Summary

Before launching a venture, the entrepreneurial team should ensure its members agree on the vision and then develop a founder’s agreement. The company culture should be defined, and a code of conduct developed. The team should identify all operational tasks needed to launch the venture and their associated time requirements and dependencies. Staying openminded and flexible at launch can help support the venture’s success.

Some of the same characteristics that make entrepreneurs successful (such as confidence and optimism) can sabotage success. Entrepreneurs should be aware of potential biases or thinking patterns that obfuscate the current reality of the venture so they are able to recognize key problem indicators and put solutions in place. Some of the more difficult decisions an entrepreneur makes are difficult because of the emotional connection to previous decisions or decisions that affect other people involved in the venture. Early agreement that the success of the venture is the primary focus can help to work through these difficult decisions.

Entrepreneurs should recognize the wisdom in seeking help and support as they plan, launch, and grow their ventures. Sources of advice include the entrepreneur’s own network, the connections of the start-up team, and angel investors and their resources. Tools to assist in decision making include the Delphi method and the Nominal Group technique.

Once you become an entrepreneur, you can consider giving back to the entrepreneurial community by becoming a mentor, consultant, or champion to support other people in their ventures.

Reflection and journaling are useful tools for entrepreneurial growth. These practices can help you to identify patterns that act as obstacles, to brainstorm solutions, to set goals, and to document ideas that may lead to your next venture.