starting a business is really hard.
do you know what’s, even more, harder (until I started)?
starting another new business.
i know it might seem counterintuitive but hear me out:
the basics of starting a business become simple, like creating an LLC, setting up an email account, website, tax, creating a revenue model, equity split, and even hiring.
but then you enter what I call the “curse of knowledge”
the more you know, the less you innovate.
let me say that again.
the more you know, the less you innovate.
i didn’t think about it before.
in the first business, you are starting something new so you don’t know what you don’t know so you are ok making mistakes and learning from them.
No judgments.
but starting a new business - it feels like everyone is judging me and expecting you to do miracles. Like daily.
for example, when you do it a second time, the things that take time, you expect them to be faster… way faster…
we should have a clear PoV, right away… (not natural. this takes time)
we should have a clean website, sales process, and marketing drum roll (this is hard work)
we should have all the thought leadership content and flow ready to roll (that can take at least a year or more)
reminder to self: business is a marathon, not a sprint.
on a personal note, my time in India is coming to an end and I am in my final week of working remotely, enjoying family time, and back in full action.
since business is a marathon, it is a reminder to me and may to you that even your life is a marathon and not a sprint.
the only thing that matters right now for me is the time with family. everything else is something I can regain but not family time.
Leader point: Knowledge can be a curse but wisdom will always be a blessing.
i am working hard to not let my knowledge of how things are done rob me and the team of innovating something completely new.
what’s stopping you from innovating?
Very insightful thought. Life is indeed a marathon. I really liked this thought.
Yes, I feel this pain, Sangram. I was so proud to have built one business successfully that runs without me. But trying my hand again at a business with all the things I know I'm supposed to do is so much harder. Remind me of giving birth to a 2nd child! But given that metaphor, if you have have more than one child, you know that each child has different attributes, plus the dynamic of being a sibling. Everything works until it doesn't work anymore...also known as evolution..but life is filled with purpose. I remind myself to let "the fool be my wisest teacher" (esp if you're into Tarot - you'll know that card).