I've recently observed a pattern in the startup scene: the accuracy of predicting "who is suited for entrepreneurship and who will succeed" is increasing. Many people attribute entrepreneurial success to luck, which is a complete misconception. In modern entrepreneurship, luck plays a negligible role. I'm not talking about the success or failure of a single project—that certainly has a random element—but rather about fundamental human qualities: those possessing certain core competencies are destined for success. Even if one deal fails, the next one is sure to take off.
I've distilled a universal formula for success: Small steps + Independent work + Market targeting strangers + Profit loop + Survival of the fittest. Each element is indispensable, broken down as follows:
1. Start with small things and avoid daydreaming.
The first step in starting a business is to avoid business plans and stop fantasizing about a billion-dollar market or hundreds of millions of users. Start with micro-needs: identify a pain point, do something small within your capabilities, and provide value to strangers in online groups or on the street. Only consider scaling up when you see strong demand and stable repeat purchases.
Entrepreneurs who make BTC right from the start not only fail in their ventures but also struggle to succeed in their jobs. Remember: Great achievements begin with small steps.
2. Lone Wolf mode, where you can handle everything yourself.
In the early stages of a startup, the more people there are, the more chaotic things become. A few young people getting together to indulge their CXO fantasies end up accomplishing nothing. A successful startup is a combination of one-man rule and rapid iteration: you work diligently on your own, quickly testing and failing.
If an opportunity is beyond your capabilities and you have to pull in a team to fill the gap, this isn't a "team of experts," it's unrealistic ambition. Pass on it and find a track that matches your abilities. The core principle: the lower the uncertainty, the higher the chance of success.
3. Focus on strangers, avoid getting caught up in existing social circles.
Testing your skills on social media is a good starting point, but true entrepreneurship requires facing strangers head-on. Providing services to acquaintances may seem like a low barrier to entry, but it's a false validation—they might pay out of courtesy, but that doesn't mean the market accepts it.
No matter how much revenue you generate in the early stages, if strangers don't pay for it, it's just monetizing relationships, which is unreliable. Only the pure market test can truly determine its success.
4. The profit model is immediately viable, rejecting the myth of "losing money first".
The simplest standard: 1 yuan becomes 2 yuan = model OK. Then copy and enlarge.
Don't believe the nonsense that "businesses lose money first and then make money." Truly successful projects are profitable from a small scale. Giants "lose money first" to gain scale, but this requires them to be profitable on a small scale first. Burning money without validation? 99% of the time you'll lose everything.
5. Focusing solely on business: 13 hours vs. 3 hours
Opportunities abound, but most people only scratch the surface. The only secret to success is wholehearted dedication. From morning till night, focus on only one thing—practical problem-solving. Ignore the mundane details of life, let alone afternoon tea, shopping, or vacations.
Same track, same project: You spend weekends at home, I work overtime on weekends; you work an average of 3 hours a day, I work an average of 13 hours a day. The result is self-evident.
The formula is reiterated: Small steps + Independent work + Market targeting newcomers + Profit loop + Unwavering commitment = Success
This formula is applicable across industries: catering, technology, and services, without exception. Strict adherence guarantees a near 100% success rate. Even missing just one step drastically reduces the chances of winning; missing two steps means certain failure.
To all entrepreneurs, may your journey be filled with incredible success!
