No more heroes any more

​There has been a little to and fro in the startup blog world this past week about heroes. A tweet from Joe Fernandez criticised those who suggested that VCs wrote large cheques with a Homeric flourish. Fred Wilson responded that entrepreneurs were the true inheritors of the mantle of Achilles. Then Howard Lindzon weighed in. The more modest contributions of first up angel investors deserve the accolade. Or maybe the code itself is the hero?

Are heroes a helpful startup metaphor?

​In spirit, I am inclined to Mr Wilson on this question. But I wonder if the language and the image are helpful. Conjuring up the bravest of warriors or the most noble of martyrs feels out of place. I am not sure the mantle sits well with the greatest icons of the entrepreneurial world. My guess is that Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg or Richard Branson would reject the description.
 
And these are rare individuals. Talents and characters that appear only a handful of times in each generation. They provide an inspiring example for the few. For the majority of founders and leaders, a more practical aspiration would be appropriate.

Success takes more than a few unicorns

​There will always be a place for the next big thing. Whatever follows Microsoft, Apple and Google to the summit will be a business that changes and enhances the lives of billions. But broad based economic prosperity, better health and education, bringing an end to global conflict and poverty will take much more than a few unicorns.

Aim for sustainable not superstar

The aim for almost every entrepreneur should be to build a sustainable business. First, something that will support that individual and his or her family for a lifetime. From time to time more successful companies go on to employ more people. They can provide those teams with a decent living. Some, but not all, such businesses will also offer a return to external investors. These will attract capital from a variety of sources.
 
A small number of these will outlast their founders. Gaining a longer life through external  or by means of an inherited family business. A word of caution though. The overwhelming majority of businesses, have a lifespan less than half that of a human being. Around 40 years on average. This includes all but a handful of the most successful names. The only large technology companies today that existed when I was born are IBM and HP. Of course HP is in the process of being broken into its constituent parts.

The traditional role model doesn't fit

​Think about the tradition image of a hero.  Someone who does extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances. Building a good quality business today is neither of these things.
 
Digital technologies, the lowest trade barriers in human history and unprecedented access to investment capital mean the environment for starting up is the best we have ever experienced. Yet exceptional talent is not required for most endeavours. Good quality products, designed for users and supported by excellent service will do the job.

A more modest aspiration

​So let’s forget about being a hero and put aside the imagery of battle and sacrifice. Set out on the entrepreneurial journey with a different role model in mind. Some aspirations which sound more modest. Yet provide a real basis for sustainable, achievable value:
 

• Master the fundamental skills like a craftsman. Over time, the polish and precision evolve into art.
• Adopt the standards and integrity of a true professional. Independence of mind, quality, courtesy and humility.
• Seek to achieve the satisfaction of value delivered to your customers. Winning and losing business is fun. But value is the true measure of success.
• Aim to build a business that is an integral part of the future. Not to find the quickest route to personal gain.

 
Being an entrepreneur can be tough. Then again, life is tough. Don’t worry about being special. Just focus on doing the right thing.