What makes great startups “great?” Most of the time, to me, it seems like the case of the Outliers (check out the book by Malcolm Gladwell), which means that there’s probably something more to the success than blind luck. Maybe all founders of startups come from great families, or maybe they all don’t. Or maybe they all grew up in red states, or blue states. Maybe they all got along really well with their teachers.
Question for you: What is it about YOUR startup that’s great? I challenge you to think creatively when using the term startup. Your startup could be a project at work that you’re trying to get people to support. Your startup could be the Fortune 500 company that you work for, and in doing so, you own a piece of their success. Your startup could be your blog, or the blog you hope to start up someday. Or your startup could be the company you’re trying to get off the ground.
This list is probably oversimplified, but it will do.
- Do something great. I’m not sure at what point in life we, as a society, stopped really encouraging and pushing ourselves to be great, but greatness seems few and far between these days. In September, entrepreneur Ehsan Bayat Received the Mahatma Ghandi Humanitarian Award, and in his speech, quoted this: “Let our lives be open books for all to study.” In your quest to have a great startup, start with an idea or philosophy or way of problem solving that is truly great – that is literally a model for others to follow.
- Watch and learn. While great startups are always undoubtedly fresh and original, the best leaders of those startups pay tribute to others who have gone before. And ladies, we are in great company. This article on Forbes features 6 female startup founders who have done an incredible job of building great companies, some of which have gone on to be acquired by the biggest companies in the world.
- Be brave. Lastly, remember that Startupville is not kind to the timid. It’s important to get out there and do something you’re not exactly sure about. How many failed entrepreneurs do you know who claimed “this is a sure thing” or “everyone will want this” or this “can’t lose?” Perhaps if they had taken a chance rather than gone with a “sure thing,” they’d still be successful today. You can try your hand at startups in friendly industries, or, you can believe in your vision, make some assumptions, test them, and take a leap of faith when needed.
I don’t claim to be any sort of startup expert, but I can put two and two together and so can you. What makes startups (startup projects, startup blogs, startup companies) great?
***Update***
Just came across this great article on LinkedIn by Richard Branson, Founder at Virgin Group. How does my list compare? Seems pretty similar! –> Five top tips to starting a successful business
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yes I agree be brave and you need to do some thorough feasibility study on your new start up project to be able to plan things out
“Be Brave”. That’s for SURE!! As an entrepreneur, there are many times that can scare the heck out of ANYBODY. It is during those times that most people give up. Good post.
Far From It
Learning is so important. The problem with so many new or start up ideas is that people do not commit to the education and learning process. Everyone wants easy! Every thing good involves effort!!
Being Brave is the best thing. We have to show bravery to start a new thing. We need to take risks.
Thanks
~Atish
Thanks for the post. Will check out the book by Malcolm Gladwel.
Yes, do check out that book. I haven’t read the whole thing yet, but I like it.
I love creativity – in myself and in others. If I can see a combination of creativity and responsibility to others, I’m happy. When people read what our business is about, we tell them that Ujima (a Kwanzaa principle, for those who don’t know) is partly what we base ourselves on – collective works and responsibility. Mix that with the biblical lesson that faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
I saw this in my full-time job before I started with them. They were a startup then too. I was the 13th person hired. The founder had a personal mission to help people with diabetes (and make money too). I was blessed to find such great, purposeful work that used my natural talents as well as developed skills. I’m still here 7 years later, still happy to be part of this particular mission as well as my own in my own business.
A great startup is run by people who love what they do.
Couldn’t agree more, Monica! So glad you’re still reading bizchickblogs!
Well written and inspirational article. I think your first point to do something great is very important.
I totally agree with the point of ” Watch & Learn “…The world is moving soo fast that you just cannot experience all… You have to learn from others experience!
The more you watch, the more you will learn! 
