- “When I frame the analysis as risk-reward instead of success-failure, we did well.”Maybe because I failed before with Body Boss, but this was incredibly resonating. Like Gregg highlighted, there was so much gained from the experience that isolating the outcome based on commercial success would be vain. In the end, we threw out risk to attempt something special. The reward beyond was worth it.
- “One of the things that I hate about being an entrepreneur is that sharing the uncertainties I have about my business usually carries with it negative consequences that outweigh the benefit of transparency. When someone asks, ‘How’s business?’ the answer can seldom be, ‘It doesn’t look like it’s going to be sustainable.’” Geez, this ateat me towards the end of Body Boss. I felt like a fraud when I spoke to others – prospects, yes, but especially with my personal connections (friends and family). The weight of faking a smile was heavy. So heavy, in fact, that I avoided any discussion about the venture as much as possible.
- “I’m not embarrassed or ashamed that Inkdit didn’t thrive. My friends, family and community haven’t made me feel that way. In fact, they’ve done quite the opposite. I’ve been reminded that I have many people who support me.” As the dust settled from shutting down Body Boss, friends and family came from everywhere pledging support. It was humbling. In many ways, too, I was proud. Many applauded our courage and how we built something from nothing.
Gregg’s experience from failure sounds a lot like mine. As I read the comments to his article, I’m reminded of the power of sharing unsuccessful stories and being vulnerable. Confidence in what we’ve achieved and where we’re heading gives us power to go again. Sharing our stories gives others the confidence and support they, too, can go for greatness.
- Now, I’m churning out two blog posts a week.
- Body Boss has closed up.
- I wrote a book called Postmortem of a Failed Startup: Lessons for Success.
- I started a blog about meeting 100 Strangers in 100 Days.
- I’ve become more entrenched in the Atlanta tech startup scene including joining SalesWise– “No More Consulting For Me – I’ve Joined A High-Growth Startup!”
- I’ve given a number of talks like at FuckUp Nights ATL. Heck, I’ve just applied to TEDx Peachtree.
- I’ve advised lots of startups, entrepreneurs, and wantrepreneurs. I’ve met some amazing people.
- I’ve even started reading to learn more, faster, and deeper – starting with The Lean Startup (including book reviews).
I’ve overcome a lot, and I’ve adapted perhaps even more. (Just like a startup!) I used to hate writing and reading till I shifted the context. And perhaps that’s the most important lesson from Post 1 to 300 – I’ve consistently approached my curiosity by shifting context and doing.
- “The beginner’s guide to customer onboarding” by WP Curve
- “From 0 to $1B – Slack’s Founder Shares Their Epic Launch Strategy”
- Guiding the startup on its direction
- Provide valuable insight into the industry, competition, market, etc.
- Share connections to move the company forward – prospects, new hire candidates, other
- Establish cadence around metrics for progress
In exchange for devoting time and attention (and reaching success, hopefully), startups typically provide stock or cash to Advisors. This ensures both parties are aligned on objectives and provide the necessary feedback.
Here were Body Boss’s values:
- Set the benchmark. Be the leader in the work we do and the lives we live. Never settle – always strive for greatness.
- Work smarter, not just harder. Couple intelligent decisions with smarter actions to produce the best outcomes we can all be proud of.
- Spot others. Motivate and support the community around us and be ready even when never asked.
- Hold ourselves accountable. Play a fair game and live with the utmost integrity to ourselves and our team.
- Have fun even with hard work. Every set, every rep is a challenge that consistently pushes us. Enjoy the challenges and reap the benefits of hard work.
- Admire the mirror. Have confidence in yourself and your abilities, and know you can improve as much as you push yourself.