Those who survive drink from the Golden Cup.
This is a guest column by Amrutash Misra, the co-founder at Life Online which runs The ilovereadin’ Library. Before that, he worked at Hindustan Unilever. And before that, he was a student at IIT Madras. For Amrut, the glass is never half empty. It’s always half full.
I recently read this and I think it’s worth sharing. I must also add that I can’t remember where I read it. I think I read it in Ladakh. But my wife disagrees and she was with me all along. If I did read it in Ladakh, then it’s probably an ancient Buddhist saying that survived many Ladakhi winters, in a self-referential way.
Ask Google to define survival, and it spurts, “The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.” Survival is a basic corporate instinct. For instance, if a company is forced off the edge, then it’ll put up a fight and get right back. If it is threatened, it’ll back off. Some entrepreneurs argue that survival is the raison d’être for companies. The survival instinct is stronger in some companies (think GE, Ford and Hoshi Ryokan) and weaker in a few. At the end of the day, those who survive, they continue. We respect companies who’ve lived to be healthy at 90 and alive at 110. We forget the ones who die.
At iloveread.in, we believe that survival is so important that we make it the centre piece of our existence. In past recruitment interviews, we’ve asked applicants to research on what it is about some companies that enables them to survive for so long. One applicant came back with a host of ideas from authors who had written about the GE way. There is much literature you can read in these books – link, link and link. A short summary of that email would be – 100 year old companies like GE focus on strong leadership, adaptability, talent and culture, brand influence and networking.
But this article isn’t about companies like GE. It is about start-ups. What do start-ups need to survive? For starters, start-ups need to survive the first 1000 days. Gujarati traders, for instance, have a saying, that a shop that survives the first 1000 days will survive through. My optimistic cheat sheet of things that must survive the first 1000 days of a start-up –
- Money.
That’s a sitter. If you’re out of money, then the game is over. If your bank account survived the first 1000 days and your balance sheet shows some current assets, then there is promise, if not something better. For non-entrepreneurs: money in the bank is like the health of your character. Once the health is over, game is over. My recommendation: Count, everyday. - Self-belief.
Starting-up can be an assault on your self-belief. There will be clients and customers who reject you, who don’t pay – which is a milder form of saying “NO”. Holding on to one’s self-belief, in all the ups and downs, is probably the biggest test of an entrepreneur. My recommendation: Buy a pair of good sun-glasses. It’ll make it easier in the Sun. - Your moral compass. In business, even in a start-up or a young company, your moral and ethical compass will always be under pressure to give way for profits. My recommendation: Sit straight. Keep your hands above the table.
- Your family.
A start-up is an entrepreneur’s baby. But many families don’t understand this now, do they? My recommendation: Take the time out and explain it to them. - Your friendships.
Where was the time to take out for friends? My recommendation: Involve your friends. While starting up, har ek friend zaroori hota hai.
Ah, so back to the point. Those who survive drink from the Golden Cup. Either literally. Or figuratively. Or monetarily. Oh, and apparently, intelligence has nothing to do with long-term survival.
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
far east movement album 2011…
[...]senior animal health officer and head of the emergency prevention system[...]…
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Interesting…….
A very unique post….
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Wikia…
Wika linked to this place…
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG today I noticed this…
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Tumblr article…
I saw a writer talking about this on Tumblr and it linked to…
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG today I found this…
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Superb website…
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Informative and precise…
Its difficult to find informative and accurate information but here I noted…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Want to be in the spotlight for once…
with people recognizing your talent whilst at the same time gaining exposure. Beat100 is the ultimate launch pad for unsigned talent to be seen, heard and rewarded….
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Its hard to find good help…
I am forever proclaiming that its difficult to find quality help, but here is…
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Trackback Priority…
I’m really impressed with your writing skills as neatly as with the format to your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the nice quality writing, it’s rare to look a great weblog like this one these …
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
obama grandmother kenya birth…
[...]this is really attention-grabbing, [...]…
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Informative and precise…
Its hard to find informative and accurate information but here I noted…
Bored at work…
I like to browse in various places on the online world, often I will go to Stumble Upon and read and check stuff out…
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Check this out…
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Blogs you should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG yesterday I found this…
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Cool sites…
[...]we came across a cool site that you might enjoy. Take a look if you want[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Yahoo results…
While browsing Yahoo I discovered this page in the results and I didn’t think it fit…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Awesome website…
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Trackback Priority…
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you actually recognize what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please additionally discuss with my site =). We can have a hyperlink trade agreement among us!…
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
You should check this out…
[...] Wonderful story, reckoned we could combine a few unrelated data, nevertheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one learn about Mid East has got more problerms as well [...]……
Online Article……
[...]The information mentioned in the article are some of the best available [...]……
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
abettors…
Hi Martin, here are answers to your questions…….
