It’s always fascinating to hear from executives who grew their companies from the ground up (or close to that). They often have a different viewpoint because when you max out your credit cards or cash in your retirement account early to grow your company in one big gamble, other business challenges can seem tame in comparison.
This month, I spoke with the CEO of DLZ Corp., Vikram “Raj” Rajadhyaksha, who did just that. He’s not ready to pass the torch to his sons yet, but he has stepped back somewhat and admits his risk appetite is different now that he’s not hungry for success. He’s already found it.
In addition, Farah Majidzadeh of Resource International Inc. had some interesting things to say in her column about passing the torch in her family business. (Cameron James is even further along on that journey, as you can read in the feature on Mills James.)
Entrepreneurs are a different breed than other businessmen or women — especially those who have successfully met challenges to create a successful company. They see the opportunity in every challenge. They have a burning desire to build something and a willingness to take risks to make it happen.
However, I wonder sometimes about all the entrepreneurs who I don’t talk to. The ones who maxed out their credit cards or spent their 401(k)s and then failed. Do they keep trying until they find success, or do they head back to working for other people?
Serial entrepreneurs who I’ve spoken to over the years often talk about how much they learned when their first business failed. It’s not unusual at all. I just hope that budding entrepreneurs who falter realize that.
Sometimes the biggest obstacle to success is yourself; so take some inspiration from the pages of Smart Business. Time to dust yourself off and step back up to the plate.
