Founders and Customers: Love and Service - How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius

Founders and Customers: Love and Service - How to Find Your Hidden Creative Genius

Building a successful company requires more than just a brilliant idea and a solid business plan. It requires a deep love and dedication to serving your customers. When founders genuinely love their customers, it creates a thriving environment where loyalty, feedback, and positive experiences flourish. But why is this love so crucial, and how can it be fostered?

One of the reasons founders run out of hope before they run out of money is that they lack a true connection with their customers. If you don't care enough about the people you are serving, it becomes difficult to maintain the force of will necessary to overcome the challenges of building something meaningful. Looking down on your customers is a surefire way to sabotage your chances of success. Instead, founders should strive to build relationships with their customers that go beyond a transactional level.

When founders speak about their customers as friends rather than clients, it's a clear sign that they genuinely care. They know their customers by name, understand why they use the product, and are aware of their long-term goals. This level of personalization and connection is what sets successful founders apart. They have a genuine excitement on their faces when a specific customer comes up in conversation.

But how can you develop this love for your customers if it doesn't come naturally? One approach is to shift your perspective and see your customers as fellow humans who define the value of your products and business. By dedicating yourself to serving someone you truly love, you will be more motivated to work through challenges and create something that addresses a deep need.

Now, let's explore the concept of finding your hidden creative genius. Many people believe that creativity is a quality you either have or don't have, but that's far from the truth. Creativity is something that is discovered, honed, and improved through real work and consistent effort.

A study tracking the ages of Nobel Prize winners, great inventors, and scientists revealed that most groundbreaking work peaked during the late thirties, typically after a decade into their careers. This period of hard work and little recognition has been referred to as the "ten years of silence." It serves as a reminder that greatness takes time and consistent effort.

To unlock your creative genius, you must give yourself permission to create junk. Amateurs wait for inspiration to strike, while professionals create on a schedule. Consistency is key. Show up every day and put in the work, regardless of how you feel. As Chuck Close famously said, "Inspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work."

Don't leave your creative work up to chance or choice. Set deadlines and commit to creating consistently. It is through a volume of work that you will reach your full potential. As author and entrepreneur Seth Godin advises, "Do a huge volume of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week or every month you know you're going to finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that ... the work you're making will be as good as your ambitions."

Creating consistently also means completing your work. There are no artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, or scientists who became great by half-finishing their projects. Stop debating what you should create and just make something. Finish it, share it, and learn from it. Feedback is crucial for growth and improvement.

When you consistently share your work publicly, it not only holds you accountable but also provides valuable feedback and inspiration. Seeing others connect with what you create will motivate you to care more and continue improving. Remember, the risk of piracy is often overestimated, while the price of obscurity is underestimated.

Finding your creative genius requires perseverance. It's not an overnight process but rather a journey that spans years, even decades. Keep showing up, doing the work, seeking feedback, and finding ways to improve. The inspiration you seek will reveal itself through your dedication and hard work.

Before we conclude, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Cultivate a genuine love for your customers. Get to know them on a personal level, understand their needs, and strive to exceed their expectations. Treat them as friends rather than clients.

2. Commit to consistent creative work. Show up every day and create, even when you don't feel inspired. Set deadlines and hold yourself accountable. Remember, inspiration is for amateurs.

3. Share your work publicly and seek feedback. Embrace the vulnerability that comes with putting your creations out into the world. Feedback will help you grow and improve, and connecting with others will fuel your passion.

In summary, founders and customers thrive when there is a deep love and dedication to serving one another. Love motivates founders to overcome challenges and create something meaningful. Similarly, finding your hidden creative genius requires consistent effort, perseverance, and a commitment to creating and sharing your work. Trust the process, put in the work, seek feedback, and watch your creativity flourish.