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Comment…
Thank you for all of the effort on this blog…
Comment…
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any way you possibly can take away me from that service? Thanks!…
news channel 5 cleveland…
[...]maybe you have find several ways by which [...]…
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Superb website…
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]If you have found yourself short of money, then you may need a quick lend of money[...]…
The typical documents that the companies ask for is your drivers license, your past paychecks and your utility bills…
Tumblr article…
I saw a writer talking about this on Tumblr and it linked to…
Comment…
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!……
Comment…
I really like that. You touched my heart!…
Comment…
This really answered my problem, thank you!…
Comment…
I like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon….
Comment…
It is highly useful for me. Large thumbs up for this weblog post!…
Comment…
This really answered the problem, thank you!…
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...] that is the end of this article. Here you’ll find some sites that we think you’ll appreciate, just click the links over[...]……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Bored at work…
I like to browse around the online world, regularly I will go to Stumble Upon and read and check stuff out…
Comment…
I was very pleased to find this website. I wanted to thank you for your time for this wonderful post!! I definitely enjoy reading it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post….
Comment…
You made some respectable points there. I searched on the web for the problem and found most people will go along with along with your website….
Comment…
Can I simply say what a relief to find someone who truly knows what they’re talking about on the internet….
Comment…
This is the best web blog I have read….
Comment…
I really like that. You touched my heart!…
Comment…
Nice post. I learn something more challenging on different blogs everyday. Thanks for sharing….
Comment…
I wish to express appreciation to the writer for this wonderful post….
[...]the time to read or visit the content or sites we have linked to below the[...]……
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Comment…
I desire to make use of some of the content on my weblog. Naturally I’ll offer you a hyperlink on my internet blog. Thanks for sharing….
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
[...]There are many reasons as to why people get the payday loans check[...]…
What used to take most of the day can now be completed within the hour…
I do not agree but…
[...]Very well, I really don’t accept everything you have pointed out at the page, but I really do honor your perspective[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
[...]always a big fan of linking to bloggers that I love but don’t get a lot of link love from[...]……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
While Coming to Chengdu China……
Tactics – Choosing outstanding Chengdu Massage solutions while you’re visiting in Chengdu China…
While Heading to Chengdu China……
Ideas – Receiving great Chengdu Massage treatments while you’re going within Chengdu China…
Blogs ou should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Sites we Like……
[...] Every once in a while we choose blogs that we read. Listed below are the latest sites that we choose [...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
When ever Travelling to Shanghai China……
Helpful hints – Getting really good Shanghai Massage treatments if you are visiting in Shanghai China…
When ever Touring Shanghai China……
Helpful hints – Finding excellent Shanghai Massage therapies while you’re traveling within Shanghai China…
Gems form the internet…
[...]very few websites that happen to be detailed below, from our point of view are undoubtedly well worth checking out[...]……
Digg this…
While checking out DIGG today I noticed this…
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Recent Blogroll Additions……
[...]usually posts some very interesting stuff like this. If you’re new to this site[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Related……
[...]just beneath, are numerous totally not related sites to ours, however, they are surely worth going over[...]……
Links…
[...]Sites of interest we have a link to[...]……
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Looking around…
While I was browsing today I saw a great article about…
Blogs you should be reading…
[...]Here is a Great Blog You Might Find Interesting that we Encourage You[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Websites worth visiting…
[...]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[...]……
Visitor recommendations…
[...]one of our visitors recently recommended the following website[...]……
Websites we think you should visit…
[...]although websites we backlink to below are considerably not related to ours, we feel they are actually worth a go through, so have a look[...]……
Recommeneded websites…
[...]Here are some of the sites we recommend for our visitors[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Read was interesting, stay in touch……
[...]please visit the sites we follow, including this one, as it represents our picks from the web[...]……
Websites you should visit…
[...]below you’ll find the link to some sites that we think you should visit[...]……
Yahoo results…
While searching Yahoo I found this page in the results and I didn’t think it fit…
Sources…
[...]check below, are some totally unrelated websites to ours, however, they are most trustworthy sources that we use[...]……
Great website…
[...]we like to honor many other internet sites on the web, even if they aren’t linked to us, by linking to them. Under are some webpages worth checking out[...]……
good one.. looking forward to know some more on how to set out for a dream chase…
Good to read your article,any suggession to launch new product into the market dear..
Hehe, plus when we started (in Chennai), I did buy a pair of sunglasses because we were on the road a lot.
Buying a piece of sunglasses is really a good piece of advice- this will definitely work for people with a great deal of self belief!!!
Its always wonderful and amazing to work in a startup, it gives you an immense sense of autonomy and freedom to work as you always wished to(ofcourse in synch with the vision)
Wow what a nice read…. first 1000 days in a startup is very crucial… once you survive for 1000 days, you will never be willing to come out….