Entrepreneurship is like being in a new relationship. You have to woo your paramour, constantly buy them things and literally spend long, sleepless nights with your ‘partner’. Your ‘lover’ is very high maintenance, and you have to keep working on your relationship if you want it to succeed. Romantic liaisons aren’t governed by logic, and neither is yours with your venture. You need to work on concrete things like connectedness or intimacy, love or passion and commitment to keep it going! Of course, for this relationship to work you’ve got to establish your boundaries and keep your limitation in perspective; because, unlike other relationships, with this one, your entire future on line.
Mentoring: Why it Works
Getting a mentor is often neglected in the entrepreneurship world. But, just like you have a teacher or a friend to guide you through your problems in life, you need a mentor for your start-up. A mentor is someone who has been there and done that. Experience pays itself back trifold in the business world, which is why many successful corporate magnates take the role of consultants after retirement. With a mentor by your side, you’ll be able to steer away from bad deals and rookie mistakes, saving yourself precious funds. You are too attached to ‘her’ to be objective about any situation. They will also be able to jolt you out of stupor in rough times, and show you light at the end of the tunnel. Plus, you’ll be able to learn how to guide people from them, a skill that will help you when you want to hang up your entrepreneur boots.
Consultants: Your Genies in Suits!
Consultants can make or break a new venture. They are like the puppet-masters of the business world. You need to get some good minds on your team if you want to succeed. Think of them like jewellery – a bejewelled knife might cost a bomb, but that diamond blade can cut through even glass! A great consultant is a combination of a wealth of knowledge and sharp insight that will cut through the fluff and get to the heart of the problem. It is an investment worth making. Of course, their insight is only as good as the work you do, so don’t take it as an excuse to slack off!
Personal Space: The Sign of a Healthy Relationship
Everyone in a relationship knows that after the initial honeymoon period, over proximity really starts to take a toll on a couple. This could not be truer than in the relationship you have with your start-up. She may threaten to take over your life, but you cannot let her. Without personal space, any relationship threatens to turn toxic. The same holds true for your start-up. Family time, time with friends and alone time helps you recharge enough to battle with the everyday stress of entrepreneurial life. Otherwise, the stress will overwhelm you and you will start to regret the venture, which is bad news all around. Never feel guilty for taking out time for yourself – after all, you’ve earned it!
Don’t Give Up!
Finally, don’t give up on your baby. Every relationship goes through a rough patch, and yours is no different. There will be times when you will feel like you’re being consumed by her. There will be times when there are the biggest highs and you’ll go through heart-wrenching lows. The emotional toll might threaten to become too great. But, it is in trying times when you need to come out strongest. Believe in your relationship and believe in your venture – it is only this, coupled with your hard work that will make you come out on top. Remember, this too shall pass!
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