I wrote a blog post back in 2007 (blog post) where I discussed what's the right time to dive in for a start-up, and to tell you the truth very frankly - no one would have this answer. I didn't have the answer when I was happy with my job and I don't have the answer when I am working with my start-up. You can hear 1000 stories, feel motivated and jump for it - I won't call you stupid, in fact I would help you with whatever you lack and praise you for whatever you have good. On the other hand, you can take 30 years building the perfect ship to sail, and yet you can't board it - I won't call you stupid, I would help you find that courage.
You can look out for the best teammates in the world and yet you can fail - that's the fact of the world that you need to live with everyday, but it's the battle that matters and not the outcome, and yeah fighting with the best knights cuts down the odds of failure. On the other hand, you might have no idea at all when you start and yet you can be the role model of tomorrow. So what is it that differentiates one guy from another, or let's say one start-up from other. What is the golden rule that differentiates the two sides?
People name it as team, idea, market, investors etc., while these all are pillars of a successful enterprise, but are these all? Wait, we haven't yet mentioned passion, drive, intensity, enthusiasm and all other qualities, but are these all? Is this a must to have list or good to have list, since some people say passion comes with idea and market or let's say money, and some say idea and team are secondary, all you need is passion. I don't know the order and I don't want to discuss it, since this list is endless. Did I write leadership, focus, companionship, vision - oh my god! this list is actually endless. :)
Let me put my answer in my simple language for you. I don't claim that I am a genius or Mr. Right of this topic, but this is what I believe, and it works for me, than remembering the endless list (often used by successful entrepreneurs to put their success in words). I rarely write philosophical blogs these days, since it's hard to prove them or quantify them. If you don't find my answer helpful, I apologize in advance.
I believe that we are guided by a power, actually a belief, something that we don't have control over,something way too powerful to be put in a list . I think what differentiates a successful entrepreneur is the power of believing the power of trust. We just need to trust the higher cause ,of the organization, trust the leader, trust our instincts and that's trust, which actually brings in enthusiasm, focus, drive and intensity in the workforce. In fact, that's trust which pushes us to create the best products for our clients., a trust we don't want to break It's the trust and belief of the leaders of the company that drives the course of the company. The power of believing and trust helps in creating a bonding between people, ideas, problems and solutions. Investors, customers, employees are all humans and they all need to trust you to make you successful. For others to trust you, you need to trust yourself and your thoughts, your instincts. Rest all will fall in place.Trust me!
One more thought before I close this blog post, I think there is nothing to win or lose in the world, there is an awesome journey that goes on forever. If you love being part of the cruise, be part of it, love it, enjoy it, live it, else simply jump off. There are thousand others awesome things worth doing than being an entrepreneur who doesn't love what he/she does.. Would love your comments on this one, really, because I trust that feedback works :)
god writeup...u hv become gud enuf to start writing a book :)
ReplyDeleteCheers
The Blog is Good ... Some additional points
ReplyDeleteWhat is required to be successful - as per me...
'To be at the right place at right time with right people simultaneously'. And this is beyond the control of one person. It is sheer CHANCE (or LUCK as you may call it)
Interesting read, I liked your perspective. Just a quick comment.. how do you quantify trust? And when do you think that trust alone is not enough? Because if things are not working out we often tend to say trust me it will work out!!
ReplyDelete@Gagu: Thanks for the support. I would like to see you adding some blogs based on your learning of Chennai market.
ReplyDelete@Saurabh: I believe that it's the power of Trust that helps you in identifying the right people, going to right places and being there at the right time. It all starts with Trust; Trust on an idea, Trust on people and above all Trust on yourself.
@Kapil: You don't need to quantify Trust and that's its beauty. It's more of a source of energy ... That's why you can't win and lose in this game of Trust. There is no quantification required, there is no grey area. It's just 0 or 1.
It's not about being alone or added with other qualities, it's about trusting your instincts.
When things don't work out that's when trust is tested the most. The basic philosophy is to trust the bigger purpose and build over it by adding your individual energy. It's the net sum of positive energy you can contribute to the bigger cause.
The question is when exactly do you start trusting your instincts and start trusting your team's instincts..