What
is the future of business in this changing world? In today’s world,
start-up companies seem to be revolutionizing the industry.
Entrepreneurship is all the hype right now and it should come as no
surprise that Gen-Y has begun to realize how miserable the “path” of
life truly is. This type of environment is not for everyone, simply
because the results are not guaranteed.
However, for the adventurous, this is the place where creativity can
flourish. Startups are designed for fast growth, the foundation on which
the company is built.
1. Everyone says they will help, but no one will
Everyone knows actions speak louder than words and this could not hold truer than in a start-up company.
With
the idea of new prospects, it’s easy for someone to “commit” to
something, but when push comes to shove, few people actually back up
what they said with their actions. The strength and integrity of people
are demonstrated through their behaviors, so pay close attention to
these as your startup cultivates.
2. Stop trying to act like a boss and learn how to lead
You are only as strong as your weakest link. The success of a leader
will always be reliant upon the success of those they lead. The way your
company performs is a reflection of your leadership abilities. If you
want to be triumphant, you must have the capability of bringing out the
best of the people you lead. As a leader, it is your job to figure out
the best way to delegate responsibilities amongst your team. Become
aware of each member’s personalities and showcase it in a way that
benefits the company as a whole.
3. Get ready to give it all up
The days of staying up and partying into the wee hours of the morning
are long gone. You need to be completely focused or you run the risk of
failure. Distractions are not welcome in the world of the startup. There
is too much uncertainty that surrounds this industry, so mental focus
is crucial.
Your
main focus needs to be your company and its goals. Forget the outside
world, this is your future, so get ready to give up everything you once
knew.
4. You won’t know how to fight until you get punched in the face
You may think you are prepared for adversity, but until you actually
come face to face with it, you will never know how it feels. Be prepared
to fail, but never accept it. Accept each challenge with strength and
dignity. Hold your head high and do not let the haters get in your way.
Experience is perhaps the most important thing in life to be successful.
Even if you fail, there are a million reasons to get up and to start
again. When you are discouraged and in the midst of trials, remember how
important it is to always remain positive. If you believe you can
thrive, then you can — perception is everything.
5. If you’re looking for a steady revenue stream, you’re better off at Starbucks
Startups are erratic and ever-changing. Nothing in this industry is
guaranteed and this is where much of the excitement lies. Too many
people are driven by their paycheck; we refer to these people as
pedestrians. The truly successful people are those who are motivated by
success and the development of their brand. While reaping financial
benefits is rewarding, it should not at the forefront of an
entrepreneur’s mind.
6. Lean and boot strapped is the only way
Acting in a lean manner does not mean you are cheap, it means you know
how to use the resources you have available in the most efficient way
possible. It is about maximizing your supply and minimizing waste. If
there is no return on an investment, there is no reason to waste your
valuable time. Bootstrapping means you are proceeding in your business
without external assistance.
This is essential because as soon as you bring in investors, your vision
can be distorted. If you are accepting funding from outside sources,
they may expect to have some sort of input in your development. The film
“The Social Network” vividly exemplified this concept in its actuality.
7. If people aren’t willing to work as much as you, they shouldn’t be here
Not everyone is cut out for the life that a start-up company offers. You
are only as good as the company you keep, so if those around you are
not willing to put in the same effort you are, you need to trim the fat.
You need to surround yourself with people who are constantly looking
forward, always trying to improve and who are determined to make
something of themselves. A startup is not a place to rest on your
laurels, it is a place to show the world what you are made of. If you
can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.
8. It’s not about being right all the time, it’s about being consistent in your actions
Many people may not agree with your opinion, but that’s irrelevant. It
is more important to find something that works for you and to stick with
it. However, it is imperative to make sure your actions do not
contradict one another. Your credibility will go down as soon as your
actions seem hypocritical.
9. Don’t promise anything but hard work and learning curves
There is no assurance in a startup except that you will be working hard
and learning simultaneously. As soon as you think you have things
figured out, the universe will throw a curve ball your way. You cannot
promise someone a future that is not guaranteed. You will learn
invaluable lessons along this journey that will far surpass your
expectations. Embrace the ingenuity this career path has to offer. Many
are not as fortunate to embark on a journey such as this.
10. Develop a powerful vision
While business plans are rigid and limiting, having a powerful vision is
an essential factor in the success of your startup. Obstacles will
arrive often, so ensuring you have an end goal is vital. If you plan on
running your own company, you need to remove the idea of “making a lot
of money” as your end result. Focus on building the best team possible
to achieve your common goal.
What
do you hope to accomplish with your startup? Who is the audience you
are trying to reach? What is the best medium to reach these people
through? These are all important questions that must be considered when
creating your vision. All great leaders have a vision as this is what
motivates them on a daily basis to achieve greatness
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