EntréView: Evan Rubinson’s Keys to Entrepreneurial Triumph

Launching a business is more than just having a great idea or spotting a market opportunity. It’s a complex journey that demands passion, resilience, and strategic networking. In this EntréView, we delve into the insights of a seasoned entrepreneur who shares his hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to start and succeed in the business world.

When asked about advice for aspiring business owners, our interviewee doesn’t mince words. He jumps straight to the heart of the matter: you’ve got to have a genuine passion for what you’re doing. This isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. “If you’re doing it because it’s a family company or a buddy gave you a job, it’s probably not going to play out well over a five, ten-year period,” he cautions.

Why is passion so crucial? Well, the fuel keeps you going when the going gets tough. When genuinely invested in your venture, it shows in every aspect of your business. You’ll care more deeply about your team, products, and mission. This isn’t just feel-good talk – it translates into tangible benefits. You’ll be more willing to put in the extra hours, go the extra mile, and even dig into your pockets when necessary.

But let’s face it – passion alone won’t pay the bills. Our expert acknowledges many new entrepreneurs’ harsh reality: “You have no investors, you have no capital. You have no bank behind you yet.” Two things become your best allies in these situations: gut instinct and unwavering determination.

That gut instinct? It’s what helps you navigate the murky waters of starting a business when there’s no clear path forward. It’s about trusting your instincts when you’re faced with tough decisions. And determination? That voice in your head refuses to let you throw in the towel when obstacles seem insurmountable. Our interviewee puts it bluntly: you need “a fortitude and a determination factor that will not let you fail.”

Now, here’s where the conversation takes an interesting turn. Our expert is quick when asked about the importance of a personal, professional network. “Without being hyperbolic here, you 110% have to understand the network is the number one thing,” he states emphatically. It’s not just important – it’s critical.

Think about it. You might need the fancy office or the big-name backers. But if you’ve got a solid network? That’s pure gold. It’s about more than just knowing a bunch of people. It’s about actively building and nurturing relationships. Get on LinkedIn, he advises. Connect with people—Scout for potential team members. Cast your net wide and create diverse contacts across different sectors.

Why is this so crucial? Well, as our expert points out, jobs can be fickle. You might be riding high one day and out on your ear the next. But a strong network? That’s your safety net and your springboard. It’s what opens doors when others close, and it’s often the difference between success and failure in the business world.

But here’s the kicker – building a network isn’t just about making connections. It’s about maintaining them. Our interviewee stresses the importance of leaving a positive impression wherever you go. “You don’t leave a bad taste in people’s mouths, whether you work for them, work with them, whatever it is,” he advises. It’s about being professional and kind and permanently preserving those relationships.

He emphasizes the importance of nurturing and curating your network. This isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process of building and maintaining relationships, of staying connected and relevant in your industry. Your network isn’t just a list of contacts—it’s your most valuable asset in the business world.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Starting a business is more than having a brilliant idea or the skills to execute it. It’s about having the passion to drive you forward, the determination to weather the storms, and the network to support and propel you.

Remember, in the world of business, success isn’t guaranteed. But with a genuine passion for what you’re doing, an unwavering determination to succeed, and a robust, well-maintained network? You’re giving yourself the best possible shot at turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

In the end, it’s about more than just what you know or what you can do. It’s about who you know, who knows you, and how well you’ve nurtured those relationships. Because in the complex, ever-changing business landscape, your network might be the key that unlocks doors you never even knew existed.