SXSWorld
Issue link: https://sxsw.uberflip.com/i/211359
Imagination and Adaptability Are Key For Non-Tech Startups by Scott Schinder lthough recent years have seen much attention paid to tech startups, there has been no shortage of young entrepreneurs launching imaginative new ventures by putting innovative new spins on more traditional products. Many share the view that, regardless of any sluggishness in the American economy, it is a good time to be launching a startup company. "For those who wish to pursue a unique life, I think that now is a spectacular time to embark on the route of entrepreneurship," says New York-based fashion designer Madison Maxey, who recently launched CRATED, which does custom R&D and textile/pattern development for its client companies in the clothing industry. A Seena Zandipour In agreement is fellow fashion-industry innovator Jennifer Taler, who's a founding partner in Stitch Factory, a Las Vegas-based costudio and creative community that, like CRATED, classifies itself as a "fashion incubator" established to support emerging fashion designers. "It's important that we create more job opportunities in America," Taler notes. "Also, with the trends in technology and social media, businesses are able to connect with potential customers more affordably and authentically than ever before." The same view is held by Seena Zandipour of San Francisco's Helios Biking, which manufactures state-of-the-art bicycle handlebars that integrate high-powered LEDs, Bluetooth, GPS tracking and other high-tech features. "Ignore the buzzwords and trends," he says. "Follow what speaks to you. We started with the vision of a product that we felt the world needed. From there, the project took on a life of its own." All three entrepreneurs agree that flexibility and an ability to change are crucial qualities needed to deal with the challenges presented by new ventures. "We had a clear business model and vision in place for Stitch Factory," Taler explains, "but we have also made many adjustments to our approach and expectations along the way. For example, we did not originally expect our production services to take off so quickly, so we were unprepared to keep up with the demand and needed to hire faster than we had planned to. But the customers were asking, so we accelerated that timeline to take advantage of the opportunity. Ignoring our original timeline was one of the best things we've done to help grow our business." "Knowing when to adjust is perhaps the hardest part of running a business," acknowledges Zandipour, who adds, "The best aid I've found 18 SXSWORLD / NOVEMBER 2013 M A R L O N J AY M A N U E L JESSICA COX D AV I D F O X Madison Maxey for this is to surround yourself with other entrepreneurs and projects, so that you can learn from their mistakes and they can learn from yours. This will help give you a sense of what expectations are realistic, as well as what approaches work best." "We're always experimenting, and the plan is changing day by day," Maxey states. "We have a large vision, but in the day-to-day, we're always taking on new and fun projects that require us to creatively solve problems and learn something new. It's not at all what I expected, but it's everything I love about entrepreneurship." "With any startup or new journey, I don't know if you can ever fully prepare yourself for what is about to come," Taler observes. "You need Jennifer Taler to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, and you need to be adaptable. I think that with any startup or new idea, you just have to go in full force and roll with the punches. You can prepare as much as possible, but once you start, you really don't know what will hit you." According to Taler, the advantage of being a startup company is that "it's easier to react quickly and change directions if need be. Large companies are a bit like cruise ships; they can take too long to change directions." "Startups can move quickly," Zandipour agrees. "The biggest disadvantage to being a startup is that it's harder to get people to take you seriously. But there's really no way around that, other than working hard and proving that you're reputable." "Another advantage of being a startup," Maxey asserts, "is that you get to design the details of the institution where you spend most of your days. Corporate structures are difficult to navigate, and tend to squander enthusiasm and innovation. Startups have that 'startup vibe,' where experimentation is the name of the game. Addressing potential startup entrepreneurs, Taler advises, "Create a team of people who are passionate, understand your vision and are willing to get their hands dirty. Being aligned early on is really important for a startup's growth." "Read everything, ask questions, and strive for meaningful conversation," Maxey adds. "People have a plethora of knowledge and if you engage them, you'll never run out of concepts to ponder. As one of my mentors told me, 'The world is an incredible place for curious people.' Now is a great time, and I think that smart, hardworking people will always find that the time is right for them." n