Big Dreams Start Small—And That’s the Secret to Success

Hey there, Fellow Outsider,

When we think of success, we imagine the big moments—thriving businesses, huge milestones, and that "aha" moment when everything falls into place. But here’s the truth: no matter how big your dream is, it always starts small. Really small.

I used to think success came from one giant leap. Over the years, I’ve learned the real magic is in those tiny, almost unnoticeable steps. The ones that don’t seem significant but end up being the foundation for everything that comes after.

Small Beginnings, Big Lessons It all started during a short break from university. I had this idea to offer students something different—a unique food experience with pizza. I had no business plan, marketing strategy, or experience, but I had determination. My first step? Figuring out how to make pizzas that didn’t taste like cardboard. Those early weeks were messy—late nights, constant feedback, and hand-delivering pizzas to friends.

What I learned from that? Those small actions—making pizzas, delivering them, learning from mistakes—became the foundation for everything I’ve done since. Every business I’ve been involved in was built on those same lessons. Momentum doesn’t start big; it starts quietly and slowly.

The Trap of Waiting for the “Right Time” One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting for the “perfect moment” to start. I’ve been there—thinking I needed capital, connections, or the perfect idea before moving forward. But here’s the truth: the perfect moment never comes.

When I think of ventures like Gasify or Hive Incubator, none of them began with a bang. They were small actions that slowly shaped the future I envision. If you wait until you’re 100% ready, you’ll never begin.

Small Actions, Big Results Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small. It means knowing that big visions are built step by step. Each small action creates a ripple, and over time, those ripples turn into waves. Whether it was delivering pizzas by hand or learning from failed ventures, every small move taught me something and brought me closer to the bigger picture.

Hive Incubator started this way, too. We began with a few people and an idea to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Akure. Today, we’re seeing the ripple effects of those small, consistent actions.

The Takeaway Whatever your dream is—whether it’s building a business or launching a new product—don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. Focus on what’s right in front of you. Take the first step, no matter how small, and let it lead you to the next.

Big dreams start small, and that’s where the magic happens.

So, what’s your next small step?

Until next time,

Folajomi

The Outsider

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Next Edition.

The Grind is Real: How to Keep Going When You’re Not Seeing Results

We always hear about the highs of entrepreneurship—launching a new product, landing your first big client, seeing your idea take off. But what about the long, quiet stretches in between? The grind. The weeks or months (or even years) when it feels like nothing’s happening, like you’re just spinning your wheels. Let me tell you, that’s when the real work happens. In this edition, I want to talk about those moments, the ones where you feel like giving up, and how to keep going even when the results aren’t showing up yet.