Can a career manager make it as an entrepreneur?
Yes, if they get one thing right: openness.
I’ve always worked in startups – in that space where we try and identify opportunities, build systems and try to create value for clients.
In that time I’ve worked with lots of managers in large organisations. We’ve even hired some of them.
Most found the startup pace hard.
It’s the lack of support that gets you – having to do everything from creating a complex spreadsheet to fixing the printer yourself.
But that’s just the foundation. The boring but necessary stuff.
The real difference is whether they’re open or closed.
I must confess – I’m naturally quite closed.
As an engineer I’m heads down, focused on work, building things.
Fortunately, I work with partners that are the opposite of me and I’ve learned over time that being open is an essential skill to develop.
Open people are heads up. They connect with others, build relationships and look out for opportunities. They’re optimistic and politically astute. They’re likeable.
Drucker said that the purpose of business is to create and keep a customer.
Being open is how you do that.
Handcrafted insight 