Entrepreneurship is Math... ish

The Entrepreneur's Formula: Idea + Execution + Luck = Success

When you look around, every business you see—whether it’s Apple, Exxon Mobil, or your favorite local coffee shop—was started by someone with a vision. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you compare yourself to giants, but here’s the truth: every successful business started out small, just like any aspiring entrepreneur’s idea.

You might think, “Starting the next big company is impossible!” That’s the voice of misinformation talking. Because when you break down entrepreneurship, it really boils down to a simple equation:

Idea + Execution + Risk/Luck = Success.

Let’s break it down.

The Idea: Get Out ASAP

A great idea is important, but the real goal is to get out of this stage as quickly as possible. A bad idea can certainly hurt your chances, but staying stuck in "idea mode" means you'll never have a chance to succeed.

Ideas come in three flavors:

• Original Ideas: These solve problems that have never been solved before. Think Apple’s iPhone or Xerox’s laser printers. Revolutionary!

• Innovative Ideas: These take something existing and apply it in a new way or to a new industry. Ford’s assembly line and fractional real estate are prime examples.

• Replicated Ideas: These aren’t groundbreaking, but they fill demand where supply is short. Think of local plumbers, gas stations, or even SEO agencies. These are often lifestyle businesses but can still be highly successful.

But here’s the kicker: Don’t get too caught up in the idea stage. If you’re not sure where to start, go talk to business owners in your area. Ask them what problems they face and see how you can help. That could be your starting point.

The Execution: Where the Magic Happens

Execution is where real success is born. Most entrepreneurs will tell you that the company they run today looks very different from the idea they started with. That’s because once you dive into the work, the real opportunities start to reveal themselves.

As the saying goes, "The person with the most information wins." The more you do, the more you learn—and the more chances you have to pivot into something better.

But before you scale, there are a few key decisions to make:

• Who’s the captain of the ship? Even if you have a 50/50 partner, someone needs to have the final say to keep things moving. No business ever grew through indecision.

• What’s the vision? This is your guiding star. It keeps your team aligned and moving in the same direction.

• Who’s on your team? Surround yourself with adaptable, fast learners who live by the motto “Now, now how.” In other words, people who take action and figure it out along the way.

Luck and Risk: The Unseen Forces at Play

Why did Bill Gates become one of the richest men in the world? It’s not just because he’s smart. It’s because his high school was one of the first to have a computer, and he had extensive access to it. He worked hard, but he also got lucky.

Here’s the thing about luck: the harder you work, the more opportunities for luck to strike. So work hard, take calculated risks, and be prepared when luck shows up.

At the end of the day, entrepreneurship is about balancing these three elements: a good idea, relentless execution, and being ready for a bit of luck to come your way. It’s a journey, but you don’t have to go it alone.

We’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s build something great—together.