Last week, I was a guest speakers for the current session of CO.STARTERS, being hosted at The Skillery here in Nashville. I was asked to come share my story about starting and growing both Cool People Care and Batch.
It was a great time to share with local, like-minded dreamers. Here's some of what I said:
- Entrepreneurship isn't about creating a job for yourself. It's about creating a life for yourself.
- That said, the point of entrepreneurship isn't to build a company, sell it for beaucoup bucks and then go sit on a beach. Trust me - there are easier ways to make it so you can go sit on a beach. In fact, the best entrepreneurs I know, especially those who have had successful exits, do anything but sit around at any point in time.
- If you're not willing to pack a box, sweep a floor, deal with an angry customer, stay up late, fix a toilet, or fold some shirts, you're probably not willing to do what entrepreneurship will require of you.
- Passion alone will not create a company. You need skill, too - a real talent and knack for making something.
- But even passion and skill together won't mean you have a business. For that, you'll also need customer validation. Will someone pay you for the thing at which you are skilled?
- Your concept and your company will be very closely linked to who you are as a person. Dream and behave accordingly.
- And lastly, are you really sure you want to do this?