A lot of entrepreneurs hate big companies. But if you hate them so much, why are you trying to build a new one? The truth is, as soon as a startup has any kind of success whatsoever, it will face big company problems.
Interpretation
Entrepreneurs often criticize large companies, yet they aim to create successful businesses themselves, ultimately facing similar challenges.
This quote by Eric Ries highlights the paradox within the entrepreneurial community, where there is a disdain for large corporations despite the fact that startups, upon achieving success, encounter the same issues that plague established companies. It suggests that rather than viewing big companies as adversaries, entrepreneurs should recognize that they will inevitably face similar challenges as their own ventures grow. This reflection encourages a deeper understanding and a more constructive approach towards the business landscape.
In practice
During a business conference, this quote can be shared to inspire new entrepreneurs about the realities of success.
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The best start-ups might be considered slightly less extreme kinds of cults. The biggest difference is that cults tend to be fanatically wrong about something important. People at a successful start-up are fanatically right about something those outside it have missed.
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I've said it for four decades - work 'on' your business, not just 'in' your business!
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