Everyone should start a business once in their life. Not because it is easy, likely to succeed or without dangers. But, because it forces you out of your comfort zone. Kind of like changing jobs, moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone, or travelling to a place where you don’t speak the language. These all can be both scary and invigorating.
At the same time, more than any of these things, entrepreneurship is different.
Starting a business challenges you to d
o a better job at the things which you are the weakest. It is not even about the outcome so much as the process. A process defined by learning about yourself; and, hopefully even growing.
Small businesses, which all businesses start as, don’t allow you to just play to your strengths. A people person must be detailed oriented; an ideas person needs to be practical. And so on. Yes, you can get help from others to shore up the things you don’t do as well, but ultimately, you need to take more responsibility for what happens.
Jenkins Research started as an idea about a different kind of research company – or at least a different kind of research professional – but what I have realized is that it is as much about becoming a different person. That’s harder.
What have I learned about myself? Well that something for another post; or a therapist. I am not sure where the company is going but I know that trying was never unreasonable (as Seth Godin would say). You should try. Build something. And if you do, let me know, because I am always happy to help.