Entrepreneur Myths by Damir Perge Read Free Book Online Page A

know this is easier said than done, but it is possible.
     
I funded a couple who seemed to work well together. After I got to know them I realized one of them was excellent and the other sucked in business. The horrible half of the team created multiple problems because they were insecure in their entrepreneurial ability and covered it up by acting as if they knew everything.
     
Keep your zipper zipped or you could risk everything
     
I know one couple who was engaged and raised more than $120 million for their startup. One of them was so excited about their success, they started sleeping around.  They broke off their engagement and the startup collapsed. I doubt the sex was worth $120 million bucks.
     
Spousepreneuring can work if you treat each other as business partners. You have to recognize each other’s talents just as you would any business partner. Treat each other in a professional manner during business hours — unless you want a mom and pop culture. There’s nothing wrong with building a mom and pop business as long as you don’t plan on going IPO.
     
Most importantly, give compliments to each other in business like you do and in bed. Please —just don’t be mushy in front of your employees or investors like me.
     
Brain Candy: questions to consider and ponder
     
(Q1) What do you think about working with your spouse? Can you do it? Does it even make sense? If you have children, how do you handle the chores of parenting?
     
(Q2) If you are a spousepreneur, how do you handle the key management points I made in this chapter?
     
(Q3) How do you change gears from business to personal when you get home?
     
(Q4) If you failed in business with your spouse, how did you handle the failure?
     
(Q5) If you failed in business with your spouse, do you plan to start another venture together?
     

Entrepreneur Myth 11 | Entrepreneurs have a balanced life
     

     
Balanced life? That’s a bullshit fantasy. If you’re thinking about being an entrepreneur, especially in a startup situation, there’s no balanced life.
     
My family and friends tell me I should have a more balanced life. I say, “Are you fucking kidding me?” Unlike people who are addicted to alcohol, drugs or watching TV, I’m an entrepreneurholic. I’m not curable. It is an entrepreneur myth that you can start a venture and leisurely take off after five o’clock every day to go home, cook dinner with your spouse, play soccer with the kids, go out to a movie, or watch “American Idol” while smooching with your loved one.
     
Sure, you can have a balanced life and start your venture — if you’ve already made your money and someone else is running the company. I call an entrepreneur who funds their idea, hires someone to manage it and takes the chairman position, a “chairpreneur.” They have a balanced life. If you work for them as the CEO, you don’t.
     
When starting a business you have to put in the hours, whether you like it or not. If you don’t have the passion for it, you shouldn’t do it. The idea or venture you developed is going to occupy your mind even after you leave the office, unless you’re making love to your spouse or whoever. Your obsession for your venture will most likely drive your family and friends crazy. Maybe you can cut some corners and get some life? Hmm, let’s see. Actually, it will depend on how well-funded you are, the stage of your venture, and the number of partners and employees working with you.
     
Let’s look at the math. You’ve got 24 hours in the day, every day. Assuming you sleep 6 hours (I don’t think you can function for a long period of time without sleeping at least 6 hours a night, no matter what you think) you have 18 hours left.
     
18 hours and the clock is ticking
     
You spend one hour showering, getting ready for work, brushing your teeth, and eating breakfast.
     
17 hours and the clock is ticking
     
You spend 15 to 30 minutes getting to work. Hopefully you are smart enough