Is starting a business like falling in love?

It was valentines day on the weekend…. so, in studio we’ve been talking about all things ‘love’, which led us to the question: Is starting a business like falling in love?

To answer, we decided to compare the stages of falling in love with the stages of starting a business.

First there is the lust for something new, challenging and exciting. Something that will fit with your lifestyle better and fulfil your needs.

Then there’s butterflies in your stomach as you decide to take the plunge. Like asking someone on a first date you announce to the world your intention and register your business name and apply for an ABN.

Next is the adjustment period where you start to get to know each other better, where you work out each others quirks, limitations and advantages. Starting a business means there is another relationship in your life. One that needs a lot of your time and attention.

Suddenly you become very time-poor and only available to your new ‘love’. In the beginning your new business will probably pull you away from your friends and family and it will probably keep you up at night while you analyse your every move.

Their is a chance you’ll become quite obsessive about your new love, like a schoolgirl talking about her new BF, you’ll probably want to talk to everyone (whether they are interested or not) about this new ‘relationship’ in your life.

Then the insecurities creep in. This is where you have endless self doubt in your self and wonder if your choice to start a new business is really ‘the one’ for you.

Your first fight is brutal, and your ready to pack it all in. This is where you get given some hard truths about the path you’ve chosen and some of them hurt.

But then, you make up. You remember why you chose this relationship and the endless possibilities that are out there. Just like that you get excited all over again.

So yes, we think starting a business is like falling in love, and really,  what’s better in life that then of falling in love?

Happy Valentines to all the lovers out there!