What does it take to start, build, and run a successful business?
When I spoke to an Entrepreneurship Class at UC Santa Barbara, I asked them what they thought it took to be successful in business. They listed the usual words… What I realized in that moment was that these words describe what success looks like from the outside-in. If/when you succeed, people will say that you had/did all of these things. Let’s look through the other end of the telescope:
It looks like an Idea from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-You had a problem, solved it for yourself, and then created a product or service others could use to solve their similar problem.
It looks like Perseverance from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-You are convinced that there has to be a way to make it work. There is a way, you may not know it yet, but you’re going to do it no matter what.
It looks like Talent from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-You’ve been learning, making mistakes, testing, sorting out what works from what doesn’t, practicing and perfecting your skills.
It looks like a Team from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-You know what you bring to your business, identified the additional skills needed and hired people who combine to form a productive culture.
They look like Customers from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-Enough people you can reach have a problem or an interest. You developed a unique and/or better way to give them what they want and need and managed to contact them with a compelling offer.
It looks like Luck from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-Preparation meets opportunity. When you understand the problem and who has it, and apply your background, interests, skills and vision to the solution, and you maintain the right people around you to help, luck can be created.
It looks like Money from the outside looking in…
from the inside looking out-What do you need the money for? Can you get what you want without cash? What can you trade?
This is called Creative in business.
