Page 3 - The Art of the Start

ChangeThis MAKE MEANING I have never thought of writing for reputation and honor. What I have in my heart must come out; that is the reason why I compose. — Ludwig van Beethoven Many books about entrepreneurship begin with a rigorous process of self-examination, ask- ing you to determine if you are truly up to the task of starting an organization. Some typical examples are: • Can you work long hours at low wages? • Can you deal with rejection after rejection? • Can you handle the responsibility of dozens of employees? The truth is, it is impossible to answer questions like this in advance, and they ultimately serve no purpose. On the one hand, talk and bravado are cheap. Saying youʼre willing to do something doesnʼt mean that you will do it. On the other hand, realizing that you have doubt and trepidation doesnʼt mean you wonʼt build a great organization. How you answer these questions now has little predictive power regard- ing what youʼll actually do when you get caught up in a great idea. | issue 001.01 | i U | h 3/34 f