Starting a business isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a journey that demands more than a good idea—it requires passion, grit, and a solid network. In this EntréView, we dive into the wisdom of a seasoned entrepreneur who’s been through the trenches and comes out the other side with some hard-earned insights.
When asked about advice for those looking to start their own business, our interviewee doesn’t pull any punches. He starts things off with a simple yet powerful message: you must love what you’re doing. It’s not enough to like it or be good at it. It would help if you had that fire in your belly, that drive that gets you out of bed in the morning excited to tackle the day’s challenges.
“If you’re doing it because it’s a family company or a buddy gave you a job, it’s probably not going to play out well over a five, ten-year period,” he warns. These might seem like easy ins, but you’re setting yourself up for a rough ride without that genuine passion.
Why is passion so crucial? Well, the fuel keeps you going when the going gets tough. When you genuinely care about what you’re doing, it shows in every aspect of your business. You’ll care more about your team, products, and mission. This isn’t just feel-good talk – it translates into tangible benefits. When genuinely invested in your venture, you’ll be willing to invest more time, effort, and money.
But let’s get real – passion alone isn’t going to pay the bills. Our interviewee acknowledges many new entrepreneurs’ harsh reality: “You have no investors, you have no capital. You have no bank behind you yet.” In these situations, two things become your best friends: gut instinct and sheer determination.
That gut instinct? It’s what helps you navigate the murky waters of starting a business when there’s no clear path forward. And determination? That voice refuses to let you throw in the towel when things get tough. Our expert puts it bluntly: you need “a determination factor that will not let you fail.”
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Our interviewee is quick when asked about the importance of a personal, professional network. “Without being hyperbolic here, you 110% have to understand the network is the number one thing,” he states emphatically. It’s not just important – it’s crucial.
Think about it. You might need the fancy office or the big-name backers when starting. But if you’ve got a solid network? That’s gold. It’s about more than just knowing a bunch of people. It’s about actively building and nurturing relationships. Get on LinkedIn, he advises. Connect with people—Scout for potential team members. Cast your net wide and create diverse contacts across different sectors.
Why is this so important? Well, as our expert points out, jobs can be fickle. You might be riding high one day and out on your ear the next. But a strong network? That’s your safety net and your springboard. It’s what opens doors when others close.
But here’s the kicker – building a network isn’t just about making connections. It’s about maintaining them. Our interviewee stresses the importance of leaving a good impression wherever you go. “You don’t leave a bad taste in people’s mouths, whether you work for them, work with them, whatever it is,” he advises. It’s about being kind and professional and permanently preserving those relationships.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Starting a business is more than having a great idea or the skills to execute it. It’s about having the passion to drive you forward, the determination to weather the storms, and the network to support and propel you.
Remember, your network isn’t just a list of contacts—it’s your most valuable asset. Nurture it, grow it, and treat it with care. It’s not just about what you know but who you know—and, more importantly, who knows you.
In the world of business, success is only sometimes guaranteed. But with passion, determination, and a solid network? You’re giving yourself the best possible shot at making your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.