There is nothing quite as thrilling in business as igniting a startup and watching it blossom. Especially when starting a company with personal savings or money from relatives and friends, early signs of success are intoxicating. Each new customer, each mention in the press or online adds to the feeling of early accomplishment. And it is more satisfying because it is yours, from idea to execution.
But the excitement begins much earlier. With newfound freedom to make independent decisions about finding a company name, where to locate the company, whether to lease an office or start from home, how to engage talent, even whether to provide free coffee to employees, the newly minted entrepreneur can only think of positive thoughts and great outcomes.
[Email readers, continue here…] This moment is not to be spoiled by such mundane warnings from advisors or consultants to plan carefully, research the market and competition, and execute the plan with tenacity and enthusiasm. This moment is to be enjoyed for what it is: the ignition point in which the dream becomes a reality and anything is possible.
This moment is to celebrate every action, including shopping for supplies, furniture and technology to support the newly minted enterprise. There is never again going to be such a pristine, simple, problem-free time in the life of this business. Relish the experience of creation. Celebrate each important “first,” including the first customer order, the first day in a new office, the first new employee hired, the first earned dollar actually deposited into the bank account.
Because it is yours to write alone, there is no Hollywood script more thrilling than the one you create during those first days when everything is so very new.
very timely as we take possession of the kitchen today . . .
“This moment is to be enjoyed for what it is: the ignition point in which the dream becomes a reality and anything is possible.”
And thanks to you our partners, Simon, Evelyn and Becky – a dream is becoming reality.
And a thanks to Dave, for his friendship and investment wisdom that got us to this place.
Remembering to celebrate the moment in some way.
Berni y Nhi
For all who read the comments, Clarence, above, was a member of the New Christy Minstrels, the one who sang tenor lead on “This Land is Your Land.” He still sings professionally at 74, tours, and is active musically in his church. It is for these performances which he produces now, that his comments are directed. In 1966, Clarence invited me to sing bass in his quartet and play the harmonica on stage at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion in Los Angeles for a performance of the Birch Mann Americn Folk Ballet, with whom he has toured internationally. I was allowed one performance without a union card, and thank Clarence again and again for the fantasy trip across the stage in a filled music hall on that magical evening.
-Dave
And “success” can be measured by more than making a profit. All the exciting, thrilling and celebrating experiences you mentioned, I had in promoting and completing my recent musical presentations. These experiences more than offset the money I lost in the ventures, and I can see how making a profit could be intoxicating.
I like the last line. Thank you.
More great advice that can be implemented and enjoyed today!
Thank you for allowing us to dip into your wealth of experience to continually build successful and vibrant businesses.