Sean O'Shea’s Post

Many people often say that starting a business is the key to earning more money, as a job might not provide the same financial rewards. However, in my experience, there's a point where money stops being the primary motivator. What I've found truly inspiring is the thrill of executing ideas. One of the greatest advantages of being in business is the power to bring your ideas to life. It's not necessarily about the big, groundbreaking innovations. Sometimes, the most satisfying moments come from smaller, yet significant actions. It could be as simple as approving a content script and watching it go viral, creating a franchise model and seeing it gain traction, or crafting a brand story that resonates with stakeholders and observing their reactions. There's immense satisfaction in the process—whether it's getting a response from a cold email, an unexpected meeting with a stranger turning into a valuable business relationship, or any of the countless other moments that make this journey exciting. It's the power of creation, the ability to think of something new, implement it, and watch it grow. For me, this constant flow of new challenges and opportunities to innovate is the real motivation. It's about the journey of turning ideas into reality and the fulfillment that comes from seeing them succeed.

A common request I hear from aspiring new business founders is for an assessment of their latest idea. I don't even try to critique things at the idea level since I can't read minds to fill in the details. I can evaluate execution plans if you have any. Yet I believe that business success is more a function of the person than the idea or the plan, so the best idea is one that is the best fit for you, and only you can assess that.

I'm reading Paul Graham's new piece about Founder Mode (https://lnkd.in/eiRJdtNm) today. There's plenty of advice out there teaching founders how to start and run a company. One thing I've found that works so far is trying, experimenting, and being brutally honest about what's working and what isn't. It sounds easy, but you'd be surprised how many people refuse to acknowledge when things aren't working. Several psychological barriers come into play: • They did that, so why can't I? (One thing I've learned is that success can never be copied. Too many factors contribute: timing, luck, connections, etc.) • I don't have enough data to make decisions. (Fair, but is that really true?) • It worked for me in the past with this one person, why isn't it working anymore? • Changing approaches and pivoting are too scary. What about the sunk cost? • No one else seems to see what I'm seeing. Am I stupid? • Maybe I will just get lucky? There's no single way to run a successful business. Everyone's on their own journey. The only way to win is to keep trial and error until you find something that works.

Life isn't black or white, and neither is business. Imagine navigating the corporate world like a seasoned poker player, where it's not about right or wrong moves, but about playing the odds. Every decision we make in business isn't about certainty; it's about probability. The most successful entrepreneurs and leaders are those who understand that there are no guarantees, only chances. They weigh their options, assess risks, and make decisions based on the best probability of success. Consider this: when launching a new product, there's no surefire guarantee it will captivate the market. However, thorough market research, understanding customer needs, and iterative testing increase the probability of its success. This mindset shift—from seeking absolute correctness to calculating probabilities—can be liberating. It encourages risk-taking within the realm of calculated odds, fosters resilience, and prepares us for multiple outcomes. So, next time you're faced with a tough decision, ask yourself: What are the probabilities of success? How can I tilt the odds in my favor? Let's start thinking in probabilities, not absolutes. Share your thoughts or a time when thinking in probabilities paid off for you. Let’s engage in a thought-provoking discussion on embracing uncertainty and making it work in our favor.

Starting a business is a journey full of lessons. Here are a few I wish I had known from the start: 1. Embrace the Power of Delegation ↳ Effective delegation is crucial for freeing up your time and empowering your team. ↳ By trusting your team and providing them with the necessary resources, you can focus on higher-level tasks and drive business growth. 2. Build Strong Relationships ↳ Networking and building relationships with other professionals can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations. ↳ Attend industry events, connect with like-minded individuals, and actively participate in online communities. 3. Prioritize Continuous Learning ↳ The business landscape is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated on industry trends and best practices. ↳ Invest in your professional development through workshops, conferences, and online courses. 4. Embrace Risk and Uncertainty ↳ Entrepreneurship is inherently risky. Be willing to take calculated risks and embrace the unknown. ↳ Remember, every successful business started with a leap of faith. 5. Focus on Customer Satisfaction ↳ Prioritize customer needs and strive to deliver exceptional service. ↳ Satisfied customers are more likely to become loyal advocates for your business. 6. Build a Strong Team ↳ Surround yourself with talented and dedicated individuals who share your vision. ↳ A strong team can make all the difference in your business's success. 7. Embrace Technology ↳ Leverage technology to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and stay competitive. 8. Celebrate Milestones ↳ Acknowledge and reward your team's achievements to boost morale and foster a positive work culture. 9. Learn from Failure ↳ View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. 10. Never Give Up ↳ The path to success is often filled with challenges. Stay persistent, maintain a positive attitude, and never give up on your dreams. What are your biggest takeaways from your entrepreneurial journey? Like & Repost ♻ to help fellow entrepreneurs grow!

