StartUp Founders: Strategy, Vision & Execution

As a first-time entrepreneur, you may have heard a lot of advice from second-time entrepreneurs about the lessons they learned and the things they did differently. However, simply copying their actions and hacks may not be enough to achieve success. It’s essential to understand the root cause of their decisions and experiences to apply them to your own business.

According to James Sinclair, a startup consultant, there are three things that first-time entrepreneurs can do to accelerate their learning and success. Mimicking the learnings of second-time entrepreneurs, you can focus on these three things to improve your chances of success.

The first thing that second-time entrepreneurs understand is how to focus. They spend their time doing the things that matter the most and block out all the noise, fluff, and mayhem. They focus on the transactional and functional requirements to take their business to the next milestone.

For example, Robin Chase, co-founder of Zipcar, focused on creating a platform that provided affordable and accessible transportation for everyone. She understood the importance of offering convenience to her customers and provided a service that catered to their needs.

The second thing that second-time entrepreneurs do is think much earlier about their go-to-market strategy, distribution plan, and scale plan. They consider what their customers will want to see and how they will implement it to take advantage of the market opportunity.

One example of this is Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, who thought ahead of the game by creating a massive distribution network that allowed for fast and efficient shipping to customers worldwide. He also anticipated the need for a streamlined checkout process and one-click ordering, making it easier for customers to buy products.

The third thing that second-time entrepreneurs do well is put their heads down and go longer by themselves. They do more by themselves before bringing in co-founders, employees, or seed capital. They understand that the more they do before seeking funding, the higher the chances of successfully fundraising and keeping more equity.

For example, Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb, didn’t raise external funding until two years after the company’s launch. During those two years, he and his co-founders refined their product and user experience, making it easier for customers to book and host accommodations.

In conclusion, as a first-time entrepreneur, it’s essential to understand the why behind the actions of successful second-time entrepreneurs. Focusing on these three things can help accelerate your learning and improve your chances of success. Remember to focus, think ahead, and go longer by yourself before seeking external funding. Good luck on your entrepreneurial journey!