5 things you do not have to do as a Startup Entrepreneur.
We are our choices. Build yourself a great story. -Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder
With time, I have come to understand that we are the representation of the choices we make and that goes a long way to affect our businesses if we have one. Many people do not really care about the choices they make especially when it does not affect them directly, forgetting that you can not eat your cake and have it.
I have had the opportunity to interact with people who have started their own businesses, and those who are still looking for that “super idea” to kickstart and change the world. Many started and failed on several occasions but that did not stop them from achieving their said goals, and today we hail them as the tycoons of Entrepreneurs. This is because they picked themselves up when they fell, opened themselves up to opportunities, learned, unlearned, and relearned, and most importantly they believed in themselves and their business idea.
Among the many things I have learned from the stories of some of these entrepreneurs and startups, I am going to share with you Five things you are not to do as a startup entrepreneur.
- Do not belittle your idea.
Just as Rome was not built in a day, it is of importance that as the sole holder of your idea, you believe in it before anyone else.
2. Do not be rigid with your idea.
Day after day, there are new technological advancements with the idea we are trying to build. Be ready to learn, unlearn, and relearn to devise ways you can make your idea grow with the current technology and trends.
3. Do not do everything alone.
You must be open to allow people to assist you with what you do so you can track your progress. Do not be the CEO, Finance person, and Marketer at the same time. Involve friends and family who will be willing to help.
4. Do not forgo your salary.
I have realized most startup entrepreneurs do not pay themselves. If you were working for someone you would be paid, so try as much as possible to pay yourself irrespective of how small it is.
5. Do not forgo your Education.
I have seen people halt or drop out of school because they want to start a business. Do not forget that we make all those business partners while at school because no one would want to work with someone who is not “SMART”.
Let us not forget also that starting a business is not easy.
By: Benedicta Naa Odarkor Ablateye|Community Associate