The Era of the Entrepreneur!

Written on 1st November 2008                                                                                                              8 COMMENTS
Boris Veldhuijzen van Zanten, Serial Internet Entrepreneur

Without VCs many start-ups wouldn’t have a chance. Unfortunately with VCs many entrepreneurs also don’t have a chance. There will always be a power struggle between investors and entrepreneurs. Sure, they have a common goal: make the company successful. But unfortunately they also have a goal that is completely opposed to each others goals: they both want to make as much money as possible. If that means screwing each other out of some, so be it. Unfortunately, again, the entrepreneur is usually the one with less power in the relationship and so more likely to be screwed, if there is screwing to be done.

Last week Scott Rafer wrote a guest post with his ideas on the current economic crisis and what it means for entrepreneurs. One quote stuck with me:

“Instead, the Valley is delivering grimy voyeurism from ‘A-list bloggers’ or transient opportunism from VCs seeking to negotiate better inside deals with their portfolio companies over the next six months.”

Yep, what that says is that there is screwing to be done and if you are an entrepreneur there is a good chance that some venture capitalist has his cross hairs aimed at your ass.

So how can you defend yourself if you are starting your company? Here are some tips:

1: Be Independent

Yeah, easier said than done. And true in any situation. Still, try to stay away from the “We need 1 million upfront to build our infrastructure” ideas and focus on stuff you can build out of your basement. Once you have traction (cashflow & users) then talk to investors. You will be in a better position to make demands.

2: Think Different

Every VC out there is currently blogging, talking and tweeting about how bad the economy is and how we should all stock up on money if we can and accept any deal we can get. Very friendly advice indeed! Fact is, entrepreneurs are counter-cyclical thinkers. If there is an economic slump we of all people should be seeing opportunities! In a bull market anyone can make it. This is our finest hour and don’t let those blood sucking parasites tell you otherwise!

3: Be Prepared

When you are talking to a VC they will always make it seem like they want to buy a part of your company. Switch that thing around! Don’t be too cocky about it but think of it this way: you are buying a part of their money and are using your company to pay for it. It is a simple trick but will make your perspective completely different when talking to them.

4: Be Patient

With everybody else panicking now is the time for you to relax. Observe what is happening in your industry and who will panic first. Basically this market is now a huge game of chicken: who is going to fold first? Grow your company, concentrate on cashflow and focus on the future.

5: Ignore Everyone

Ignore all the naysayers around you. Don’t matter if they are bloggers, investors or family. You have a company with a product that people want. Focus on that! Unless you have a lot of shareholders you are the only individual who is truly independent. No pink slips for you because you are your own boss! Cover your ears, keep your eyes on the road and blow those competitors who only have eyes for their stock portfolios out of the water!

Economic crisis? Bring it on! This is the era of the entrepreneur and nothing can stop us!

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