An essential ingredient to any start-up business is passion and drive. The founders must have sufficient energy and conviction to carry them through the ups and downs they will inevitably face in starting and growing a business. From my own experience, the extreme highs and extreme lows of a start up can quickly take a toll on the founder / entrepreneur. The entrepreneur must also be able to communicate this enthusiasm to their employees in such a way that it becomes contagious and part of the company’s culture. “Here are some good questions to consider as you evaluate the “energy” of a new start up business.
- Who carries the passion and energy for this new business / venture?
- How is that passion and vision communicated?
- Is it a compelling story?
- What essential elements or characteristics of the entrepreneur or CEO will define the company’s culture?
- Is this passion and energy shared by others in the organization? If so, who? What roles?
- Is the company vision clearly communicated to and understood by all employees?
- Are all employees located in one place?
- Is this their only “job” – have they fully committed themselves to the success of this business idea?
- Do all key employees live in the same place where the company is based? If no, why not?
- Would you be excited to work at this company?