Top Lessons in Building a Startup Company

Since our inception in December 2016, we have served over 3,500 customers and currently work with over 100 artists from different places in India and abroad. Over these 26 months, we have experienced the ups and downs, resulting in a profound learning experience. While selecting the top 5 lessons from our journey might be difficult, here are some invaluable insights that have guided us.

Lesson 1: Ideas Fail the Person Behind Them

In our journey, we have realized that an idea itself does not fail; it's the person behind it who takes the blame. When faced with failures, you and only you are responsible. The choice to learn from them or get disheartened often shapes the outcome.

Lesson 2: Execution is everything

A great idea alone is meaningless. Execution makes the difference. We initially struggled with this, but we've come to understand that success hinges on the implementation of ideas. It's essential to put your ideas into action and refine them through real-world application.

Lesson 3: The Importance of a Strong Team

Two years ago, I worked alone almost exclusively, which led to burnout. Thankfully, now we have a supportive team, and things are much smoother. A strong team can significantly boost your chances of success, not just in the early stages but throughout the growth journey.

Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Start Small and Iterate: Don't burden yourself with knowing everything upfront. Begin with a simple idea and refine it as you go. Diligent testing in the marketplace is the only way to validate your ideas. Prepare for the Hard Work: Starting a business is challenging and stressful. Anticipate that it will get harder than you can imagine. Overcoming these challenges is what turns you into an entrepreneur. Take Full Responsibility: Accept full responsibility for your actions, successes, and failures. There's no room for blaming others. Actively engage in making your business a success, even in the face of obstacles.

Building a successful startup is akin to a marathon. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but the lessons learned and experiences gained make every step worthwhile. The critical takeaways are understanding that ideas alone are not enough, the importance of persistence, and the need for a strong support system.

To conclude, as one of my favorite motivational images says, ‘You have to try.’ The willingness to take risks and the determination to learn from every experience are what truly define a successful entrepreneur.