30 Life Lessons Learned in a Startup
Door Danny Forest
1. 1. Enjoy the Small Victories
1.1. Not everything in life in a huge win or a massive goal achieved.
1.2. Baby steps to big goals.
2. 2. Nothing Comes Easy
2.1. Hard graft and 100% commitment is required to make anything work.
3. 3. Not Everyone Will Like You
3.1. If you spend too much time pleasing others, you neglect yourself, and in the end, you lose.
3.2. You can’t be friends with everyone. Don’t try to be.
4. 4. Not Everyone Will Like Your Work
4.1. Keep your clients happy and worry less about the general reaction to your work.
5. 5. Stop Worrying About Being Perfect
5.1. Nothing is.
5.2. There will always be something that did not go quite to plan.
5.3. The sooner you come to terms with that, the more you will relax and enjoy your work.
6. 6. Money Isn’t Everything
6.1. As long as your overheads are covered and you have money to keep your stomach and your ‘bae’ happy, you’ll be alright.
7. 7. Know Your Worth
7.1. Learning to ask for what you know you deserve is a game changer.
7.2. If everyone stands against those who try to undermine you, they will eventually have to change their ways.
8. 8. Organisation Is Key
8.1. Keep everything documented, write lots of lists, and work through things task by task.
9. 9. Good Luck Leaving Work ‘At Work’
9.1. Try to stick to some form of working hours and some kind of ‘out-of-work’ communication hours.
9.2. Find hobbies or other interests that take the focus away from business, even for a few hours a day.
10. 10. Your Business Affects Those Closest to You
10.1. When you suffer, your loved ones suffer with you.
10.2. Your business will affect your mental state, moods, and outlooks, so keep in mind that your loved ones are the next in the chain.
10.3. Don’t let your business ruin your relationships.
11. 11. The Sacrifices You Make Can Isolate You
11.1. Following your own path can be isolating and really, really lonely
11.2. Learn to like your own company, connect with some fellow entrepreneurs
11.3. Always use your network of family and close friends for support.
12. 12. Take Time Off To Avoid Burnout
12.1. Don’t work every weekend. Don’t work all summer, Christmas, and every other holiday that is on the calendar.
12.2. Build slow, and build right.
13. 13. It’s OK to Make Mistakes
13.1. It is a regular occurrence for everyone, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about.
14. 14. Actually, It’s Vital to Make Mistakes
14.1. Nobody can teach you like a mistake can.
14.2. As long as you take away lessons from your mistakes, make as many as you need to.
15. 15. Develop a Support Network
15.1. Make sure they support your business, support what you are trying to achieve, and understand the problems and issues you face along the way.
15.2. Don’t keep all your problems contained because they will fester like weeds until they are out of control.
15.3. Use your network to get advice and help.
15.4. Be sure to offer to cover their backs in return.
16. 16. Stay Close to the Competition
16.1. Don’t hide from your competitors, because it’s good to know what's going on around you.
16.2. Don’t ever kid yourself thinking that you are without competition.
16.3. See what others offer and how others work.
16.4. Learn from what your competitors do, understand what they offer that you don’t, and adapt.
16.5. Make yourself stand out from them.
17. 17. Keep Ties With Good Clients
17.1. Repeat work is great for keeping a steady flow of projects and income.
17.2. If you’re ever in a dry spell of work, try reconnecting with these clients — you never know what might come of it.
18. 18. Yet, Don’t Get Too Personal With Anyone You Work For
18.1. It can backfire badly if things go south with the relationship. If the bridges get burned, you can get caught in the fire.
18.2. Always keep clients and customers at an arm's length. Getting friendly is fine, but crossing the line isn’t recommended.
19. 19. The Ones You Least Expect Will Screw You Over
19.1. The majority of people are not here to be your friends.
19.2. They may stab you in the back at any given moment if it gets them where they need to be.
19.3. Trust only those you are absolutely sure you can trust. Always remain cautious.
20. 20. Be Proud!
20.1. Starting any business is an amazing achievement.
20.2. Be proud, but always remain humble.
21. 21. You Know More Than You Credit Yourself For
21.1. You will absorb an incredible amount of knowledge during your startup journey.
21.2. You are now in a position to teach what you know.
21.3. Share all you learn! Knowledge sharing is so powerful.
22. 22. You Have Achieved More Than You Credit Yourself For
22.1. Even if you are only in the early days of your startup, the achievements rack up fast.
22.2. Give yourself a pat on the back once in a while. You deserve it.
23. 23. Stop and Enjoy Your Achievements
23.1. If you don’t, what’s the point in achieving anything, ever?
24. 24. It Is Really Important to Build Other ‘Side Hustles’
24.1. It really is a great way to keep steady income flowing while adding to your skillset.
24.2. Just because you started a business, or work, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow other passions and potential outlets.
24.2.1. They may even end up becoming your main hustle.