating meme tokens on Solana—a platform that's become a hotspot for viral crypto projects—this advice couldn't come at a better time. Let's break it down point by point and see how it applies to the meme token scene.

Fixing Real User Problems

Yakovenko's first piece of advice hits at the core of any successful project: solve actual issues users face. He explains it as spotting when a user is struggling with something that's hard to articulate—that's your market gap right there. In the context of meme tokens, this means going beyond just funny images or hype. Think about what frustrates traders on Solana, like high transaction fees during pumps or clunky wallet integrations. Successful memes like Dogwifhat or Bonk didn't just ride on humor; they addressed community needs for fun, accessible, and low-cost entry into crypto. By focusing on these pain points, your token could stand out in a crowded market.

Building a Culture of Debate

Next up is fostering a team environment where debates thrive. Yakovenko emphasizes arguing things out until exhaustion, ensuring the best ideas win. For meme token creators, who often start as solo devs or small teams, this translates to engaging with your community early. Use Discord or Telegram channels to debate tokenomics, marketing strategies, or even meme themes. Solana's ecosystem is built on speed and community input, so embracing debate can lead to resilient projects that withstand market volatility. Remember, in crypto, being open to criticism helps refine your vision before launch.

Being Wrong on the Internet

This one might sting a bit, but Yakovenko says embracing public mistakes is key because it invites solid arguments from others. In the meme token world, where Twitter (now X) is king, posting your ideas—even if they're half-baked—can spark valuable feedback. Think of it as crowdsourcing improvements. Anatoly himself has been vocal on social media about Solana's challenges, like network outages, turning potential negatives into opportunities for growth. For aspiring creators, don't fear trolls; use them to iterate. Share your whitepaper drafts or token ideas on X and learn from the roast.

Cutting Out Netflix (and Distractions)

Yakovenko doesn't mince words: ditch the mindless scrolling and binge-watching. He even throws in cutting alcohol for good measure, stressing that founders need laser focus. In the high-stakes game of meme tokens, where launches can make or break in hours, this advice is gold. Replace Netflix time with coding your smart contract, scouting trends on Pump.fun, or networking in Solana hackathons. The crypto market doesn't sleep, and neither should your hustle—at least in those crucial early days. This discipline is what separates fleeting rugs from enduring memes.

Delegating Effectively

Finally, delegation is about handing off tasks you know inside out to capable hires. Yakovenko shares how he'd work on something himself first, then hire someone who could nail it in 90 days. For meme token projects, this means starting solo but scaling smart. Once your token gains traction, delegate marketing to community managers or tech tweaks to devs. On Solana, tools like Helius APIs (shoutout to Mert) make delegation easier by providing robust infrastructure. Ask potential team members: "Can you solve this in the next 90 days?" It ensures quick wins and sustainable growth.

This thread, posted by Mert on X, is a must-read for anyone in the Solana meme space. For the full context, check out the complete interview on YouTube. Applying these tips could be the edge you need to launch the next big meme token. What's your take—ready to cut Netflix and debate your way to success? Dive into the comments or hit up the Solana community to keep the conversation going.