I was at a startup meetup, waiting for my turn to speak. The person before me delivered a passionate talk about risk-taking, visionary thinking, and disruptive innovation.
At first, I agreed with the idea that entrepreneurship is a powerful force for solving major problems. But as he continued, I realized the entrepreneurs in the audience didn’t need to hear it. Everyone attending already knew the value of entrepreneurship, so why repeat it?
Then I glanced at my notes and realized I had written the same thing—another speech about big visions and bold risks. But in reality, startup founders don’t spend their days thinking about being visionaries. They’re dealing with practical issues like securing meetings, hiring talent, and making sure they don’t run out of cash before they find product-market fit.
In the few minutes I had before my turn , I flipped my notes over and started scribbling down a new list—real, actionable skills entrepreneurs actually need. It wasn’t flashy, but it was more relevant.
When I stepped up to speak, I shared a personal story about a time my first startup was on the verge of collapse. “In that moment,” I told the crowd, “visionary leadership didn’t save my company. What saved it were practical skills—writing effective emails, managing my time, and negotiating a key contract.”
I saw the crowd react. Some people murmured, but I wasn’t sure if it was positive or negative. I pushed forward. “Entrepreneurship matters,” I said, “but the things that kept my startup alive weren’t lofty ideals. It was a set of simple, often mundane skills that made the difference between failure and survival.”
I went on to outline those skills, explaining why each one mattered. The message wasn’t as grand as what I had originally planned, but it felt more practical, and I’m proud of that.
Here are the key skills I shared, in case they help you too:
Skill 1: Mastering the Art of Effective Emails
Emails are the foundation of modern business. The top entrepreneurs know how to craft concise, purposeful messages that respect the recipient’s time and lead to clear actions.
Skill 2: Being Comfortable with Ambiguity
Entrepreneurship is full of uncertainty. Being able to make decisions without all the answers is critical.
Skill 3: Time Management
You’ll wear many hats as an entrepreneur, so managing your time effectively is essential. It’s not glamorous, but without it, you’ll struggle to juggle everything.
Skill 4: Building and Leveraging Networks
Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can provide support, open doors, and create opportunities.
Skill 5: Self-directed Learning
Entrepreneurs must constantly learn. The world is always changing, and the best founders are those who stay curious and continually educate themselves.
Skill 6: Google Wizardry
Knowing how to search effectively on Google may sound trivial, but it’s crucial for finding information quickly, researching competitors, and solving problems on the fly.
Skill 7: AI Wizardry
Today, being proficient with AI tools is just as important as being good with Google. AI can accelerate tasks that used to take weeks, so use it to your advantage.
Skill 8: Basic Writing and Design
Even if you’re not a professional writer or designer, understanding the basics will help you create clear, compelling messages and provide valuable feedback to your team.
Skill 9: Public Speaking
Whether you’re pitching to investors or leading a meeting, good public speaking is vital. It builds credibility and helps you communicate your vision effectively.
Skill 10: Learning to Say “I Don’t Know”
The most underrated skill? Admitting when you don’t have the answer. It’s not a weakness—it’s the first step to finding new solutions and thinking outside the box.
Ultimately, while visionary thinking and bold risk-taking are important, it’s these everyday skills that truly drive startups forward.
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