It's a bit like skydiving.
I thought i would post a slightly different type of start-up story today.
Rather than tell you about my business and my aims, which are specific only to me, I thought i would talk about the experience of starting a business. This is something that we all have in common and hopefully some of which you will identify with.
When i meet with other entrepreneurs, successful or just starting out, invariably the conversation ends up being about the challenges and the mishaps that we all experience along the way. A bit like soldiers and war stories - the battles may all be different, but the experiences are the same.
I think that starting a business is a bit like skydiving, for a number of reasons:
1. It seemed like a MUCH better idea at the time
When you first think about doing it, it's exciting, thrilling. A goal that you set yourself and something that you know will be character building and a milestone in your life. When you actually get to do it - it costs a lot of money, there are a lot of details that you need to pay attention to if you dont want it to all go horribly wrong and you occassionally feel like you would rather be anywhere else than there, but you still make yourself see it through.
2. Don't look down
The risks, or certainly the perception of the risks, are huge. Sacrificed income, uncertainty of outcome, family stress, the competitive risks. The more you think about them all , the harder the challenges become. It's better to just focus on the overall goal, and the next step in achieving it. Do one thing at a time, do it properly, check that the outcome was what you expected and move on, just don't look down!
3. You're on your own
For all the training, instruction and help that you get in the run up to the event, when it comes down to doing it - you are on your own. The problems are yours alone, there's no one with you to ask for help. When it starts to go wrong, you have to fix it fast and by yourself before you hit the ground.
4. You only do it because you want to
No one MAKES you do it. It's actually easier and simpler to not do it. But that misses the point. These are things you choose to do because you want to, because it's something you have always wanted to do, because you feel you can do it and because you want the challenge.
5. It's very satisfying at the end
The point when your toes touch the ground, or the pen touches your first customers order, or the contract to sell the business, that is when it all becomes worth it.And your reaction to all the fear, the adrenalin, the stresses ? You just want to get back on the plane and jump again!
As for me, well to continue the analogy, I would say I am on the plane and just about to jump. My company, CINTEP, makes showers that recycle water. They use 70% less water and energy than normal showers and save an average family about $940 per year. We just opened our first funding round and we have a crowdfunding option via GrowVC.
Visit our website for more information http://www.recyclingshower.com.au
Or visit our profile on GrowVC http://www.growvc.com/startups/10532
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and best of luck with your own adventures,
Nick
