Erlend Wilhelmsen

Starting a new company?

Here's a few things I learned:

• Don't think its the idea. It's not. 500 people have that idea. It's you and your ability to get a great team together.
• Whatever you're doing, you need people who can sell shit. If you have never been in sales - get someone who has. You'll really need em.
• You need to move fast. But not because of competition. If you don't get stuff done quickly - the people following you will loose interest. That's very bad. (Of course, you'll also run out of money if you diddle around too long).
• You need at least one good advisor. Someone who actually built a profitable company and/or sold a company before. Got that person?
• Last, but not least, you need to be a really good communicator. If you can't communicate the vision with passion - you'll have a hard time selling. And that, in the end, is what it's all about: selling stuff.

Are you cut out for it? Yeah? What you waiting for?

Nevermind Twitter. I'm blogging again.

Starting fresh. So much has happened in the last few years. I think it's time to share some of it.

I'll blab about things I care about and perhaps a few things I've learned. My short-list:

• moving from bergen norway to LA
• having a baby
• startups and raising money
• interactive
• social media
• owning a pit bull
• living in echo park
• entrepreneurship
• building a house in LA
• winning
• failing
• football
• meeting people
• electronic music

I won't separate work from personal stuff. It's BS. I don't believe in it. You got to do something you love. Then, it is not work.

Peace.

Want to run your own interactive agency? Here's some advice.

I've been running Fabric Interactive agency for 8+ years. Lessons:

• Client relationships are key
• Have a plan before you try to execute. Sounds logical. Not many people do it.
• Start a business in a growing industry. It's a lot easier.
• You won't know what to do. That's OK. Few people are truly skilled. You can make it in any industry.
• In services, hire really good people. Smart is important. Dedication is equally important.
• You'll hire some people you have to let go. It's OK. Happens.
• Some clients are not good clients. Let them go early.
• Not all business is good business. If it doesn't fit what you want to do - don't do it.
• Don't try to do many different things at once. Take time to learn how to do a few things well.
• Solid technology is critical.
• It's hard to create work that truly matters. Pick the right clients.

Do you want to start your own company? Ping me. I'll be happy to share my experience.