Conquer Startup Fatigue

from Brandor Blog thru Linked In 30 Aug 14 enhanced by Peter/CXO Wiz4biz

I love most everything about launching new ventures—except the “startup fatigue” that comes with being your own boss. This Blog is my fourth startup and over the past five years I’ve coached hundreds of startup owners. Here are three things I’ve learned along the way to conquer startup fatigue.

#1: Build good Relationships – professionally & personally. Launching a startup can feel like you’re marooned on your own private island—the lone entrepreneur going where no man or woman has gone before. The truth is that lots of startups have gone before you. Get in touch with a few people who have walked in your shoes and take them out for coffee or lunch. Ask them about their startup trials & triumphs. Ask for advice: “What was the biggest lesson you learned? “If you launched a startup again what would you do differently? And if you really hit it off, ask that person to “mentor” you. The key is to build a small following, even if it’s only a small group. You should meet regularly, to let them help you clarify your business goals and give you candid feedback about your ideas & strategies. Look for individuals who will not only tell you if your big idea is Titanic or a Titan missile, but who will also praise your truly brilliant ideas. Make it a point to align yourself with people who encourage you and that you personally like. Nothing cures fatigue like cheerleaders. And business is fun when you work with people whose company you enjoy.

#2: Get Help & Delegate. As the head of a startup, it’s overwhelming, to feel that the success of everything hangs on you. But you can’t be an expert in marketing, operations & finance, but that’s okay. The key is to develop a great supporters and delegate tasks to them. When I launched my first company, I figured out right away that I didn’t enjoy keeping my books and I wasn’t very good at it. Since then, I’ve found a great bookkeeper through a colleague (referrals are another reason that healthy professional relationships are win-win) and she does a wonderful job managing my accounting. Your local SBA, which also offers workshops & a host of tools for startups, is another great resource. If you’re looking for a professional mentor in your industry, check out SCORE. Office of Small Business Development Centers (OSBDC), helps entrepreneurs with everything from funding to social media. The best part about these three organizations is that their services are free to low cost.

# 3: Allow spontaneous Down Time. My third startup taught me the importance of “spontaneous downtime” to avoid startup fatigue. I worked enthusiastically until 4am most days. But gradually my excitement gave way to burn out. After three years, I didn’t even want to mention the name of my company, much less discuss our products. With my new startup, I’ve learned to gauge when my stress level is rising to the break poing and I simply step away. Like most business owners I’m committed to the success of my startup, but the truth is that I’m not saving lives. No one will die, if I take the afternoon off for a “sanity break”. Sometimes, I’ll retreat to some Netflix movie therapy with a good comedy. Laughter is great medicine. Other days I flee to my favorite neighborhood mini-spa for a massage.

Conclusion. Launching a startup is never easy. In fact, it can by mentally & physically exhausting. It can be incredibly satisfying, if you utilize the above techniques to keep yourself energized and avoid startup fatigue. You’ll come up with better ideas, from a re-engergized mind.

Comments: Are there any techniques – you use – to Conquer Fatigie?