Don’t start a startup*, start a business

Or of course do whatever you want! ;) I have to admit that I’ve dreamt of building a high-growth startup for quite some time. However, after having been in the startup world, seeing what it takes and getting very honest with what I truly want out of life, I no longer want to build a startup. We see the success stories, the unicorns, the exits and yes, they are appealing. But so many startups don’t make it. So many founders work so hard that they burn out, due to the pressure from investors, co-founders, employees and themselves. Or they loose joy, once it’s more about managing and less about innovating. And what for? To make investors rich, and cash out? For the impact and serving more clients? I don’t know about you, but I have been disappointed by the service of many software startups that exited, as they focused on their numbers and lost sight of serving the clients.

Once I thought things through and looked at the whole picture, including the hidden costs, I had to admit to myself, that building a startup was not for me. I simply value my freedom, time and creativity higher. After a work day or week, I don’t want to feel exhausted or stressed but have energy for my friends and family. I want to have a life.

So if you don’t want to build a startup, but are ambitious, have ideas and want to make money, what other options are there?

Build a business.

This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to trade your time for money, like a freelancer, self-employed or agency owner.

There are ways to build a business, without investors, that can grow, independently of your time, and have impact, eg look at some of my inspirations: Denise Duffield-Thomas’ Chillpreneur business, the Happy Startup School, Basecamp or the Idler.

How to build a business?

It starts with yourself and your ideal client. Based on that you create a value proposition and start charging money.

When building a business you focus on serving clients now, whereas when building a startup you build a product that will serve clients in the future.

When building a business you make money now, whereas when building a startup you focus on a someday validation, in the future.

When building a business you take your own needs and talents into account, whereas when building a startup you mainly focus on what the company / product / investor / employee needs.

Want to start serving clients now? Want to start making money now? Want to enjoy the path?

Check out the JOY Accelerator where a group of 10 ambitious and creative women build a venture they love.

*By startup I mean a scalable investor-backed innovative business, eg a platform.