When starting a business, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating something new. But this excitement doesn’t always translate into the level of success you’d like. When you have an investor or a co-founder who has high expectations for the company’s performance, it’s important to find a balance between meeting those expectations and maintaining a healthy work environment.
When it comes to expectations, there’s a fine line between setting the right ones and being unrealistic. If you’re not sure what your priorities should be, think about what the company would look like if you didn’t have any investors. This will help you prioritize tasks and develop a plan that’s realistic for the company’s growth.
There are several things you can do to prevent the situation from turning sour. For example, if you’re working with an investor, don’t try to do everything yourself. This will only create resentment on both sides of the table. If you need help with the business side, find someone who has the skill set you need. For instance, if you’re not great with finance, hire a CPA or financial adviser who can give you advice. If you’re not confident in your design abilities, hire a graphic designer. You’ll be able to focus on what you’re good at, while getting the help you need.
It’s also important to manage expectations from your co-founders. It’s easy to feel pressured when a co-founder makes unrealistic demands, but this is a natural part of the process. If you’re working with a co-founder who has higher expectations, don’t take it personally. Co-founders often push each other to grow, so it’s important to remember that.
If you’re working with a co-founder who is less concerned about the growth of your startup, the best way to address this is to have a conversation with him or her. Ask questions like, “How can we make this company succeed?” or “What does success look like for us?” By asking these questions, you’ll learn whether there’s anything you can do to better your relationship.
If you’re unsure of what to expect from your investors, ask them directly. You can ask, “How are we doing with our goals?” or “How can we be more successful?” Investors will appreciate the honesty and will be more likely to help you meet your goals.
