Anything that you think is done is not yet done. Whatever estimate you have as to how much money it will take, multiply it by three because everything takes three times longer. Then multiply it by two because by the time you get it done, everything has doubled in cost. We always try to be capital efficient, and we should be, but in an industry like ours where there are multiple players, the timelines never work out like they should.
As an entrepreneur, you are lucky if you get five days of glory in a year. Those five days are what is worth waiting for. You have to just keep plugging away regardless of what people believe. Never be discouraged and never give up. Some people will doubt you until the end of the world. However, if people are giving you constructive criticism, those are people you need to keep close to you.
Also, it is trying. It will take its toll on your family, friends, and health. There are a lot of strains you are going to go through, there is no avoiding it. You can never show that to the team. You have to motivate them at all times. You can’t worry about what you are going through. It always helps to have a good sense of humor and laugh things off. From time to time it is important to look back and see what good things have happened.
This extract is from the interview of Harish Hande - Social Entrepreneur, founder Selco.
Think long term, and have patience. There is no short cut to creating good processes. A lot of people try to solve it quick, and that can’t happen. Some people do it by numbers – reach 5 million in 3 years, and I will give you money. I would never do that. Concentrate more on the processes, and the numbers will come.
