When I first started down my entrepreneurial path about two years ago, I read the book “The Minimalist Entrepreneur” by Sahil Lavingia. One of the book’s key lessons is that founders who want to start a business should first focus on finding their community of like-minded individuals, what he calls “finding your people.” I remember reading this and dismissing it. I wanted to focus on building a product, establishing product-market fit, raising funds, building a team, and all of the other flashy things on which founder myths (and, let’s be honest, venture capitalists) tend to focus. I'm now two years into it, and not a day goes by during which I don’t wish I had listened to that lesson when I first read it. I’ve also learned that looking back on advice that I wish I had not ignored is an unavoidable part of starting your a new business. I guess I wouldn't be doing this in the first place if I weren’t so stubborn.
Curious to hear more. What do you think you would have done differently had you first taken that step?
Boy, do I ever agree with that... Find your tribe!!!
The lesson I wish I had learned earlier in my career in general but especially as a founder, “don’t mistake activity for impact”. We default to being excited about “activity” and too easily mistake it for momentum vs what it often winds up being…a distraction from focusing on what will drive real impact for you or your business.
Financial Advisor, Senior Portfolio Advisor
2dLooking back on your mistakes is what helps to move forward and drive success - as long as you learn from them!