The Inventive Journey Devin Miller

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, one invaluable piece of advice stands out: be utterly obsessed with your customer. This philosophy has been pivotal in the success of ventures like Conquer, where founders like Matt and I have made it a priority to stay intimately connected with our target audience. From hosting games on our platform to engaging in extensive competitor research, we've immersed ourselves in understanding their needs and desires. In today's startup landscape, where launching a business is facilitated by an array of tools and resources, the real challenge lies in creating something truly desirable amidst the noise of countless offerings. This underscores the crucial importance of knowing your customer inside out, as ultimately, you're crafting a product for them. My advice? Dive deep into understanding your customer, embrace their problems, engage with them relentlessly, and iterate swiftly. Despite your assumptions, it's the market that ultimately dictates what's in demand and what's not. Therefore, staying closely attuned to your target demographic is paramount in tailoring your product to their exact specifications.






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In the world of entrepreneurship, there's a game-changing book that many might have heard of: "Who, Not How." This book has become a go-to recommendation for me when I meet or speak to new entrepreneurs. Why? Because it highlights the importance of not trying to do everything yourself.

Building a successful business isn't about being a lone ranger; it's about assembling the right team to help you grow. This concept of finding the right people for the right tasks is crucial for any budding entrepreneur.

Another key lesson I've learned on my journey is the importance of patience and realistic expectations. When I first started, I was full of enthusiasm, thinking success would come overnight. But reality hit hard. Building a business takes time—a lot of it.

So, if you're starting your entrepreneurial journey, remember this: don't try to do it all alone, and be patient with your progress. Success will come, but it's a journey, not a sprint.






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In the quest for success, seeking guidance from those who have already walked the path you aspire to traverse is invaluable. I am a staunch advocate of mentorship, firmly believing in the wisdom gained from learning from others' experiences and missteps. Attempting to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship solo is a surefire path to exhaustion. Collaboration is key; surrounding yourself with mentors and empowering your team members is essential for sustainable growth. Building something of significance necessitates nurturing relationships, both with mentors and employees, rather than attempting to micromanage every aspect alone. True achievement emerges from these connections, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing meaningful relationships in any endeavor.






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Be patient as you embark on your business venture. Expect numerous fluctuations along the way. What you initially perceive as a brilliant plan may reveal itself to be flawed. It's crucial to be truthful with yourself and adapt swiftly when necessary. This is the time for adjustments and flexibility, especially since your business is still small – like a nimble ship that can change course easily. Don't hesitate to reorganize and revisit your strategies with humility. Acknowledge that you don't have all the answers and that your business is a dynamic entity requiring constant attention and nurturing. With care and perseverance, it will evolve into something manageable and successful.




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I believe patience is key. It's essential to remain very patient because things don't happen overnight. For us, it took about four years from the inception of our idea in 2019 to finally securing placement in our first store in 2023. Even then, challenges persisted as we navigated the retail landscape and learned firsthand about dealing with retailers. Setting a clear Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) became imperative for effective communication. These experiences prompted us to carefully reassess our approach, particularly with just four bars. Understanding that success doesn't come instantly and being prepared for uncertainties are crucial when embarking on a business venture.




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I'd advise to maintain consistency and persistence throughout your journey. Perfection isn't attainable; hurdles will always arise, especially in entrepreneurship. It's crucial to have a clear mission and purpose, yet remain adaptable in your approach. Your vision shouldn't waver, but be open to adjusting your methods as challenges emerge. Remember, reaching your goals might not unfold exactly as you envisioned, and that's perfectly fine.




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