Hey I wrote a mini essay I thought you’d like it. Here it goes -

The shape your business takes is defined by all the things you say no to. Most people think building a business is like pottery:

You start with the raw material, and give it the shape you want - you try to build it with a predetermined form. Based on your "vision".

But that rarely happens.

What actually happens:

You start with a block of stone, and slowly chisel away all the unnecessary parts from it. To come up with a beautiful sculpture.

Here’s what I mean -

Over the last 5 years I've tried different businesses, discovered so many things that I DON'T want to do, and found some success with only the things that are left out.

For all of these reasons all my products have a self serve model and major growth channels have to be SEO and social media.

So many of these decisions are made based on all the things I've said NO to in the last 5 years.

It's like chipping away tiny bits of tactics and strategies that you don't want to do - and whatever is left is the shape your business takes.

Of course, this shape is a reflection of your own personality as a founder.

Which extends the argument - not just your business, but your personality is formed by all the things that you say no to.

Building a life is like sculpting, not like pottery.

What do you think? Do you see your business as sculpting or pottery?

Do let me know what you thought of this mini essay and if you would like to read more of them going forward.

best,

Ayush 🙏

PS: Read THIS If you're building your 1st product as a solo founder