Comments on: Startups are still fulfilling, even though getting funding in a recession stinks

By: Special Birthday Edition of Monday Links: January 5th, 2009 | Tropophilia

Special Birthday Edition of Monday Links: January 5th, 2009 | Tropophilia — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 04:03:11 +0000

[...] ago, one of Brazen Careerist's founders (and noted columnist and career coach) Penelope Trunk cited posts by each of us as reasons she's inspired to keep pursuing her startup [...]

By: Maureen Sharib

Maureen Sharib — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 17:44:25 +0000

Worry more.

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:54:05 +0000

I have the opportunity to talk to tech industry CEOs all the time, and you're right about the funding, seemingly due to the credit freeze. One had his funding pulled and had to close the company, while another had just closed his second round, and was told he had to become profitable on that.

I've been thinking about Botox. But I'm a man, and have just started reaching the stage where the sagging facial skin makes me look rugged and distinguished. I think it will have to do for a while.

By: kerrjac

kerrjac — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:25:53 +0000

Yeah Mark W. I think your quote puts it perfectly. The only thing I'd add is that too often people are just not inspired, and then they see this as a reflection of the world rather than of themselves. When you turn it around like this – realizing that the apathy is from you and not the world – suddenly there's a lot to be excited and engaged about. But it's not just a silly little mind-trick. It's accepting the world for what it is but refusing to accept the status quo, innovation.

By: Quasar9

Quasar9 — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:13:37 +0000

The thrill of something new
the pleasure of creating something new
the satisfaction of transforming from thought to reality

By: Mark W.

Mark W. — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 22:41:59 +0000

I would guess this quote would describe the fulfilling part of your startup -

"When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bounds:Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.
Dormant forces, faculties, and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be."

Patanjali (second century B.C.)

Philosopher

By: kerrjac

kerrjac — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 02:55:23 +0000

Completely off-topic but I was reminded of some of your thoughts Penelope while reading Zen & the Art Motorcycle Maintenance this week. It's the second time I'm reading it (1st time this decade), but really the authors thoughts made me more productive this week: The idea of seeing your work as a craft, a logical extension of you, rather as something separate; the importance of quality; taking your time; and fully immersing yourself. For instance, I suddenly realized how silly it was that I'd been listening to music half the week. It's not that the mundane parts of my job are boring, it's that I wasn't approaching it in the correct manner. Doing the same projects I was much more engaged, it just felt good. Anyway, I'd be curious about your thoughts on the book, or recommend it if you haven't read it, as it goes much deeper than the pieces above. In time it's just become more relevant.

By: Promise Phelon

Promise Phelon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:31:46 +0000

Penelope, I literally laughed out loud when I read your post. [I too have yelled at the attorney.] These are trying times for startup-CEO's trying to raise money. There are days when it goes from maddening and saddening to absolutely comical. We're all struggling to fund our companies, but I keep telling myself "the strong will survive." I have my "wire me the funds" suit that I've thought about wearing 24-hours a day in case I run into an investor while sleep-walking or getting the 6AM coffee from Starbucks. The process of raising money, running a start-up in the worst of times and knocking on five times as many doors has caused me to search deep… I don't know about you, but I'm more committed now to my company–more than I would be if it were easy to get there. Keep it up–you have a vision for something bigger than you! It will happen and will be bigger and better than you expected. If you're ever in San Francisco, I make a mean Sidecar. Good luck, Promise

By: Marianne

Marianne — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:38:01 +0000

Hi – I'm new here, visiting via Copyblogger.com today.

I'm cracking up at your description of wearing your CEO outfit four days straight since I freguently wear my CM[om}O jeans all week long.

I'll be back – I can't believe I haven't stumbled across you before today. I need to take off my bloggy blinders.

Nice to meet you.

By: Mary

Mary — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:58:47 +0000

I live in NYC. I know someone who is paid very well, and is both ugly and short. And she's a woman in a male-dominated company.

So, what exactly does this prove? That nature is not cruel? Talk about circumstantial data.