Erlend Wilhelmsen

Make mistakes

If you're not making mistakes, you're not doing interesting stuff. How many work hours do you think you have left in life? 500,000? Sounds like a lot? Do the math. What are you going to do about it? Leave a legacy or just pass?

The best entrepreneurs make a lot of mistakes. Look at Morten Lund. Felix Dennis. Branson.

I talked to some young Internet entrepreneurs today. They asked what I thought about trying something different. I wish they didn't ask. I wish they just did it. If it doesn't work, they'll know withing days. They can re-group in 5 minutes. It's wonderful. The Internet. Truth. So fast.

Keep up the pace. You don't have forever.

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.