The biggest regret for most people
Work takes up a huge part of the conversations nowadays because the other half is about family. But with single friends, it is all about work and career. Most are particularly interested in my start up business and with good reason, I am the first to venture on my own.
Many thought that venturing on our own is to want to make it big, do IPO and create a disruptive technology.
No, that was never in my plans.
To create a business that disrupts people's lives, which is disruptive technology means you need a very good idea or novel business plan. This first step to get the ultimate Eureka idea is the reason why many feel that they can't do their own business:
They have not hit upon the one great idea yet.
How many of us would be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs? To have a wonderful idea and yet be able to execute the idea perfectly and manage the business. It's the dream of everyone but it's too rare and bordering on impractical.
To always wait for the grand idea and never venture out: That will be the biggest regret for you.
It's good to have ideas and dreams. However, it's not easy to find a good business idea. It's even harder to realise and execute them, particularly when it's a disruptive technology. That is why I always think we should all start small. To get our hands into the business first, to know what it is like to run a start up and manage it, to be able to sustain it and never stop looking at what the market needs and at any time, changing your business to something that is desired by the market and also profitable.
Many ideas formed only after the business was ongoing and it could be for a totally different industry! Take for example: Ninja Van's CEO previously started a fashion business until he found the deficiency in delivery business. Airbnb started from offering bed and breakfast to the ultimate success of shared accomodation.
You got to start somewhere small.
You have got to learn how to climb first before you can walk. You see things more clearly, you see what is lacking only when you are in the midst of things and understand how the game is played. It doesn't always happen in this way but it is the most practical and takes you one step closer to your dream. It is how most start-ups come about too.
Get your hands dirty first, don't just be dreaming and staying stagnant.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like me on my entrepreneurial journey for SnackFirst!
Many thought that venturing on our own is to want to make it big, do IPO and create a disruptive technology.
No, that was never in my plans.
To create a business that disrupts people's lives, which is disruptive technology means you need a very good idea or novel business plan. This first step to get the ultimate Eureka idea is the reason why many feel that they can't do their own business:
They have not hit upon the one great idea yet.
How many of us would be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs? To have a wonderful idea and yet be able to execute the idea perfectly and manage the business. It's the dream of everyone but it's too rare and bordering on impractical.
To always wait for the grand idea and never venture out: That will be the biggest regret for you.
It's good to have ideas and dreams. However, it's not easy to find a good business idea. It's even harder to realise and execute them, particularly when it's a disruptive technology. That is why I always think we should all start small. To get our hands into the business first, to know what it is like to run a start up and manage it, to be able to sustain it and never stop looking at what the market needs and at any time, changing your business to something that is desired by the market and also profitable.
Many ideas formed only after the business was ongoing and it could be for a totally different industry! Take for example: Ninja Van's CEO previously started a fashion business until he found the deficiency in delivery business. Airbnb started from offering bed and breakfast to the ultimate success of shared accomodation.
You got to start somewhere small.
You have got to learn how to climb first before you can walk. You see things more clearly, you see what is lacking only when you are in the midst of things and understand how the game is played. It doesn't always happen in this way but it is the most practical and takes you one step closer to your dream. It is how most start-ups come about too.
Get your hands dirty first, don't just be dreaming and staying stagnant.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Like me on my entrepreneurial journey for SnackFirst!
Jes
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Hi Jes,
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring post. You are a rare breed of female entrepreneur.
Wish you all the best in your journey and look forward to your next update.
Regards,
Gerald
https://sgwealthbuilder.com
Hi Gerald,
DeleteThanks for the well wishes! Hope you are doing well too. :)
Hi Jes,
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for the past few months. I particularly like this article, and it resonates well on my work. I have been tasked together with my colleagues to set up two totally businesses in an established company both at the same time. I am working in the real estate industry. One project involved setting up a new plant. We are fortunate to have the resources from the parent company to execute the business plan but without the flexibility of a startup as we need to follow “corporate guidelines/polices” in hiring and procurement.
It was a truly unique experience for me to establish two new businesses in my first job after graduation. Ones have to start somewhere small and pay for “tuition fees” and learn to work better.
All the best for your startup.
Hi there,
DeleteAppreciate your sharing of your current job scopes. Everyone got to start small and learn from this journey. Sounds like you got a good deal as you don't need to pay school fees! A lot of small businesses are built from their first few jobs and I have to say, it's an easier and more stable journey to have an established network.
All the best to you too and may we both do well together! :)