When talking to young graduates getting all excited about entrepreneurship, I see a great underestimation of the factor of experience and exposure.

If you want to start a business, realise there is a lot to learn and unwritten rules to follow: if you’ve never been employed but you look to do business with corporates; if you’re coming from a humble background trying so sell premium products or services to an upper class segment…

Business is not just business, it is culture as well: understanding the dynamics, speaking the right language, dressing the right outfit, acting the right moves…

SPARK OF THE DAY

Success in business is a combination of opportunity × “passion” x exposure and experience. Statistics show that 90% of all entrepreneurs have worked for other employers before starting their companies; knowing whether your business will survive and then flourish generally takes from seven to ten years.

Sometimes putting the breaks on your idea to gain exposure and experience is the best decision you can make!