Sam Altman, the most prominent promoter of artificial intelligence, learned that it’s hard to be a visionary founder like the Apple legend.
Category: Entrepreneurship
The Fear and Tension That Led to Sam Altman’s Ouster at OpenAI
The departure of the high-profile boss of the San Francisco company drew attention to a philosophical rift among the people building new A.I. systems.
The 5 Key Players You Absolutely Need to Run a Successful Business
This busy entrepreneur has figured out what makes both her household and her business hum on all cylinders — and it isn’t automated processes or streamlined procedures. It’s people.
I’ve Worked with Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson and Jeff Skoll. Here are 3 Simple Ways They Supercharge Their Success
I was humbled and lucky to learn from these well-known business leaders, but a mentor doesn’t have to be famous to offer good advice. In my experience, successful entrepreneurs are happy to make time for people trying to turn their visions into reality.
6 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Italy
Inspiration and ideas for being a better entrepreneur can come from everywhere, not just the business world. I moved to the south of Italy (Calabria) last year, and I’ve picked up a few lessons that I’m now applying to how I do business. Maybe they’ll help you, too.
1. Connecting people is good karma
We’ve all heard the adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know,” and nowhere is that more true than in Italy. It never fails…I mention to a friend that I need a dry cleaner/apartment/driving school, and inevitably, that friend knows someone who can help.
They aren’t doing it for gain. It’s just how they’re wired.
Years ago I went to a networking event and watched a woman machine-gun her business card into the hand of every dumbfounded attendee. I’m willing to bet that she didn’t get much in the way of business from this endeavor.
However, when you connect people in a thoughtful way like the Italians do, you’re building a bond with the person you helped. They trust you. And they’re more likely to return the favor and send business your way.
2. You can’t rush things
In Italy, we say piano, piano. Slowly, slowly. While it can be nervewracking when this applies to getting your wifi set up (over a matter of a week, not hours), it is also beautiful when you let things unfold in their own sweet time.
Recently I met a business owner who was interested in my writing services. As eager as I was to work with him, I knew better than to schedule a meeting to get things moving. It may not happen this week, or even this year, but the seed has been planted, and I have no doubt that a meeting and maybe even a contract will happen. In the meantime, I’ll connect with him on a personal level to build that relationship.
3. There’s always a way
“Signora, è impossibile.” It’s impossible to [insert activity here], Italians tell me. And yet, they always find a way to make it happen.
As a business owner, you may come up against what feels like a brick wall, with no solution to a problem in sight. But if you step away from the problem (I often go for a walk to clear my head) and look at it from a different angle, you’re more likely to find a way through that wall.
It can also help to talk out the problem with a friend. I have an American friend who also lives in Calabria, and we often talk about business problems. Getting a different perspective or seeing our businesses from the outside is usually enough to get us over the hurdle.
4. All work and no play…
There’s a concept in Italy called la dolce far niente. The sweetness of doing nothing. It’s not just the stuff of movies. It’s how they live, and it’s something Americans could really benefit from.
It’s even more apparent to me now that I’m living in Italy that Americans are working themselves to death. They eat lunch at their desk while powering through another task, and they make themselves available to clients on the weekends and after hours.
Italians, however, place life first. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve visited a shop during operating hours only to see a sign saying “back soon.” Here, “soon” is a highly variable period of time, and the shop owner might stop to greet a friend at a bar and chat for half an hour before returning to work. Customers aren’t put out. They get it.
And come midday, everything shuts down, at least in smaller towns. That’s because the business owners are at home having a leisurely lunch with their families and taking a nap. They’ll reopen around four and stay open until eight.
As a result, you don’t see nearly as many stressed-out Italians as you do Americans.
5. Your story matters
Italians are fiercely proud of their culture and heritage. And I love learning about how the local dialect connects to the French language, the origin of a type of pasta, or the history of a small religious festival.
In your business, the story of who you are and why you do what you do matters to your clients. It’s what bonds you. As a spiritual coach, my story of how I ended up on my journey to living authentically (which, for me meant moving to Italy) is what piques people’s interest and spurs them to want to work with me.
6. You don’t need to operate in a bubble
Where I live in Italy—in the toe of the boot—was at one time ancient Greece. There are Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins everywhere. And the language and culture have been influenced over the centuries thanks to being ruled at one point or another by the Spanish, French, and many other conquerors. What this does is make for a beautiful melting pot of language, culture, and food.
For years, I didn’t want any outside influence in my business. I thought I could figure it all out on my own. But we’re all better for letting a little light in from the outside.
Read business books. Go to conferences. Talk to other entrepreneurs. Note what others are doing, even if it’s in a different industry. You’ll collect bits and bobs that you can patchwork together to create your own unique imprint for your business.
