Entrepreneurs That Talk About The Same Issue Without Progress

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There’s one part-time entrepreneur that hasn’t made the leap into full-time entrepreneurship (something I think leads to failure) the I like and enjoy talking with about startups. There’s only one problem — he always talks about the same roadblock without ever making progress. Ideally, when we get together he’d update me on his progress and talk about his next set of challenges.

As an entrepreneur it’s critical you break through roadblocks and make progress.

My style is to be the nice guy and ask questions like “what’s holding you back?”, “how can you solve issue X?”, and “what can I do to help?” but nevertheless each time we meet it’s the same issue.

There’s no easy answer here. Next time I talk to him I’m going to bring it up and offer him some advice from today’s EO event:

When the horse is dead, dismount.

What else? What do you do in a situation like this?

Comments

8 responses to “Entrepreneurs That Talk About The Same Issue Without Progress”

July 13, 2011

Ishan Vyas

There is no such thing called no progress, if there is, then that person is more fit for 9 to 5 job..

Entrepreneurs, JUST MAKE PROGRESS and move forward.

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July 13, 2011

Jamie Bardin

That is awesome. As human beings we want to be polite and encourage. However, sometimes the best advice is the hardest to hear…

The founders of Cafe Press always seemed to get it — they started and SHUT DOWN a dozen companies in rapid succession before landing on the current model about to IPO a decade ago. They could have stalled on one thing, and been in the dark forever. I always say that there is a fine line between determined and delusional.

More importantly, if you can’t get beyond a certain obstacle, you have to ask why and figure out a way around it. If it is impossible to overcome, then you need to shift from delusional to determined to move on. Then act.

Great post.

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July 13, 2011

Mike Keen

Willpower is one of the toughest internal resources to tap when you really just don’t feel like it. Usually, this is your subconscious trying to tell you that you need to make a change. Whether it’s getting healthier, taking more risks, experiencing more new things… that’s up to the individual. Stagnation is a waste of not only your time, but those around you who want you to succeed and are trying to help.

What I took away from this article is that if you have a base of support, make sure you always have new things to fill them in on. It will make them more interested in what you’re doing, and prompt them to talk to others about your venture. If you’re not passionate about a venture, and you’re not hustling on it every single day, why would anybody else care?

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July 13, 2011

Mike Schinkel

I’d venture a guess at who you might be talking about, except I think I personally know well over 100 people just like that. Sigh.

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July 13, 2011

Dave

There is a difference from wanting to be an entrepreneur and being an entrepreneur. If I were you, I would cut bait on him as you are just an enabler at this point. Send him back to the 9-5 job and move on to helping more worthy candidates. Some have it and some don’t!

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1. July 14, 2011
  
  Mike Schinkel
  
  Great advice.
  
  Reply
July 14, 2011

Adam

If you really believe this person would be a successful entrepreneur, I recommend trying a different feedback style. If the “nice guy” style isn’t working, be more forward about the need for progress in order for you to continue investing your time with this person.

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July 15, 2011

pfreet

“that hasn’t made the leap into full-time entrepreneurship”

Plenty of full-time entrepreneurs can’t get past the wall. However, it seems by bringing this up at all you’re convinced this is the problem.

It’s best to hit the wall while you still have an income, especially those of us with families to support.

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