Yesterday I wrote an email about how ideas on which a business is built do not necessarily have to be unique. It opened a can of worms.
Many thought I was advocating copycat ideas. Worse, some felt I was encouraging lazy and safe entrepreneurship.
People who know me from a while will know that my opinion on the matter is quite the opposite. I believe that the world needs your best ideas. I believe you should push yourself hard and do the best you possibly can. I believe in the value of taking big risks.
Far too many new entrepreneurs start a business to change the world. Of course it’s a noble goal, and one that everyone should pursue. Otherwise why even bother quitting that job, right? I’m agreeing with you 100% here.
My point was a little more pragmatic and practical, though. A point that early-stage entrepreneurs would do well to understand.
Running a business is hard. It’s harder than how hard you thought it would be. There’s a million things you don’t understand yet. My advice, if you are at that stage, is to learn the ropes first. Understanding even the absolute basics of business takes time.
If you are simultaneously attempting another extraordinarily difficult task of thinking up an idea that no one has ever done, you will be overwhelmed.
My point was (and remains) that you should learn how a business should be sustainably run first. Don’t chase very difficult goals in every aspect of business this early.
Once you have got the business side of things figured, you can decide to break free and chase great ideas. Till then, it’s ok to work with somewhat ordinary ideas made better with your unique touch to them.
I hope this makes sense. Let me know what you think.
Still uniquely yours,
Abhilash Purohit