In a recent conference, a speaker made a statement that resonated with the audience: “For every person that is willing to suck the life out of you, there is someone else willing to lift you up.” This statement holds for most events in life including building your company. Entrepreneurs often experience emotionally devastating events. The recovery from these depends on the situation, steps taken, and the attitude of the entrepreneur. Even with significant successes, entrepreneurs may be asked to leave companies they built. Regardless of circumstances, the event is difficult to accept. Investors reviewing the company sometimes offer negative comments that deflate the greatest of egos. Entrepreneurs will always face some type of negativity along their way in the building process. This reason alone is enough to include additional positive energy people in the company to boost you during the difficult times.
Building your company allows the addition of those you enjoy being around and working with. Selecting highly competent individuals ensures you gain the best input possible along the way. It is good to have a few people with opposing views for balance, but they can still be people you enjoy being around. A great group can allow for in depth frank discussions and you can derive an energy boost along with that great advice. These individuals can take a wide range of roles in your life and the company, including the ones below:
- Mentors & Advisors: Mentors, advisors, and luck have an important role in your company. They can fill in the gaps in your training and knowledge, offer ideas you missed, make introductions to enhance your network, and much more. There is always a luck component to success, but the people that work with you are a major contributing factor to your success and energy levels.
- Board of Directors: There are people that are willing to sit in judgment and then there are those willing to jump in the fire with you to keep you from harm. Picking a few people that will help you fight the battles and offer guidance along with the judgment make for a stronger board. An angel investor recently commented on a company: “The board of directors has done nothing to attract money or build the company!” Picking a great board should include people with extensive contacts and knowledge that help you build the business. They also must be willing to tell you when you are doing a bad job and take steps to improve performance of the company!
- Your Team: Picking a stellar team is important. You must be able to place them in the correct positions. A great team, working and playing well together, make the environment much more enjoyable. This provides positive energy to everyone. When the company is in those difficult times, the team will rally each other in addition to you. They will help work toward the best solutions to improve the business.
- Investors: Occasionally, you are extremely lucky to find an investor that takes a personal interest in the company and you. They are willing to open their checkbook and the rolodex. They help find money, people, and offer advice that is important to the stages of your business. Finding one of these types of investors is one of the most amazing experiences you can have.
- Family & Friends: Your family and friends may not be part of your company, but they are an important part of your life. Some of them may be people you can open up to and discuss a wide range of topics. They often can tell you things that others find too difficult to say. Do not discount them because. Remember, “Even a blind squirrel can find nuts.”
You can follow Taffy Williams on Twitter by @twilli2861 and you can email him with questions at twilli2861@aol.com or contact him via company contact info in the website. More Startup information is contained in his personal blog.
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