The Art of Startup - how to do it a third time

If you are anything like me, you bounce a thousand ideas of all the great minds you have around you, just to reinforce that your idea is the right idea.

It's challenging taking in all of that information and then finding yourself in a predicament that it is time to take that big leap once again.

I've been successful twice. Third time lucky... I pray.

My tech startup is disruptive and will change a whole industry. It's not necessarily going to make a lot of friends as if everything goes to plan, many people will have to change their jobs, and be more innovative in what they do. That is a hard ask for anyone I guess, but as you get older, more so.

This time, I am doing it differently. I am hiring an experienced CEO who has the ability to take the business to the next level. I will play a role as  I am a marketer, but will work in the business in innovation rather than tactically delivering upon company based goals.

I am more excited than ever before. I am working with partners which will be very different and make everyone more accountable. 

Storytelling is a critical part of any startup. You need to be able to tell the story over and over again; to potential employees, to investors, to media and to prospects. It is a critical part of marketing, branding, building loyalty, and helping the company grow from nothing to something.

Why I know that this startup will succeed without me at the helm:

• There are better people out there and when you realize this, it will help you be more successful
• Technology companies need to be driven by sales orientated people, and if you are not a born sales person, step aside - as you need to convince that very first company to choose your company over other more established organizations
• People are everything. If you have failed in the past at picking the right people, then find someone who has an exceptional record at hiring the right people for the right job. If they surround themselves with the best people, they will be successful.
• You cannot be everything to everyone. It's nothing to be ashamed of by sticking to your knitting
• Stretching yourself only causes stress. A new startup needs a fresh approach and that needs to be bred into the company culture. Creating a new age business is positive to work performance and only ends in better ROI for the company and a more close knit culture.
• Remember startups need all the help they can get - so start again. Ask your friends, family, colleagues, LinkedIn database etc for help should you need it.

I'm really excited. I didn't sleep last night. This is not my last business but I am nearing the end of my entrepreneurial journey and I see what is in front of me, and that is incredibly intoxicating.