If anyone told you the startup life is easy, they haven’t experienced it.

So far, BuddingCEOs has had a good start, it’s got a good Facebook Page (BuddingCEOs on Facebook), a clear idea of what we’re building and an awareness among a niche group.

But the cruel fact of life is that, it’s not enough.

#1 It took too long to refine the idea

The idea behind BuddingCEOs evolved so much over the last 10 months, that I’m losing track of my notes. Still, it’s come full circle since then and settled on an idea I am willing to bet everything on. I’ve wasted a lot of time in the process, drained my bank account and lost people I care about.

All sacrifices that have led me to believe I’ve developed bi-polar disorder. A condition that really describes the exceptional highs and lows of the startup condition. Incidentally, it’s also been called the CEO’s disease (how apt!).

#2 There wasn’t enough focus

Everyone talks about focus, but honestly I’ve seen many startups struggle with this. Yes, you may want to focus on building a product, but you need the consulting jobs to pay the bill. I said to a friend once, “I survive on passion, not money”.

That may be true in the short-term and especially comforting when you dread checking your bank account, but the truth is, no business survives without money.

So, we’re re-focusing on building a tool that users will like, that also earns from day 1.

#3 A team is only important when it’s a good team

This will be the one advice that will seem contradictory, but the truth is, that has been my experience. Yes, having a good team is important to a business, but I’ve learned, having a team just to have one, can have the reverse effect.

In the early stages of a business idea, having people on board that doesn’t believe in it or can’t commit to it kills ideas. Sometimes the best arrangement is that of the “lone founder“.

It’s time to go to town

So here’s my plan, I’ve got 3 months left in the bank (people have started on way less), enough desire and passion to burn, a friend helping me keep to my tasks.

And enough of a dream to believe in.

So as Gary Vaynerchuk says, it’s time to go to town.

Follow me on Facebook to experience my journey with me. 

Funny thing is, my story is not unique, check out these other cool single CEOs at SingleStartups.com