Knowing every aspect of your business inside out, and often finding yourself taking tasks back from your team, thinking, "I can do this faster, better, with fewer mistakes"? Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Many entrepreneurs face this challenge. I once had a client who was in this exact situation. Knew every aspect of his company inside out. He'd started on the production floor, mastering every single task.  But as his business grew, he found himself overwhelmed. He always felt he could do things better, faster, and with higher quality.  He delegated tasks but almost immediately took them back, thinking: 👉 "They're going to make mistakes.” 👉 "We might lose a client.” 👉 "Something’s going to go wrong.” But here's the problem: By constantly stepping in, he was unknowingly sending two dangerous messages: ❌ "I don't trust you." ❌ "I don't believe in your ability to grow." ❌ “You can’t do it” The result?  He ended up creating a team that stopped taking ownership, created a culture where people didn't feel empowered, and a system that stagnated the growth of his business. So, how do we turn this around together? ✅ He went from fear to trust ✅ He worked on a compelling mission and vision and set clear goals for himself and the team.  ✅ He put communication systems in place that allowed him and the team to be informed ✅ He learned to delegate tasks, even when team members weren’t 100% ready. ✅ He positioned himself as a supportive guide, not a micromanager. ✅ He created an environment where his team felt safe asking for help. The transformation led to: 🚀 His team began to take full ownership of their work. 🚀 Collaboration and trust grew among his team members. 🚀 And he found more time to focus on the strategic, high-level tasks that truly drive business success. He didn’t just change how he managed his team; he transformed how he led his company. By trusting his team, he unlocked their potential, creating a culture where people felt empowered to grow, contribute, and take ownership. The big lesson? You don’t have to do it all. Trust your team. Empower them to step up, and watch your entire business thrive. When you let go, you open up space for growth, innovation, and true success.  What if you could make this happen too?  That's where my unique approach comes into play: Introducing my "Reinvent Yourself" High-Performance Coaching Program.  With over 25 years of experience in technology and leadership, I offer a unique, results-driven approach designed to help entrepreneurs break through their barriers and achieve exceptional results. Ready to reinvent the way you lead and unlock your full potential?   Just send me a quick message with the word “Reinvent,” and let’s get started.

As a founder it’s easy to get seduced by the idea that you are a visionary. Thinking of yourself as someone that sees opportunités where others see dead ends is intoxicating. And it’s usually bullshit. There are only so many Steve Jobs and Zuckerbergs. The critical thing to remember as a founder is that what makes you restless and inventive is also what makes you, often, not representative of the market. Never stop questioning if what is interesting and of value to YOU will be interesting and valuable enough to others to make it a viable business. Faking it until you’re making it is cool and all but being honest with yourself is better if you want to succeed.

Most entrepreneurs I know are glued to their desks: → Zoom call at 8 am → Emails & admin until 11 am → Quick bite (at the desk) at 12 pm → Back-to-back client work until 7 pm → Dinner, then more work until midnight I get it, hustle culture is addictive. But that's no way to live long-term. You know what's better? Owning a business, not just operating it. Here's how you can flip the script: → Implement Systems: A well-oiled machine runs itself. → Leverage: Automation and delegation are your best friend. → Remove Yourself: If you’re in every process, you’re the bottleneck. → Focusing On Owning, Not Operating: This is a hugely different mindset. You can keep grinding 16-hour days. And if they are making life easier later, great. But if you’re sprinting on a treadmill without moving forward. You can: → Stop glorifying the grind → Implement smart systems NOW → Find your leverage points and use 'em → Aim to own, not just operate your business Your business is supposed to give you freedom, not chain you to your desk. So what's stopping you? Remember why you started this in the first place. Make it happen. Want to dive deeper? I recorded a video for you. It's been the most popular video on my YouTube channel. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/edxP-Mug 🏝

There are many reasons why as a Founder you should share your entrepreneurial story. Your story will build connections and trust. A well-told story builds an emotional connection with potential customers, investors, and employees. People connect with passion and purpose, and Founders' stories reveal the heart behind the business. This fosters trust and makes the company more relatable. Your unique story is key to your brand identity and differentiation. A Founder's story can become a core part of the brand identity. It highlights what makes the company unique and the driving force behind its mission. This helps a business stand out from competitors. Your story serves as much needed inspiration and motivation. A Founder's story can be a powerful source of inspiration. Sharing struggles, challenges overcome, and the journey to success motivates others and attracts talent who believe in the vision. Your story can also help in attracting investment. Investors are not just investing in a product or service; they're investing in the people behind it. A strong Founder's story demonstrates passion, determination, and leadership qualities, which can make a business a more attractive investment opportunity. Your story helps with employee engagement. A Founder's story can connect with employees on a deeper level. It gives context to the company's mission and purpose, fostering a sense of shared ownership and commitment among the team. Sharing your story is about going beyond the product or service and showcasing the human element that is driving your business forward. Looking to tell your Founder story? Contact me via DNA-Business over at www.dna.co.za or directly at [email protected]

Building a business isn’t glamorous. It’s brutal. Here’s the real truth: → Start ugly Your first product will suck. Launch it anyway. Perfect comes later. Progress comes first. → Cash is king Revenue solves 90% of problems. Chase sales, not likes or followers. → Say no Opportunities are endless. Your time and focus aren’t. Protect them fiercely. → Outsource the small stuff Delegate fast. You can’t do everything and scale. Focus on growth. → Embrace failure You will fail. Over and over. The trick is not giving up. Think building a business is about having the perfect idea? Nope. It’s about execution, grit, and showing up every day.