The Startup Suicide

Don’t give up! Keep the spirit up! Know more Startup Suicide

In the first few years of a startup, there is a world of emotions that an entrepreneur goes through. And these can range from being ecstatic, tasting success, achieving nirvana to committing suicide! The entrepreneur and his or her enterprise are linked to each other, and the same happens to a startup - there are a few startups that get killed (by competition, by markets or otherwise), but I believe a large majority of them commit suicide.

What drives entrepreneurs to these extremes?

There are various reasons why entrepreneurs are driven to extremes like suicide. One of the biggest is the constant urge to succeed and achieve success faster. But often, the world does not change or change fast enough. This leads to depression which further leads to disappointment from the way things move around. The entrepreneur either kills the startup she created and nurtured or kills herself.

Loneliness - Entrepreneurs' Friend or Enemy?

Being an entrepreneur is a very lonely way of life. It is tough for a first-timer to manage the expectations set by him or by the outside world. In these situations, it becomes a rather lonely situation with rarely someone to share and support your cause. As it is said, 'If you want to go faster, go alone. But if you want to go far, go TOGETHER.”

What entrepreneurs need?

There are several ways entrepreneurs can avoid suicidal tendencies for themselves as well as their startups. Here goes a few personal inputs:

Build a team

Replicating oneself is the most important task of an entrepreneur. Find a team, build their capabilities, give them responsibilities and let them build on your original ideas.

Define metrics

No cricket match is won when the first ball is bowled. Neither do you have to wait till the last ball to check your score. It is important to define some milestones, judge your progress and keep moving.

Find a mentor

There will be people who would have gone through a journey you are undertaking now. Find them, keep them, and learn from them. If you want to be Arjuna, then find your Krishna.

Build a hobby

Watch movies, enjoy cricket, try making a meal, start blogging - take up a hobby that you feel is a stress-reliever for you.

Family first

You do not want to come home to see your family’s depressed faces at you. Give them time, specially weekends and you will see how it reflects in your business' success.

Suicide is not an option for entrepreneurs or enterprises, success is - so keep moving.

What keeps you going during tough times in your business? Do share your views.