"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" - A Book For Every Entrepreneur

Ever felt as a Founder nobody cares about the blood, sweat, and tears you pour into your business? 

You're not alone. 

That's the raw truth bomb Ben Horowitz drops in his book, "The Hard Thing About Hard Things," a must-read for any entrepreneur or aspiring founder.

Here are 15 quotes that capture the essence of my entrepreneurship journey. From facing criticism to embracing struggles, these one-liners have resonated deeply with my own experiences.

1. "Nobody cares."

This might sting, but it's true. I initially got caught up in perfecting details like the logo and branding. But then I realised customers care more about what BYOB can do for them. It was a shift in mindset. 

Now, I focus on building services that solve real problems. It's a humbling reminder to focus on value, not validation.

2. "CEOs should tell it like it is."

Early on at BYOB, I sugarcoated some tough feedback for a freelancer. They kept missing deadlines and being disrespectful, but I worried about hurting their feelings. Big mistake! It created tension and wasted everyone's time. 

Learning from that, I decided to have an open and honest conversation with the team. I clearly communicated my concerns, and everyone was really receptive. It felt great to have such a transparent discussion! We're all on the same page now, and our team dynamic is stronger.

3. "Dogs at work and Yoga aren't culture."

This one made me rethink the perks at BYOB. Sure, free lunches are nice, but I realised culture is deeper. 

It's about celebrating wins together, big or small. It's about everyone feeling valued and heard. Now, we focus on open communication and that's the real recipe for a happy and productive team.

4. "Hire people for the right kind of ambition."

This quote resonated deeply with me. I once hired someone who seemed incredibly ambitious, and their work was impressive. But there was a disconnect – they kept leaving, leaving our projects hanging. It was frustrating!

I realised I focused on the wrong kind of ambition. It's not just about raw talent; it's about finding people who share your vision and are driven to see us win as a team..

5. "First rule of Entrepreneurship, there are no rules."

There's no one-size-fits-all approach to building a successful company. We constantly test new ideas to improve our services. Some work, some don't (let's just say we learned a lot!),  but we keep trying. 

There are no rules! Be prepared to adapt and break the mould when necessary.

6. "Being effective in a company means being reliable."

Reliability is key. My clients know they can always count on me to deliver. It's about following through on promises and meeting deadlines.

7. "CEOs make the mistake of taking things too personally."

Running a business, you hear criticism all the time, and let me tell you, it can sting. But here's the thing: separate your ego from your work.

Not all feedback is created equal, but constructive criticism is a gift, even if it's tough to hear. It's a chance to improve and make your business stronger.

8. "It's good to anticipate growth but it's bad to over anticipate growth."

Be prepared for success, but don't get ahead of yourself. Overstaffing or overspending based on unrealistic projections can crush your business (I personally learnt this the hard way)

9. "The most important lesson in entrepreneurship: Embrace the struggle."

This is SO true! Running a business? Get ready for struggles - tech meltdowns, project roadblocks, even getting ghosted!

But they're lessons in disguise. It's how you learn, grow, and build a stronger business.

10. "Sometimes an organisation doesn't need a solution; it just needs clarity."

Clear communication and well-defined goals can solve a multitude of problems. Make sure everyone in your company is on the same page.

11. "Hard things are hard because your emotions are at odds with your logic."

Emotions can cloud judgement, especially during difficult choices.  In my experience, the best decisions come from a calm and logical approach. I take a step back, gather the facts, and then make a clear-headed call.

12. "Ironically the key to an emotional discussion is to take the emotion out of it."

Focus on facts and solutions during difficult conversations. Yelling and finger-pointing only make things worse.

13. "The struggle is when you wonder why you started the company in the first place."

Doubt creeps in during the toughest times (3 AM anyone?). Remember your original vision and why you embarked on this journey.

14. "The CEO should be clear on management expectations, because they are her expectations."

Setting clear expectations for your team is leadership 101. Ensure everyone understands what's required for a company's success.

15. "Being a CEO is a lonely job, but somebody has to do it."

This one's true! CEO life can be lonely at times. But I wouldn't trade the challenge for anything. Seeing your vision come to life, that's the ultimate reward.

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These are just some of the hard-hitting truths. For the full list, check out my Medium blog: 111 One Liners That Will Strike A Chord With Every Entrepreneur