Italy has shifted how I run my business, and how I live my life. More than anything else, I understand that there is more than one way to succeed.
How to Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Goals: 12 Ways to Turn a Dream Into Reality
By Maulik Bengali
Becoming a successful entrepreneur is no small feat. The path to entrepreneurial success is often paved with setbacks, failures, and moments of self-doubt. It requires relentless dedication, unwavering perseverance, and a hunger for continuous learning.
“Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t.”—Anonymous
It’s not only about acquiring knowledge and skills; it’s also a transformative journey of mindset. It requires a shift in perspective, a rewiring of beliefs, and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset.
Are you an aspiring entrepreneur hoping to make it big in your own business? Here are 12 pieces of advice you should follow in order to succeed.
12 keys to achieving your goal of growing a successful business
1. If you don’t know, figure it out
When you start a business, you’re bound to encounter many uncertainties. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to not have all the answers. What’s important is having the confidence to tackle challenges directly, finding solutions, and continuously learning. Embrace the unknown and trust in your ability to find the right answer.
2. Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks
They say fortune favors those who take bold actions. You’ll often find yourself outside of your comfort zone, but that’s where the real magic happens. It’s all about taking calculated risks—carefully considering potential outcomes, making informed decisions, and seizing opportunities that can propel your business forward.
3. Treat others how you want to be treated
Building relationships is essential for any entrepreneur. So, remember the golden rule: treat others with respect, empathy, and fairness. By creating a positive work environment and fostering trust, you’ll establish strong relationships that can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations. Additionally, being kind and considerate in your interactions is not only good for others, but also brings positive energy and goodwill to your own journey.
4. Never burn bridges
In the business world, it’s crucial to think long-term. When disagreements arise or paths diverge, take the high road because you never know when you might cross someone’s path again. Handling negative situations with professionalism and respect helps you preserve your reputation and keeps the door open for future opportunities.
5. Always ask what’s working and what isn’t
Your business is constantly evolving and changing, and being able to quickly respond and adapt to changes is key. Regularly evaluate your strategies, products, and processes. Take the time to reflect and ask yourself, “What’s working well? What needs improvement?” Seeking feedback and staying adaptable allows you to make necessary adjustments, stay ahead of the competition, and keep your business thriving.
6. Create a vision board
A vision board, a visual representation of your goals and aspirations, can keep you on your toes, focused, and aligned with your long-term vision. When facing challenges, it should be a constant reminder of the goals you’re working toward. During tough times, it should inspire and motivate you, injecting that extra dose of determination.
7. Know the “why” that drives you to succeed
Understanding your purpose, the driving force behind your entrepreneurial journey is absolutely crucial. What’s the deep-rooted reason behind your pursuit? Knowing this answer will provide you with direction and resilience when you are facing obstacles. It’s that underlying motivation that will keep you going, even when things get tough. So dig deep, connect with your purpose, and let your “why” fuel your passion and unwavering commitment to achieving your goals.
8. Failing’s not a crime; not failing forward is
Failure is not the end—it’s an opportunity for growth. As an entrepreneur, you’re bound to stumble. Embrace those failures, because they hold valuable lessons. Learn from your mistakes, extract those nuggets of wisdom, and use them to make better decisions in the future. Failure should be a stepping stone toward success.
9. Your health is your most valuable asset
It’s easy to neglect your physical and mental well-being when you’re running a business. But here’s a reality check: your health is your most valuable possession. Take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Prioritize self-care because when you’re in good shape, you have the energy, focus, and resilience necessary to overcome challenges and make sound decisions. Remember, you are the heart of your business.
10. Celebrate all wins, big or small
Whether it’s a major milestone or a small accomplishment, take the time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements. Entrepreneurship can be a challenging journey, so celebrating wins—no matter how big or small—can boost your morale and motivation. Celebrating also reinforces the belief that you’re on the right track and encourages you to keep moving forward. So take a moment to celebrate. You deserve it!
11. Be grateful for where you are
Take a moment to appreciate where you are in your entrepreneurial journey. Recognize the progress you’ve made, the lessons you’ve learned, and the opportunities that have come your way. Cultivating a sense of gratitude builds resilience and optimism, enabling you to navigate future challenges with a positive outlook. Gratitude can turn even the toughest days into valuable stepping stones on your path to success.
12. Done is better than perfect
Striving for perfection can often lead to procrastination and missed opportunities. Remember, progress is more important than perfection. Embrace the notion that “done is better than perfect.” Take action, complete tasks, and make things happen. As you move forward, you can refine your work and make improvements. Embracing imperfections allows you to make strides, learn from experience, and achieve your goals. So don’t get caught up in the pursuit of perfection—take the leap and get things done.
