If you’re someone with ideas, here’s one of the first lessons you will need to learn: the world does not care at all about your ideas. In fact, you should go ahead and assume the world hates you and your ideas.
Consequently, by signing up to be a startup founder, you’ve agreed to work in sales for your company. But you have to be more than that, you have to be an absolute champion for your company. You have to sell team members, investors, suppliers, customers, even your parents on the idea and make them believe that this is a real opportunity. You have to change the way they think about what you’re doing.
My advertising class last year had a public relations professional come speak about her industry. Her number one mantra? Write hand written notes after you contact someone. I'm not going to lie, I was very cynical when I first heard this. Probably as cynical as you are right now. I thought to myself, how can writing a handwritten note make any difference? The truth is, it can.
