Start Something That Matters

1. Your Story is Your Most Powerful Asset

Stories are the most primitive and purest form of communication.

Stories connect and inspire. In today's fragmented media landscape, a compelling narrative can break through the noise and forge emotional connections with customers, partners, and employees. Your story should articulate why you started your venture, what problem you're solving, and how you're making a difference. It should be authentic, memorable, and easy to share.

Craft and refine your narrative. Start by answering these questions:

• What inspired you to start your project?
• What unique perspective or solution do you offer?
• How does your work impact others?

Share your story widely. Use social media, your website, and personal interactions to spread your message. Encourage others to become part of your story by involving them in your mission and giving them opportunities to contribute.

2. Face Your Fears to Unlock Your Potential

Everyone who succeeds battles through adversity.

Fear is natural but conquerable. Starting something new inevitably brings uncertainty and anxiety. However, these feelings shouldn't paralyze you. Recognize that fear is a normal part of the entrepreneurial journey and develop strategies to push through it.

Practical ways to overcome fear:

• Write down your specific fears and worst-case scenarios
• Seek advice from mentors and experienced entrepreneurs
• Start small and take incremental steps
• Surround yourself with supportive people
• Focus on your mission and the impact you want to make

Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities. Every mistake or failure provides valuable lessons that can improve your business and personal growth. Embrace these experiences as essential parts of your journey to success.

3. Resourcefulness Trumps Resources

Being comfortable can hurt your creative entrepreneurial spirit.

Constraints breed creativity. Limited resources can actually be an advantage, forcing you to think creatively, innovate, and stay lean. Many successful companies started with minimal funding and makeshift operations.

Maximize what you have:

• Leverage free or low-cost tools and resources
• Build a passionate team of volunteers or interns
• Barter services with other startups or professionals
• Focus on your core offering and outsource non-essential tasks

Create a culture of frugality and innovation. Even as your venture grows, maintain the resourceful mindset that helped you start. This approach will keep you agile and efficient in the long run.

4. Simplicity is the Key to Success

In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.

Simplify your offering. A clear, straightforward product or service is easier to explain, sell, and scale. Focus on solving one problem exceptionally well rather than trying to be everything to everyone.

Elements to simplify:

• Your product or service design
• Your business model
• Your marketing message
• Your organizational structure

Eliminate complexity in operations. Streamline your processes, reduce unnecessary steps, and make decision-making as straightforward as possible. This approach not only makes your business more efficient but also improves the experience for customers and employees.

5. Build Trust to Build Your Business

Trust is a fundamental part of a business.

Trust is the foundation of success. Whether it's with customers, employees, or partners, trust is essential for building lasting relationships and a thriving business. Prioritize transparency, integrity, and consistent delivery on your promises.

Ways to build trust:

• Be transparent about your operations and decision-making
• Empower employees and give them autonomy
• Provide excellent customer service and stand behind your product
• Admit and learn from mistakes
• Consistently deliver on your promises

Lead with trust. As a leader, set the tone by trusting your team and fostering an environment of open communication. This approach will create a positive culture and drive better performance across your organization.

6. Giving is Good for Business and the Soul

The more you give, the more you live.

Integrate giving into your business model. Making social impact a core part of your business can drive customer loyalty, attract top talent, and create meaningful partnerships. It also provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond profit.

Benefits of incorporating giving:

• Increased customer engagement and loyalty
• Improved employee satisfaction and retention
• Attractive proposition for potential partners
• Positive brand image and differentiation from competitors

Start giving now, regardless of scale. You don't need to be a large corporation to make a difference. Begin with small acts of giving and gradually increase your impact as your business grows. The key is to make giving a consistent and integral part of your operations.

7. Start Something That Matters Today

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do.

Take action now. The perfect time to start never comes. Begin with what you have, where you are. Your idea doesn't need to be fully formed or your resources abundant. The act of starting will provide momentum and clarity.

Steps to get started:

• Clearly define your mission and the problem you're solving
• Create a simple prototype or minimum viable product
• Share your idea with potential customers and gather feedback
• Build a small team or network of supporters
• Take consistent, small actions every day

Embrace the journey. Starting something that matters is challenging but immensely rewarding. Focus on the impact you want to make and let that drive you through the inevitable ups and downs. Remember, every great venture started with a single step.

Last updated: July 22, 2024