One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Daymond John – the famous American businessman, investor, and television personality from the hit TV show Shark Tank. He said, “Make It. Master It. Then, Matter.” It means that founders and entrepreneurs must not fall in love with one’s altruistic cause or utopian ideology before the business is on a solid foundation or a successful path.
I’ve met and heard from many young and aspiring founders and entrepreneurs who begin their ambitious and purpose-driven businesses wanting to make their mark in the world, only to end up failing or giving up before any real traction takes place.
They didn’t fail because they were bad leaders or because their business ideas weren’t good. They failed because they put their purpose and passion ahead of profits, which resulted in missed opportunities and leaving money on the table.
The reality is, it’s easy to fall in love with one’s altruistic cause or utopian ideology only to lose sight of what really matters in the business world – PROFITS.
So, don’t make the same mistakes as these young entrepreneurs.
Because you won’t matter if your business doesn’t make it.