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By Shalabh Gupta, MD, founder and CEO, Unicycive
Entrepreneurship isn’t just about launching a company—it’s a journey of navigating uncertainty with resilience, purpose, and a commitment to growth. Along my own journey, I’ve learned what it really takes to build something meaningful. These 10 Commandments of Entrepreneurship are my way of sharing that hard-earned perspective for anyone hoping to build with clarity and leave a lasting impact.
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1. Know Your ‘Why’: The most successful entrepreneurs are driven by a purpose larger than themselves. Whether it’s to solve a problem, improve lives, or leave a better world behind, having a clear mission will sustain you through the inevitable highs and lows.
2. Passion is the Antidote to Fear: Fear is born from uncertainty, but passion cuts through it. Entrepreneurs aren’t reckless; they see the risks, then focus on solutions. It’s their passion, backed by a solid support system, that builds the resilience to push through the hardest moments.
3. Balance Planning with Flexibility: A solid business plan is essential, but in the startup world, things change rapidly. Like rock climbing, every new height reached provides a fresh perspective. Entrepreneurs must adapt their strategies based on new information, ensuring their plans remain dynamic rather than rigid.
4. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: Success isn’t the finish line, it’s the launchpad. Every win sets the stage for the next challenge. To keep moving forward, you must continuously expand your skills, network, and perspective.
5. Persistence is Key: People think you need a track record to get opportunities. But you build a track record by taking action. Don’t wait for permission, be persistent. It’s not about doing the same thing over and over; it’s about learning, refining, and adapting until you get it right. Success comes from not giving up.
6. Storytelling is the Lifeline of Any Business: Regardless of the industry—tech, healthcare, or consumer goods—every startup begins by selling just one thing: belief. Entrepreneurs must master the art of storytelling and persuasion to attract customers, investors, and partners.
7. Integrity is Non-Negotiable: Business landscapes shift, but relationships built on trust endure. Entrepreneurs who uphold integrity will find that even in difficult times, their credibility and networks remain intact. Without integrity, everything else crumbles.
8. Don’t Do It for the Money: Chasing money alone leads to short-term gains and long-term dissatisfaction. Instead, focus on building something meaningful. When you love your work, success follows as a byproduct. The entrepreneurial journey itself should be as fulfilling as the ultimate goal.
9. Let Go and Let Serendipity Play Its Part: Ego can be an entrepreneur’s biggest enemy. Some of the most significant breakthroughs happen by accident—like Post-it Notes and Rogaine. Roadblocks often signal opportunities to reassess and pivot. Having faith in the bigger picture can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
10. Build a Strong Foundation: To acquire customers and investors, three elements are crucial:
- A Compelling Story: Clearly articulate the problem you’re solving and why it matters.
- A Strong Team: Investors and customers buy into people as much as they do ideas.
- A Great Product: Solve a real problem and ensure your solution is viable and scalable.
Beyond these commandments, cultivating great habits is key. Surround yourself with insightful books, inspiring mentors, and people who push you to grow. Entrepreneurship is not a sprint but a lifelong journey of learning, adapting, and making an impact.
These principles serve as a guiding light for those ready to embark on this journey. With passion, persistence, and purpose, entrepreneurs can build companies that succeed and create lasting change.
About the author:
Shalabh Gupta, MD, is a physician by training and the founder of three biotech companies. He built his latest company, Unicycive, from the ground up, with no funding or assets. When he took the company public on Nasdaq, it had only one full-time employee: himself. Dr. Gupta firmly believes that his achievements are made possible through the support of friends, mentors, and countless individuals who have been a part of his journey, both directly and indirectly.
Also read:
6 Powerful Ways to Prepare for Entrepreneurship
5 New Entrepreneurship Books to Add to Your Reading List
Image source: elements.envato.com
