What Dating Can Teach You About Startups
October 8, 2012 | By Jesse Bouman |
Dating and startups aren’t often lumped together. Mainly because the geeks that start companies are focused on work and (Warning: stereotype coming) they’re not well versed at talking to women. As my life has progressed and I’ve had more experience with dating and tech startups, I’ve actually found that there are similarities between the two. Here are four things entrepreneurs should keep in mind to increase their likelihood for success in both areas of life.
Focus On Your Niche
Start small and grow. You can’t build Amazon.com at once. Make sure your business goes after one vertical at the start and perfects that. Once that happens, you can grow your business and go after new verticals. The same goes for dating. Start with one or two characteristics that are important to you (i.e. Values, Education) and find people who fit that description. As you continue to date, you’ll be able to grow beyond those first attractive characteristics.
Failure Is a Certainty
Sorry to say, but you’re going to fail in either endeavor. Most likely many times. Whether it’s your main product idea that’s a failure or small business decisions along the way, you’re going to fail. Dating is no different. It could be getting a phone number or sustaining a long term relationship. Either scenario has more failure than success.
Always Get Back Up
Failing doesn’t mean everything is over. It just means you need to get back up and try again. Don’t let a poor feature derail your company. Or a failed relationship cause you to give up hope on love. Get back up and keep working for what you want.
When You Get It Right, It’s Great
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. All your hard work will one day be rewarded. And when you reach your goal, all your failure won’t seem so bitter anymore. Instead, those mistakes are what ultimately helped you get to where you wanted to be.
Dating and startups are hard. Some get it right on the first try, but these people are the outliers. My advice to you is to not let the lows get you too down and enjoy the small victories. This is what will enable you to keep moving forward.
Jesse Bouman is the founder of Demeter Interactive. He is a stubborn entrepreneur, budding philanthropist, social media nerd, and technology geek. When not at his desk blogging or tweeting, he can be found at the beach, in a coffee shop, exploring LA’s hidden treasures, or playing a game of kickball.
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