LONELY AT THE TOP?

It's easy to think "Oh, I'll just start my own company." After all, we see how "easy" it seems to be for all those tech-savvy Millennials to dream up great ideas that end up as IPOs. Entrepreneurs are a different breed of cat. They view the world differently, seeing possibilities, where others might see obstacles. They see opportunities where others might see road blocks. They possess an uncanny ability to survive on little sleep. Even those with ADHD seem to be able to hyper focus on their idea and dream.

(photo courtesy of alumni.state.gov)

New technology has opened up worlds of opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. Virtual offices are no longer an experiment in flex-schedules of the '80s and '90s, but an every day reality. Yes, my entrepreneur wannabe's, it may seem like starting a business is a walk in the park. Grab a clever domain name. Set up a slick Wix website. Park yourself in front of your computer for hours on end at your local Starbucks. Or maybe on your patio.

For every brilliant idea that succeeds, there are hundreds, if not thousands, that end up on "the cutting room floor."

If you're an entrepreneur waiting in the wings, learn as much as you can about business basics before dropping a dime on that big idea. SL learned it the hard way, losing plenty of big bucks, before learning that she didn't know it all. Check out your local campus continuing ed classes on business. Gather your team of advisors, supporters, influencers, and by all means, learn this: You don't know it all. You can't do it all. It takes a team. Hire smart, not hire for friendship. Hire to fill in your weaknesses. Hire to nurture talent. And if you're hiring Millennials, learn what turns on this much-maligned group.They are your future. They are THE future.

If you're already a successful entrepreneur, SL shares your pain, and your joy at being your own boss. But yours truly knows that it is lonely at the top. Only another entrepreneur can truly understand what it's like to lose a big account, and worry about making payroll. Only another entrepreneur can truly understand the heartbreak of pouring your energy and support into a valued employee only to lose that employee to a competitor.

Surviving at the top of the Entrepreneur's Everest requires sharing the oxygen with other climbers. Reach out. Engage. Let go of the ego's temptation that only you have the answers to the ascent, or you'll join the climbers who slipped off the mountain into oblivion.

Wishing you spex-tacular success in sharing the top with other climbers!