Being a start-up is like ‘trying to build a bike while riding it.’ I like this metaphor. Speed and adaptability are crucial factors for new businesses. The ability to be fluid and change direction with a second’s notice – this is something entrepreneurs do well.
So, when we talk about the start-up mindset, what do we mean? It’s a few things, like being mindful of your time and how it impacts customers, being easily able to adapt to change, and you’re a fast-mover.
You don’t detach yourself to your ideas, well at least you try not to. You approach things by asking yourself what you can do right now. You’re okay with uncertainty, take risks, and continuously strive to do better. Most importantly, you’re willing to fail.
Planning & executing ideas. Think like a start-up.
Ever wondered why start-ups (with no money) are beating huge organisations in terms of bringing innovative products and services to market? It’s because of their mindset. Corporate giants are rigid, locked in fear and unable to make big decisions.
Start-up owners look at the world in ways that allow them to unleash their true creative potential.
Remaining competitive, now and into the future
To keep ahead of the curve, every business needs to embrace this entrepreneurial spirit. But how do you think and act like a start-up within an already, well-established business, with an affirmed culture already in place?
Consider these five core philosophies to help break the mould:
1. Curiosity: People at start-ups ask the ‘why’, the ‘what if’, and the ‘why not.’ They have a deeper yearning for answers, and match their offerings accordingly, to fill a gap.
2. The possibilities: Entrepreneurs spend their days dreaming and imagining, rather than focusing on what is. Let your mind wander for a little while. Most established businesses allow for little or no creative time each week because they suffer from the ‘busy disease’.
3. Detach: They forget what they should be doing or what’s been done. Rather, innovators dare to be different.
4. Fearless: Start-ups face their fears head on every day, but forge on. The constant ‘failure’ and rejection makes them ruthless.
5. Speed: Big doesn’t always mean better or faster. Start-ups don’t have incumbent, top-end departments to go through, so decisions are almost instant. They have an idea and start testing it, that day. This is extremely powerful.
You’ve got to challenge the status quo – become an entrepreneur, while still staying true to your company’s overall strategic goals. You need to remove yourself from your everyday routine, get inspired again. Build the confidence to create new opportunities. In doing this, you’ll go beyond the business-as-usual approach and really shake things up.
For more information about the mindset shift, talk to us. We’ll go through corporate entrepreneurship, anticipating and leveraging failure, telling your story, and selling your vision with meaning.
At Kiikstart, we’re dedicated to helping people have more choice, influence and control about how they live, work and learn. If you’d like to hear more about what we do, contact us today on 0428 593 400 or enquiries@kiikstart.com.