In seeking certainty, #entrepreneurs are looking for tried & trusted formulas so therefore they don't build the muscle to test & experiment their way to success.
As a coach I sometimes hear this as 'can't you just tell me!'
Which translates as; 'I just want the silver bullet'
As a coach I sometimes hear this as 'can't you just tell me!'
Which translates as; 'I just want the silver bullet'
So which is more valuable to #Startups?
* Today's best marketing plan, or
* The ability to discover the new new best plan - this year, next year and on and on?
* Today's best marketing plan, or
* The ability to discover the new new best plan - this year, next year and on and on?
So what lies at the heart of successful #startups?
Three things
1. The ability to embrace uncertainty
2. The ability to run a series of experiments around your core / unique product / market fit - including pricing
3. Outside of the core, the ability to copy what others do
Three things
1. The ability to embrace uncertainty
2. The ability to run a series of experiments around your core / unique product / market fit - including pricing
3. Outside of the core, the ability to copy what others do
Embracing uncertainty is key - if you don't, you can't take the risk of experimentation and you cut yourself off from unique insights and opportunities.
Next, gaining clarity about your unique capabilities as a team is critical so that you can focus your limited resources.
Next, gaining clarity about your unique capabilities as a team is critical so that you can focus your limited resources.
Clarity about your core competence (or purpose) allows you to 'outsource' or buy-in, or rent the other parts of your business where you simply copy best practice.
So, where do mentors and coaches help?
So, where do mentors and coaches help?
A great coach will help you gain greater clarity around your purpose / core skills, & support you through the uncertainty of startups such that you gain a unique competitive advantage.
It is less about passing on knowledge, & more about laying out steps & asking tough questions.
It is less about passing on knowledge, & more about laying out steps & asking tough questions.
The role of mentor is more relevant if the business plans to remain small or grow slowly - so, it doesn't have to / want to experiment, but does needs to execute well.
In this case, the passing of skills and experience can be extremely helpful.
In this case, the passing of skills and experience can be extremely helpful.
So, if a coach asks hard questions and makes you think and clarify what you are doing - then they can help you build a successful #startup.
If someone offers to share a unique formula, a special plan, or is a skill specialist, that reduces risk when building a small business.
If someone offers to share a unique formula, a special plan, or is a skill specialist, that reduces risk when building a small business.
A great #startup coach will help you embrace and learn unique insights by working with uncertainty and experimentation.
A mentor / skills specialist - will help you reduce uncertainty.
They both have their role, but are like chalk and cheese.
Agree? Disagree? Questions?
A mentor / skills specialist - will help you reduce uncertainty.
They both have their role, but are like chalk and cheese.
Agree? Disagree? Questions?