Transition from being a dreamer to an achiever
Know that success doesn’t happen overnight. It requires cultivating qualities like perseverance, resilience, and a mindset focused on growth. By following this advice, you can transition from being a dreamer to an achiever.
Keep in mind that the path won’t be easy, but the journey itself will be immensely valuable. It’s time to take action, start making things happen, and create your own unique success story.
About the Author
Post by: Maulik Bengali
Maulik Bengali is the founder of Tacnique, an AI-based tech hiring platform that offers Interview-as-a-service and enables engineering to make hiring decisions through evaluated candidates’ profiles swiftly. He’s been an entrepreneur for the last 11 years, and runs a completely remote-first team that caters to clients such as Visa, Zillow, JLL, VTS, and Al Habtoor Group, to name a few.
Company: Tacnique
Website:
www.tacnique.com
Connect with me on
LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
China’s Government Offers Love, but Entrepreneurs Aren’t Buying It
The government’s new 31-point guidelines meant to inspire confidence feel empty to businesspeople after a three-year clampdown and no concrete changes.
How Entrepreneurs Can Fuel Innovation and Push Societal Limits
The most successful and influential entrepreneurs are those who are driven by the belief that they can make a difference in the world.
Starting a Business as a Digital Nomad: How to Get the Best of Both Worlds
By Kyle Platt
There is a new breed of worker emerging today: the digital nomad. This is someone who works online and can do their job from anywhere in the world. They are able to take advantage of technology to stay connected with their team and clients, no matter where they are.
Thanks to advances in communication and
collaboration tools, there has never been a better time than now to be a digital nomad. But what if you also want to start your own business? Is it possible to be both a digital nomad and a startup entrepreneur? Can you live the lifestyle you want while also dealing with the challenges of running a new company?
The answer is yes! In this article, we will explore the benefits of combining these two lifestyles and show you how you can make it work for you.
Benefits of being a digital nomad
There are many benefits to being a digital nomad. Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that you can work from anywhere in the world. This gives you the freedom to travel and explore new places while still being able to do your job.
Additionally, as a digital nomad, you have more flexibility to take on projects that interest you and that fit your schedule. You also have the opportunity to work with a global team, which can be a great way to learn new things and expand your horizons. By immersing yourself in new cultures, interacting with new people, and trying different things, you better yourself as a human—plus get more enjoyment out of life.
Why being a digital nomad and running a startup is a perfect match
There are many reasons why being a digital nomad and creating a
startup are a perfect match. Perhaps the most obvious reason is that both lifestyles give you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. As a digital nomad, you have the freedom to travel and explore new places while still being able to do your job.
I myself have really grown to dislike snowy winters. While working more traditional in-office jobs, I felt like I was just grinding through winters, counting down the days until it was spring. With the flexibility of being a digital nomad, I now can travel south to warmer climates and enjoy my life to a much higher degree.
In addition, as a startup entrepreneur, you have the freedom to make your own decisions and chart your own course. Combining the flexibility of being your own boss with the flexibility of being a digital nomad removes barriers that stop you from doing the things you love or have always wanted to try. For example, have you ever thought about going on vacation, and then decided against it because you know traveling will just make things more complicated once you get back to the office?
Finally, combining both lifestyles gives you the opportunity to make a significant impact on the world. You have the chance to create a company that solves a problem and makes the world a better place as you connect with people from all over the globe.
Steps to starting a business and becoming a digital nomad
Taking the leap into this world can be scary. Maybe you can dip your toes by doing just one and then later introducing the other. In my case, I entered the startup world first, and stayed local so that I could rely on friends and family for emotional support. I felt that making too many changes all at once would introduce too much risk to me and my family. However, after stabilizing my startup processes, I have started to ease into the digital nomad lifestyle by moving to warmer climates a few months at a time during the colder months.
You may have better luck doing it the opposite way. If you are stuck in an office for most of the week, approach your bosses with the idea of working from home. If you already work from home, why not try and leverage that into a working from a different city, state, or country for a few weeks at a time situation? Baby-stepping your way into full flexibility may take a little bit of time and effort, but it is achievable. Think about which direction you would want to start from and give it a shot.
Ultimately, being a digital nomad and startup entrepreneur gives you the freedom to do what you want, when you want. You have the flexibility to make your own decisions and chart your own course. If you’re looking for an enjoyable and rewarding lifestyle, then being a digital nomad and startup entrepreneur may be perfect for you.
After a Burst of New Businesses, a Cooling Economy Intrudes
The pandemic has brought a boom in entrepreneurship, but higher interest rates, a chill in venture capital and fears of recession now pose obstacles.