An aspiring entrepreneur asked: Why do business start-ups fail at the early stages?
In my opinion, most start-ups fail in the early stages because the entrepreneur does not have the right foundations. And by 'foundations' I do not mean that the entrepreneur isn't skilled, I just mean that he has not planted the seed of his business in the right soil.
Why won't an apple seed grow into a robust apple tree when we plant it in the sand? Because we need to plant it in the earth, and in a specific soil. In business, it is the same. We too are part of nature, either if we recognize it or not. It comes down to understanding what YOUR foundation is, as the business owner. Your intrinsic foundation.
To answer this question, let me ask you this: what drives you? We are speaking here about your neuronal connections. How are your neurons connected in such a way that makes you think the way you think, and therefore feel the way you feel, and finally act the way you act? I am speaking about everything that makes you the unique person you are. Your strongest neuronal connections (your main 'patterns of thinking') are your most deeply anchored beliefs.
An indicator of your most deeply anchored beliefs are your main talents. You use your talents each time you find yourself doing things without having to think of even consciously doing them. You do them from the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to bed. You do them without having to think of them because they are anchored in your subconscious mind. These talents are YOUR DRIVING FORCE.
I strongly recommend anyone wanting to launch a business to take the Clifton Strengths assessment test which will give you your top 5 talents. Once you learn about them, you can start honing them and articulating your business strategy around them. I guarantee you that by doing this one and only thing, you will stand out from 90% of entrepreneurs who launch their business from the wrong foundations, which are extrinsic to them (i.e: wanting fame, money, or do what mom's and dad's expect from them).
Take the time to familiarize yourself with your foundation and you shall plant a seed that will grow into a much more robust tree.
