I hate categorizations and stereotypes. I do. But when I quit and entered the Startup journey, I could not help but notice a pattern in the reactions and responses I typically faced. While there were many who changed categories as my journey progressed or who changed roles depending on the situation – but largely, this is how the universe looked to me:
1.The Cynic– Possibly the most interesting type. Because very few will be ‘Non- Discreet’ Cynics – throwing straightforward questions like ‘Why would you quit your job? For this?’ ‘How will you make money?’ ‘You know that most businesses fail right?’ – these questions I have often heard and shrugged my shoulders at. But the interesting ones are the ‘Discreet’ variety. These guys can only by identified with their lightly thrown in statements – ‘Ya its good, maybe you needed a break from a full time corporate schedule’ (Really, Starting up is your idea of a break?!) ‘You are so lucky to have a supportive husband who would be happy to fund this risk’ (Assumptions!) and so on. My initial few months were full of these kinds – ex-colleagues, friends – near and far, some family members and random strangers.
I thank them now for they were the ones who gave me the courage to keep going – every cynic made my resolve firmer.
2. The Motivator – Surround yourself with them. They believe in your ability to choose the best thing for yourself and often remind you about it. These guys are the ones who will pat you gently on a low day and say ‘Just wait – good things are around the corner’. When you hesitatingly take your confusions or dilemmas about your start-up decisions, these are the ones who will actively discuss possible solutions, brainstorming with you and simply ending it with ‘This will happen – you’re doing great!’.
While I was sure of my decision, there would be days I needed re-assurance. And The Motivators were the saving grace.
3. The Harsh but Truthful Advisor – Love or Hate but you cannot Ignore this type. These would probably be closest family members who know they can take liberties which no one else can. Theirs would be the most honest, brutal truth – when there is something they like, it will be appreciated but when there is something they disagree with, it will be vehemently spoken about.
Probably the toughest one to have around, but the most crucial link – I often reflected on the advise given during those mean sessions, and sure enough, there was nothing but truth there – because they always had my best interest at heart.
4. The Blind Supporter – My favorite kinds. Because they love you, not just for what your business stands for, but for your spirit. These guys are good for your heart. They will most likely also be your first customers – and probably repeat customers too. They have more faith in you than you probably have in yourself – which is why the Supporter is your go-to person on a really blah day. The day you don’t want to discuss or debate ; you’re too exhausted of keeping up with all the chaos around you – that’s the day to have coffee with the Supporter.
They make the world a brighter and happier place in your startup journey.
5.The Inspired – The small surprises of starting up. These are the younger ones or the entrepreneurial spirits tied down due to financial responsibilities. They will probably quote you in a conversation to another as an inspiration or just say ‘This is the dream, right?’ These guys are finding a reason to jump into the start-up world too but their head rules their heart. They are happy to be involved with your project, but would hardly be able to persist due to their ‘real’ jobs.
Hopefully, I could inspire atleast one person to seriously give their dreams a fair chance.
Life is about the experiences we make and not just the money. Right?
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