I wrote this series in 2001. Here is an excerpt from the first part:
Entrepreneurs do not start to create failures. Yet, only 1 in 100 startups succeeds. If one were to ask entrepreneurs when the start about their chances of success, most would give themselves greater than even odds, even as high as a 60-70% chance of success. The reality though, as we know, is very different. While no one can predict success or failure, it is important to do things right to begin with.
[Here are] some of the lessons I have learnt in the last 10 years as an entrepreneur.
Importance of Vision: Dream the future Think 2-5 years hence; near-term opportunities are gone Best way to raise capital is by being profitable (B-n-B biz) Need to Stay Alive long enough to aim for Gold Our biggest strength is Passion — “infectious enthusiasm” Be prepared to fail – and learn; Experiment and Explore When building, don’t think of exit; Build to Keep Forget the stock markets – they are irrelevant Our First Mistake can be our Last Read-Think-Write Faith in God
