When building a startup, entrepreneurs are likely to turn to successful companies for advice. But speaking at TechToronto, SlimCut Media co-founder and CEO Damien Veran, made a case for why Canadian rapper Drake makes for a great advisor for new startups.
Veran referenced five of Drake’s song lyrics and related them to the work of entrepreneurs to offer useful tips to people who are looking to build a startup. According to Veran, Drake’s lyric “It’s hard to do these things alone,” from the song Hold On, We’re Going Home, points to the fact that entrepreneurs can’t do everything alone; it’s essential to find a good co-founder or team members so that they can divide up tasks and team members can step up to make decisions more efficiently and quickly.
“It’s important because there’s a limitation in what you can do in terms of let’s make all the decisions together,” said Veran. “At one point, you need to save time and move more quickly.”
Veran refers to YOLO — you only live once — to remind entrepreneurs that they are lucky to be a part of the startup community and the opportunities that come with it. He says it’s important for new entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities they are given and make the most of their experience.
“It’s not as much about the achievement. It’s more about the journey. You only live once so just enjoy this journey as much as you can,” said Veran.
At TechTO, Veran offers other tips such as staying focused on a company’s goals and regularly getting feedback from their company’s clients and users.
Watch the whole talk below: