It's hard for early employees not to be inspired by high-energy, inspirational organizations.

I feel startups should work into their biz-plans, the fact that greater than 50% of their early frontline force would want out, within 12 months even. Some of them competing too. 'Scratch an itch' often stems from environmental input.

I like the idea of hiring and nurturing early employees with these thoughts in mind: http://www.mikekarnj.com/blog/2011/10/03/creating-an-entrepr... You'd be lying to yourself if you think your employees would give their best to your gig alone, indefinitely.