What kind of entrepreneur are you?
Kara Goldin
Founder, CEO, Board Member Creator of The Kara Goldin Show Author of Undaunted, a WSJ & Amazon Bestseller!
Knowing what type of entrepreneur you are matters, particularly when you’re starting a business on the side or as a second career -- the way I did. Every entrepreneur is a builder. But not every entrepreneur likes to learn in the same manner. You have to ask yourself: Are you willing to go into a new industry and be a student again? Or do you want to play to your strengths and be an expert from the beginning?
I took the student route. I shifted from technology to consumer products, and beverages in particular. It was a big jump. I knew nothing about the industry, nothing about the category. I had to learn everything from scratch, and I was excited about that. I talk to many entrepreneurs who are impressed or amazed by the decision to start from scratch. But you could do it too. It’s the same skill set. It’s just about being willing to go back down to the bottom and learn all over again. Some people want to follow their career path—stay in the same vertical or product segment--continue to move on that ladder. For them, it’s best to find something with continuity. And then there are entrepreneurs who like to change it up and totally switch industries. Jump to something new. Learn. Either is okay, but I think they are different mindsets.
If you’re on the fence about jumping into a new space, here are some ways to think about it that might help you decide:
Think Of Industry-Hopping As Business School
When I founded hint, I realized I wanted to learn. I decided I was either going to go back to business school or I was going to do something totally different. I wasn’t ready to pick up where I left off or do a part two of my days at AOL.
I was still excited about learning. It was that feeling that let me know I was on the right path.
Be Ready To Roll Up Your Sleeves
When I switched to beverages, I had to go out and roll up my sleeves and carry boxes and crates -- literally. That’s certainly not something I was doing as a top tech executive. It helps to be not only willing but also eager to roll up your sleeves again, in all ways.
Kara Goldin is Founder and CEO of Hint Water, the fastest growing flavored water brand in the United States. Kara started Hint when she couldn't find a healthy water that tasted great without questionable additives like sweeteners. Hint Water has 0 calories, 0 sugar, and 0 diet sweeteners in a can be purchased online at www.drinkhint.com in a variety of flavors including Blackberry and Watermelon, in both still and sparkling
I build successful design functions for startups and hyper growth companies.
9 年I think the title was a little misleading to be honest. I was expecting something more from the article than a mini-biography and a sales-link to your site.
Director at Maya Gourmet Coffee
9 年Thanks Kara for sharing your experiences. I can relate with this totally as only recently I've left behind a Banking career of 20 years to start up a business of my own for Industrial supplies and feeling good about it. What future holds for me, don't know yet!
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach | Unconventional Foodie | Weight Loss Expert
9 年This is a great article Kara Goldin, I recently started my own affiliate business, also switching industries. I've been struggling a bit with exposure (and therefore leads), but I've been reading and learning a lot and I feel that the beginning of my success is close.
Global Leadership Speaker | Futurist | Corporate Trainer | Cutting Edge Distinction is the message.
9 年Great article Kara, to answer your question, the kind of entrepreneur I am is epitomised in my quote; An entrepreneur is a leader of excellence, trailblazer and pioneer who constantly brings change to their generation. ~ Onyi Anyado.
Ultra High Performance Resilient Data Privacy Security and Infrastructure Architect
9 年Spent my own money against all advice and went upstream the whole way. Only to find I was the only fish in a giant clean and secure lake ;) I build a product to help me deal with endpoint computers ie. workstations and the failing hard drive people recommend I try Virtual or VDI. Virtual was too slow, too expensive to own, operate and secure. So I built Jentu and with my team we set out to fix a very small problem, that for us seems to have eliminated the need for VDI. Increased speed and efficiency with the most AMAZING results we added a layer of security not available in other technologies. Best of all we are making it affordable. :D