It’s springtime in New York, and that means we’re all emerging from hibernation and realizing how boring our day jobs are.
Spring is the time when we think hard about what it takes to set out on our own and to venture into the void with a brand new idea and see what’s on the other side.
Spring also marks #40Forward all over the world, a program led by Google for Entrepreneurs aimed at assisting and funding organizations that are “increasing the representation of women entrepreneurs in their startup communities.”
Here at Startup Grind, we’re hosting Women Take the Stage fireside chats to celebrate #40Forward. In the next few months, we’ll be featuring successful women business leaders in the NYC community and having conversations that may inspire you to take the leap and found your own startup.
On Thursday, May 22, we’re hosting Kelly Hoey of Cuurio and founder of the Women Innovate Mobile Accelerator. We asked Kelly a few questions in preparation for her Startup Grind appearance, and she didn’t disappoint.
What are some things that aspiring entrepreneurs should know about working with established brands?
Simple: It is about the brand. Ask how your product or community can help the brand, not how the brand or the brand's community can help your startup.
What should startup founders remember when things get tough?
Founding a company is easier and cheaper than ever, but don't be fooled into believing that growing and scaling one is easy, too. As Elon Musk recently said: "Being an entrepreneur is like eating glass." Quite the dramatic visual, however, ask yourself: "do I have the stamina and fortitude to eat glass?"
That’s some good advice. We can tell you from experience that startups with a focus on helping other people achieve their goals tend to be the most successful. So here’s to being prepared to eat glass and see things through to the end!
Catch our full interview with Kelly LIVE on Thursday, May 22 at the NYU Poly Varick Street Incubator at 6 PM. Tickets are still available; click here to purchase.
In June, we’ll be sitting down with Alexa von Tobel of LearnVest. The location will be announced soon, and you can get early-bird tickets here.