Tim Westergren is the Founder of Pandora - The Music Genome Project. Read their blog here. And listen to their podcast here. Pandora is "THE" company that revolutionizes the music industry.

Back in the early 21st century, did you have a custom “funding pitch” for every VC or Angel investor you spoke to? What was the strategy you found to be the most effective in even getting you a meeting to speak to one about your cutting-edge idea with Pandora?

Start with a presentation and evolve it gradually. Each meeting that you have you learn new things and be willing to change or tailor your presentation to suit different investors. Do your research and specifically target those investors that have a known track record for already investing in the startups that are in your same industry.

What was the process you used to sell your idea to seek employees or partners?

In the beginning, its mostly about inspiring, then convincing people that its worth it in the long run, and it will work out. It is important that you make it a point to maintain good “repoire” with your colleagues and understand your mission so that you will be able to convincingly describe the mission.

What sources of inspiration did you turn to get ideas on growing Pandora?

I travelled around the country and played with rock bands. I am a musician myself so I understood the challenges as a musician faces. I found out other people's musical tastes and composed and wrote new musical pieces.

Being the poster child for startup persistence and this being a weblog with the aim of providing valuable information to the next generation of entrepreneurs about building successful startups, what is the secret to your motivation to keep you energetic, pounding on doors, living in airports, and overall just keeping your company alive?

There were lot of things, but most importantly, you have to have a strong belief in your idea. I believed Pandora to be an important solution to a problem as a musician. I also felt a tremendous amount of responsibility to both the community and investors.

Message to leave with:

It is becoming increasingly important to have an open honest conversation with your customers, treat each person with respect, be personal, and be receptive to complaints. Be thankful to your customers and make sure your customers are well appreciated, spend time to do that properly.