Inspiration.5 - Here’s to the entrepreneurs
100 years ago my great-grandfather, Albert, became senior partner in Waterall & Eberlin Pharmacists in 1920.
Albert must have thought it a good idea to run his own business. Within two years he encouraged my grandfather, Edgar, to set up his own architecture practice. My dad, Richard, joined him and became senior partner of Eberlin & Partners in 1961.
Albert Eberlin
Edgar Eberlin
Meanwhile my dad's brother, Tony, set up his first business, Eberlin Patents Company in 1970 and my maternal grandfather set up E.R.Trotman Ltd in the 1950's (which my mum's brother then took on).
So both my grandparents, my father and both my uncles ran their own businesses (as well as a cousin and brother).
You could say, being an entrepreneur is in my blood. In 2006, I did the same.
Dad
“The three most harmful addictions are heroin, carbohydrates and a monthly salary.”
Fred Wilson (seen in DoPurpose by David Hieatt).
Launching a new business means goodbye to the security of a monthly salary and hello to a new way of living.
Using your wits, your nous and your intuition to build a successful business. The most rewarding bit is that it's yours. Not your bosses.
You decide if you want to sit in meetings all day (you won't). You decide if a PowerPoint is the best way to get your point across (it isn’t). You decide when you work (be good to yourself, take time off).
You breathe deeply when you arrive at your first networking event. Entering a room full of people you don't know and realise they are all in the same boat as you.
The excitement at winning your first bit of business. The relief when you survive the first year (20% don't), the achievement when you survive three years (60% don't).
Here’s to the entrepreneurs
Some of the most satisfying projects I work on are with new businesses. There's nothing like that first meeting when I listen to an idea and the plans to take it to the market. It can be challenging and scary for them; but above all it's exciting.
Working with businesses from their early days; and see them launch, adapt, survive, learn and grow is a privilege.
My one piece of advice?
Cast your net wide. Everyone you meet has an experience to learn from. Everyone you meet may know a potential customer. It may be now, but it's more likely to be months or years away.
Don’t sit on the sidelines. Be present and positive, interested and open in whichever circles you are in. And opportunities will arise.
Plant the seeds early and be patient. The tortoise always beats the hare. Nothing comes easy. If you have a good idea; be enthusiastic, work hard, persevere and you will succeed.
How do you find clients? Well, that’s different for everybody but I analysed how I found my first 195.
