When you’re starting a new business, the chances are that your excitement will mean that you’re telling everyone about it. While you might be completely gung-ho, there is a big possibility that there will be many who will be sceptical. It’s also completely natural for everyone to have something to say. Feedback, criticism, ideas… they’re all going to come your way. Navigating through these opinions is perhaps one of the hardest things that an entrepreneur has to do. However, when you listen patiently, you will often find a pattern that is truly valuable. Think of your friends and family as your focus group. Think of people you meet at networking events as your test market. Think of the many investors you’re going to pitch to as your fancy consultants. If you’re an early stage, pre-revenue start up , you need to be making a list of all the suggestions people are making. When many people are coming up with the same idea, you know you need to incorpora...
Born into a family of business owners, there is no other way of life that I knew. That doesn’t mean I was suitable for the job. Personally, I am risk averse. My first instinct is always to save rather than invest. That’s the first thing that goes against me. I’m terrible at math and accounts. I’m even worse (mostly lazy) at understanding legal compliance. Hilarious! In a world where everything needs to be quantified and compliant, that’s the second thing that goes against me. I’m socially awkward and therefore terrified of networking. I also hate public speaking. Are you rolling on the floor laughing yet? That’s the third thing that goes against me. While my flaws are many, I’m sure I have some redeeming qualities. But perhaps, that’s to be determined by the valuation of my company in a few years. I’ve been working with my co-founder for over 8 years now. We’ve been trying our hand at different things. We’ve been through multiple businesses. S...