Don't Listen to the Naysayers!
by Startacus Admin
Make no mistake, starting a business is hard. There are going to be many setbacks, problems and hurdles to overcome. Like anything that is worth doing however, it is often done the least but will provide you with the greatest rewards.
As well as having an extreme passion for business, entrepreneurship and technology I have always been very active. Specifically I like lifting heavy weights, a lot. I believe fitness and working out is what prepared me for business. 
Alongside this I have always been a huge Arnie fan but for more than just all those great one liners. His '6 Rules for Success' are exactly that.
I was shown this speech by a friend sometime ago and it has been the founding principles upon which I have built my business along with other ventures I am involved in and have conducted my life.
Trust Yourself
You really have to think about who do you want to be? We are often told to consider what we want to be but a career title is of little use to you as an true entrepreneur. You will wear many hats throughout your journey even on a daily basis. Have faith in your decisions and stick by them.
Break the rules
This is the only way to be a true maverick. When I finished university all my friends were desperately applying for graduate schemes in what was already a tough climate. I told them I was going to set up a company that would pay me more than any graduate wage. You can imagine the looks I got right? The what do you know about running a business look. Well truth be told I didn't know anything about running a business but I sure do now. I know a lot.
Don't be afraid of failure
Not every idea you have is going to work out and bring in oodles of cash. It doesn't work like that. The first time I tried to bench press 100kg they had to lift it off me. However I worked on my diet, my training until I could lift it. Never let pride stop you from assessing and realising your current model isn't working. Change what you need to, even throw it away and start again if you have to. The important thing is that you don't give up.
Don't listen to the naysayers
This is my favourite and the point you will probably encounter most often. Everyone has an opinion and they are usually unfounded and incorrect. Every venture I have pursued people have come up with lists of reasons not to do it. Well, my digital agency is thriving and we are busier than ever which was founded just under a year ago. Another tech project of ours is gearing up for a sale in 6 months time. If you believe in what you are doing then do it.
Work your butt off
It certainly won't happen overnight but it will be worth every late night. You are going to have to work harder than you ever have in order to get your company off the ground. Out there someone is working hard, getting smarter and winning. Be that someone! Don't waste any time, as Arnie says “Sleep faster I would recommend.”
Giving back
The most rewarding. Help your friends, family and anyone you are able to. It feels great and you never know what else you might learn in the process.
Arnie 6 Rules
This is the first of hopefully many guest posts by entrepreneur Patrick Walsh. Patrick runs Resonate, handles tech for VeriSocial and a whole bunch of other cool stuff.
Patrick Walsh
Twitter: @PatGW
http://patgw.com
Join the Self Start society! If you like what you see here on Startacus and want to get involved yourself, why not become a member of our growing community by joining for free here!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The startup that is on a mission to empower cyclists everywhere by providing the world’s largest cycle route collection in its innovative app
Black Young Professional Network, aka BYP Network will hit and surpass their Seedrs £500k funding round target.
.jpeg)
Planning to hire an accountant for your startup? Here are a few of the things you should consider before you do just that...
Sustainable reward scheme Bagboard, a first-of-its-kind advertising platform for planet-friendly brands launches £600k funding round
The Manchester-based startup that's created an app to enable hospitality businesses to maintain social distancing while still taking customer orders quickly
The lowdown on Bubo AI, the Yorkshire-based startup that's using AI to create value-based pricing for wholesale and distribution businesses
The London-based startup that's disrupting the insurance industry by its collective-based model for cycling insurance
More than half of employees concerned about returning to work and majority of employees NOT comfortable using public transport
The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab is on the hunt for companies harnessing data science, machine learning and AI techniques to create real products and solutions.
Eppik is a smart family photo sharing platform that helps families reconnect through their shared photo heritage
Published on: 29th January 2013
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- More than half of employees concerned about returning to work 2nd Jul 2020 More than half of employees concerned about returning to work and majority of employees NOT comfortable using public transport
- GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab seeks startups harnessing data science, machine learning and AI 2nd Jul 2020 The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab is on the hunt for companies harnessing data science, machine learning and AI techniques to create real products and solutions.
- Ten Years On: 30% Club Sets New Targets 1st Jul 2020 New targets set by 30% Club aimed at achieving both gender diversity and fully inclusive cultures on FTSE Boards, Executive Committees and Chair Appointments
- Xero’s Roadmap to Recovery manifesto launched 1st Jul 2020 Xero’s Roadmap to Recovery manifesto launched as new data confirms impact of COVID-19 on UK small business revenue and employment
