Advisors

One of the most valuable and, let's face it, the only resources available to an individual starting his first business are advisors. While investors have a lot of sagacity to offer, they expect something in return. While parents (at least mine) have opinions every which way and on every topic, they are not always well versed in the troubles plaguing you. Their worldly experiences are a huge boon, and their hope for your success a great motivator, but their perceived power over you can be distraction. Any stranger on the street or, more likely, sharing a shot at the local bar, has a brilliant piece of insight that you, with your meager million hours of thought on the topic, have probably not realized.

Therefore, a line must be drawn between advisors and those who want to offer advice. Everyone has something to add. Friends think you should do one thing, venture capitalists another, and your favorite bloggers a third. But advisors are the people you choose to surround yourself with who will listen because they want to, not because you are contracted to offer them anything but respect and gratitude in return. Advisors have experience in diverse fields that you believe can give them perspective into your own, and are able to leverage their knowledge and bend it to serve your needs. And advisors provide insight, advice and, perhaps most importantly, companionship on your journey.

Starting a company can be a lonely feeling. One small person, fighting the system that says to get a job and the world that just doesn't work the way you think it can. Friends and family care and support you, but few really understand what the struggle looks and feels like. And, truthfully, you try to put on a brave face in front of them all to let family know you aren't letting them down, and tell friends that your career is just as rewarding as theirs (sure, entrepreneurs don't get free weekly happy hours, or gym/sauna/massage memberships or much of a paycheck, but we're on the brink of something huge!!)

Advisors are there for this purpose. They have started companies or been around start ups often enough to appreciate your psyche. They are great sounding boards, great idea generators, and great sources of positivity. They'll provide support, critique, and neutral suggestions at times you need each the most.

So don't go off and think you can do things yourself. Hundreds of people, not too far from you, have something to offer. Whether support, advice, or guidance, surround oneself with people you trust and value can be the difference between failure and success, between quitting and persevering.