Entrepreneurs often have to make hard choices when deciding on the path that their startup should take. In this post, Henri Duong shares the difficult decisions he had to make while building his startup and the importance these decisions hold.
Henri Duong is the Digital Product Officer of SugarsGone, and the Founder and Instructor of Kids in Code. He is the Co-managing Director of the Founder Institute in Orange County.
The article "Celebrating Hard Choices in the Trenches" originally appeared on Henri Duong's LinkedIn. It has been republished below with permission.
Startups are hard and they are not fabulous. When you are a non-silicon valley based startup you've got more constraints than most and starting up in the trenches takes on a completely different meaning (one that doesn't come with a fully stocked fridge full of snacks and beers). The choices we have to make are the same - choosing to build value while trying to avoid distractions takes discipline.
This write up is not about how we have less "woe is me"- quite the opposite - I'm writing to celebrate hard choices in the midst of these constraints and I hope many others can relate. I'm celebrating 3 hard choices which has driven us to greater self realization and ultimately greater VALUE.
1. Choosing Investors
This is really harder than it seems because if you are building value there are actually a lot of people with money if you really get into this world of high stakes and big risks that will come out inquiring. Our investors are in our area which helps a great deal in the early stages of a startup. They are around but never over our shoulders. They help set target milestones, given us guidance but also give us freedom to stretch our ability to be self reliant.
2. Choosing To Let People Go
When you are a little startup, it's exciting having people around all excited about what you are building but this is not a time to have groupies. Every person must bring their "A" game deliverables and results. Its a higher likelihood that if you build it right good people will deliver but those who don't will likely go "Ghost" on you and that's ok too. Don't be distracted by what other's say they will do - invest your time in those that have checked off on DONE.
3. Choosing To Turn Down Business
I know this sounds crazy, but during the early life of a startup you'll have business opportunities that aren't a good fit present themselves as a perfect fit! Business opportunities that will not be a good fit will be tempting you with similar gains similar to cash investors. This is a true test of your ability to be disciplined, diligent and focused on your target. If you are lucky those deals will not come to fruition anyways and you can carry-on as you were. The lesson here is to turn these opportunities down quickly so you don't waste your time.
I know I can go on and on with hard choices but what I really want to learn is what have you experienced along your journey in choosing to start something from nothing?
For more insight from Henri, check out his LinkedIn articles or follow Henri on Twitter @SocialURL.
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