Startups are hard, this much is certain. But on this Thanksgiving, no matter how bleak or bright the outlook, we all have people to be thankful for.
At the Founder Institute, we give thanks to all the Founders, Mentors, and Partners that form the lifeblood of our program in cities across the globe. Our courageous Founders support each other in their quest to build something great, our Mentors take time out of their busy schedules to help the next crop of startups blossom, and our Partners generously provide the necessary capital, space, and services that bring it all together.
But most importantly, we need to thank our Local Leaders. If those named above form our lifeblood, then our Local Leaders form our heart. Our vision of helping local founders launch meaningful and enduring companies would be just a pipe dream without them.
Who were the people that helped you in the past year? Sure you may have investors, advisors, or even us at the Founder Institute ;-). But there are probably scores of others who simply took a minute out of their day to help you, if even with the most trivial of favors. As a startup you need all the luck you can get, so the small things can make a big difference. Give these people a nice, hearty thank you.
And finally, pay-it-forward by responding to that email, returning that call, providing that intro, or reviewing that plan that a fellow aspiring entrepreneur sent you. We all have them buried somewhere in a long list of priorities, but find the time.
Happy Thanksgiving!
