Creating something brand new from nothing is one of the hardest things a person can do.
The fact of the manner is, many people struggle to even define their goals, let alone meet them. However, this initial burst of insight is only the beginning of a long and difficult journey.
But, it is not a journey that you have to go alone. You can connect with peers and learn a lot from those who have come before you.
The Importance of Drive, Passion, Perpetual Learning
As an entrepreneur, one of the most important traits you can possess is a drive to succeed. Without this innate desire to achieve, it’s easy to become discouraged or give up when faced with challenges.
This drive is often intertwined with a passion for what you do. When you love what you’re working on, it’s easier to stay motivated and continue to push forward.
However, drive and passion can only get you so far without a commitment to perpetual learning.
In order to stay competitive and at the top of your industry, it’s important to continually educate yourself and stay up-to-date on new trends and technologies.
By combining these three important traits, entrepreneurs can set themselves up for success and achieve their goals.
We have compiled some wisdom from some of the most successful and respected people in tech to help inspire you on your journey!
Entrepreneurs Let Their Passions Guide Their Focus
“Love what you do and do what you love. Doing something new and different requires a level of drive and passion that is really hard to fake. When your heart is behind what you are doing, so much is possible.”
– Tracey Sun, Co-Founder of Poshmark
Sun is the co-founder of the global social commerce marketplace, Poshmark, where users can sell both new and used clothing.
Poshmark hit the elusive unicorn status in 2019 with a reported $1.25 billion valuation and 50 million registered users among its growing selling-buying user base.
Any entrepreneur who aims to create something completely new on the tech market’s main driving point should be that they simply love what they’re working on.
They’re looking to create a new solution to a common (or new) problem in our world that they truly care about, and the only way to truly reach their end goal is by putting all their passion wholeheartedly into it.
If you believe in your product or service long and hard enough (and do the work), it can become something seriously special.
If you aren’t passionate about what you’re working on, the journey to the finish line is undoubtedly going to feel more difficult than what could and should be an enjoyable ride — driven by the love of what you’re seeking to accomplish.
Opportunities Won’t Always Arrive According to Your Timetable
Life doesn’t always present you with the perfect opportunity at the perfect time. Opportunities come when you least expect them.”
– Susan Wojcicki, CEO of YouTube
When traversing unknown territory, every fledgling enterprise can stumble across a roadblock (or two…or three…).
It may seem like nothing is going your way, but YouTube CEO, Susan Wojicki, is here to tell you that your predicament isn’t a means to an end!
Entrepreneurs are human just like everyone else, and sometimes, things happen that can interrupt the trajectory of your venture.
Maybe your first big pitch doesn’t pan out how you anticipated, or you don’t get the endorsement you were hoping for. That doesn’t mean that your dream isn’t meant to be.
Stay focused. Stay hungry.
Chop Dawg’s CEO and founder, Joshua Davidson, once said:
Roadblocks should be a sign that you need to take things slowly, regroup, and kick ass once again.
With continued hard work, persistence, and patience — your time will come. And if you feel like you’re not in the right place to take advantage of that incredible opportunity that may have just dropped in your lap, don’t delay!
Truth is, none of us are ever ready when we decide to take the leap.
Covid Brought About Digital Transformation
“I’ve been on more sales calls with more CEOs in the last two months than at any time in my career, and there’s universal agreement among them: Digital transformation, while this isn’t a one app [solution], it’s a must-have.”
– Mark Benioff, CEO of Salesforce
In our current day and age, we are more dependent on technology than we’ve ever been before. And Covid19 exponentially sped up technological advancements that were already brewing over the past two decades.
Think about it, some of us grew up using the bulky USB-connected webcams in our bedrooms on Chatroulette or Oovoo with friends.
The generation before that grew up with dial-up internet connections or no home internet at all.
It’s wild to reflect on that when now, we have the ability to do all of these things (and more) from our mobile devices.
Everything at this point has become digital: filing systems, food ordering, photos, news, retail shopping, education…the list goes on.
Even if people work, they are often not paid enough to survive. This is a huge problem.
Benioff provides a crucial reminder that as our society matures more with each passing day, it’s our responsibility as tech founders to continue the further digitization of our world for the greater good.
Entrepreneurs Invest in Their Teams Alongside Their Businesses
“You don’t build a business, you build people, then people build the business.”
Zig Ziglar
Some advice for you to remember:
Great people spend time investing in their own development.
But a great company will also invest in developing their workforce.
The tech industry is built on lifting one another up in a thriving and innovative ecosystem that drives progress.
It’s one of the main reasons why tech startups have become such a booming industry in the past 10 years.
Technology itself is the direct result of creators and builders trying to make the world better, faster, smarter, and safer.
Numerous apps have been created to help keep track of your appointments, send you reminders for important events, and connect users with all kinds of critical resources.
As a business owner, you must be able to see yourself as a motivator for your team.
Never forget that ‘leader’ is not synonymous with the word ‘boss’ by default.
Your team will thrive off of your praise. You are their leader.
They look up to you and, in many ways, it is your responsibility to give them the tools and help them develop into the best version of themselves.
Be Transparent With Your Team When it Comes to Growing Pains
“Transparency within your organization is the difference between having a business that’s simply running, and having one that’s moving in one direction.”
– Michael Riedijk, CEO of PageFreezer
This is incredibly important to any new entrepreneur, but especially to us over at Chop Dawg after over a decade in the game.
There is simply no way to move onward and upwards as a company without everyone being on the same page.
Your marketing team, builders, and administrators must know what is going on behind closed doors, so everyone is aware of the importance of the work needed to push past whatever obstacle has arisen.
A problem that comes up isn’t just going to go away by simply ignoring it. Solutions require action.
Being transparent about the trials and tribulations you’re going through as a company together will only ignite a flame of passion for your team, open the floor for dialogue, and will help your organization move in a positive direction.
This is how you can make your team feel like they are truly part of your journey and important players in a successful group effort.
Get Used to Being Uncomfortable
“Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
– Ginni Rometty, CEO of IBM
The reality that every impresario out there needs to come to terms with is this:
Your long-term personal and financial growth absolutely depends on embracing discomfort.
Nobody said building something from the ground up would be easy, and honestly, staying in a place of comfort can be destructive to entrepreneurial endeavors. Total comfort can lead to boredom, stagnation, and overall team discontent.
Comfort should be simply a place for you to retreat, take a breath, and prepare yourself to push again. Discomfort can make you hungry.
We are biologically wired to stay within our comfort zone to avoid any of the pain that comes from stretching beyond ourselves.
However, to continue to grow in your capacity to do great work, you need to regularly challenge that biological instinct by jumping over hurdles, and forcing yourself to grow.
Final Thoughts on Quotes from Successful Tech Founders for Entrepreneurs
The good news is, when it comes to building your dream: You are not alone.
Each of these statements came from entrepreneurs who were once standing in your shoes, at the beginning of a venture, possibly feeling and wondering the exact same things you are.
Now, it’s your turn.
What do you think? Comment below.
Since 2009, we have helped create 350+ next-generation apps for startups, Fortune 500s, growing businesses, and non-profits from around the globe. Think Partner, Not Agency.
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