A few weeks ago I wrote about “Failing better”, and apparently the “Powers-that-Be” assumed I needed to exercise that advice again, and so at this writing I am regrouping and taking stock after the company I worked for – a start-up – shut down.

The average lifetime of a new company is about 2 years, and so this one lived an average lifetime.  And while I am looking for the next great adventure I have a few moments to review what I have learned in this experience, and to share that learning with you:

1. Enjoy the team you work with – sometimes I think I am drawn to a gig purely because I am supposed to meet and learn from someone else who is going to be there.  In this particular case, I made some long lasting friendships, and we created some wonderful memories of working together that I would not trade.
2. Appreciate the challenges.   I believe that I learn more quickly under the pressure of fixing something or solving a problem with limitations.  I think we all learn to become more innovative, more flexible and more able to move in and out of “the box” when we are challenged to do so.  I learned an enormous amount about social media, researching start-ups, and best uses of tools for collaborating with an off-shore team in the last few months due mostly to the extraordinary need to do so on a shoestring and as quickly as possible.
3. Communicate communicate communicate.  When you are very busy, you can forget just how important it is to communicate with others who are very busy.  It isn’t just important, it is imperative if you are to survive in business.  This is something I will continue to strive to do BETTER.
4. Take time off. This is something I wish I had done more of…since I was pretty much available and doing work seven days a week often more than 10 hours a day for the last two years… I missed a funeral because we had a release going into production – and I truly wish that I had taken care of that and other personal types of business rather than making the company my number one priority. That time will never be recaptured, and it is my only regret in the whole experience.

What’s next?  I am open to possibilities and also think I will be heading towards doing things I have passion around, and hoping that the $$’s will follow.  I will continue learning and sharing information about business development and business networking – and lessons learned as a consultant and as an employee.  I love to share what I learn and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

I view this as a “swift kick in the pants” and will get it in gear.  Hope to hear from you, and thanks for continuing to follow the blog.

Cheers,

Natalia