This is how entrepreneurs reduce uncertainty

Independence is overrated

Of course, when growing up, gaining financial, intellectual, and emotional independence is important. It builds confidence and brings freedom to make our own choices.

It took me a long time to be financially independent. It affected me a lot and still has ripple effect today.

Still, there's a pervasive belief that independence is the highest level of human evolution

It's not.

As Stephen R. Covey wrote in his famous book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people, everything in nature is interdependent.

Interdependence is the highest level of maturity

According to him, interindependence is actually the highest level of maturity.

This concept applies to everything in life:

• Children depends on their family

• Populations in an ecosystem interact with each other's

• Food systems are a network of actors exchanging goods and money

• Employees need to create value for their colleagues and their organisation

(If you like that sort of thinking, have a look at permaculture: the art and science of designing efficient systems. I won't dive into it here)

We are made of interdependence

As an entrepreneur or a leader, you NEED to develop awareness of those interactions.

They will make or break your business.

In the 2000s, Saras Sarasvathy developed the concept of Effectuation to explain how entrepreneurs build businesses.

She formulated 5 principles and one of them is called the Crazy Quilt.

I see its application and importance everyday while coaching entrepreneurs.

The Crazy Quilt is how entrepreneurs reduce uncertainty

Entrepreneurship is all uncertainty:

• Will my product sell?

• Will I find customers?

• Will a new norm pop up?

• Will I have enough money this month?

So how do you deal with that?

You connect and build relationship.
You build a crazy Quilt.

Every new piece of fabric on your quilt is a new connection, a new relationship.

Everytime you build a relationship with someone or an organization, you reduce uncertainty.

The more relationships and the more connections you build, the safer you become.

• Farmers help you develop your product

• Lawyers help you navigate regulations

• Distributors ensure reliable delivery

• Grants and investors bring money

• Mentors open up their network

• Accelerators brings coaches

Little by little your life as an entrepreneur become a patchwork of network and connections

It's becomes a Crazy Quilt.

To recap

The more connected you are
The less uncertainty you have

The more connected you are
The more resilient you are

This is the sentence I repeat the most as head of programs at StartLife:

Business is all about relationships.

So, tell me:

How big is your quilt?
Are you intentional about it?

If not, connect!
Jean

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