Do Cool Sh*t

1. Pursue Your Passion and Create Opportunities

"Fortune gave me a chance to pursue mine. I knew I didn't want to squander this chance by continuing to work at a job I didn't love."

Follow your dreams. Miki Agrawal's journey from investment banking to opening a farm-to-table pizza restaurant demonstrates the importance of pursuing one's passion. She recognized her dissatisfaction with her corporate job and took steps to create a business aligned with her interests and values.

Identify market gaps. Agrawal's success stemmed from recognizing a need in the market for healthier pizza options, particularly for those with dietary restrictions. She combined her love for food with a solution to a common problem, creating a unique business opportunity.

• Assess your skills and interests
• Research market needs and trends
• Develop a business concept that aligns passion with market demand
• Start small and iterate based on feedback

2. Build a Strong Network and Leverage Relationships

"Business plans don't raise dollars, people do."

Networking is crucial. Agrawal emphasizes the importance of building genuine connections and relationships in business. She highlights how her ability to network and connect with influential people played a significant role in her success.

Create mutually beneficial experiences. The author stresses the importance of creating value for others when networking. By organizing events and bringing people together, she was able to build a strong support system and attract potential investors.

• Attend industry events and conferences
• Organize gatherings that bring like-minded people together
• Follow up and maintain relationships
• Offer help and support to others in your network
• Leverage existing connections to expand your reach

3. Embrace Failure as a Learning Experience

"Sometimes, life throws us curve balls when we least expect it, just to see how we handle it and also to point us in the direction that we're meant to go in."

Learn from setbacks. Agrawal's experience with her restaurant's initial launch demonstrates the importance of viewing failures as learning opportunities. She used the feedback and challenges from her first day to improve her business operations and customer experience.

Adapt and persevere. The author's ability to pivot and make changes based on early failures was crucial to her eventual success. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

• Analyze failures to identify areas for improvement
• Seek feedback from customers and team members
• Implement changes quickly based on lessons learned
• Maintain a positive attitude and focus on solutions
• Use setbacks as motivation to work harder and smarter

4. Take Calculated Risks and Challenge the Status Quo

"Why fit in when you're born to stand out?"

Be willing to take risks. Agrawal's decision to leave her stable job and pursue entrepreneurship exemplifies the importance of taking calculated risks. She encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and pursue unconventional paths.

Challenge conventional wisdom. The author's approach to creating a healthy pizza restaurant challenged the traditional perception of pizza as unhealthy fast food. This innovative thinking allowed her to carve out a unique niche in a competitive market.

• Assess potential risks and rewards before making decisions
• Develop contingency plans to mitigate risks
• Seek advice from mentors and experienced professionals
• Look for opportunities to innovate within established industries
• Be prepared to defend and explain your unconventional ideas

5. Develop a Growth Mindset and Continuously Learn

"Hire slow, fire fast. I can't stress that enough. No one has ever said that they fired somebody too soon."

Embrace continuous learning. Agrawal emphasizes the importance of constantly seeking new knowledge and skills. She highlights how her willingness to learn from others and adapt to new situations contributed to her success.

Surround yourself with experts. The author stresses the importance of seeking mentorship and advice from those with more experience. She describes how shadowing successful restaurateurs and learning from their expertise was crucial to her own growth.

• Read books and articles related to your industry
• Attend workshops and seminars to expand your knowledge
• Seek mentorship from experienced professionals
• Learn from your mistakes and those of others
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovations

6. Create Value Through Social Entrepreneurship

"President Clinton consistently speaks about 'doing good and doing well.' To create a financially successful business that has underlying good for the community built into the business model is the way of the future."

Combine profit with purpose. Agrawal's approach to business emphasizes the importance of creating value for society while also generating profit. She encourages entrepreneurs to consider how their businesses can address social or environmental issues.

Build sustainable models. The author's focus on using local, organic ingredients and supporting local businesses demonstrates how social entrepreneurship can create a positive impact while also building a successful business model.

• Identify social or environmental issues that align with your business
• Develop products or services that address these issues
• Partner with local communities and organizations
• Communicate your social mission to customers and stakeholders
• Measure and report on your social impact alongside financial metrics

7. Prioritize Physical and Mental Well-being

"Sweat every day, no matter what."

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Agrawal emphasizes the importance of physical health and its impact on business success. She provides practical tips for staying fit and energized while managing a busy entrepreneurial life.

Reframe health habits. The author suggests reframing diet and exercise as "power" and "release" respectively, emphasizing their positive impacts on energy and stress management.

• Develop a consistent exercise routine
• Prioritize healthy eating habits
• Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
• Get adequate sleep and rest
• Make time for hobbies and activities outside of work

8. Cultivate Meaningful Relationships and Communities

"I am who I am because of who we all are."

Build strong communities. Agrawal stresses the importance of creating and nurturing communities, both personal and professional. She describes how events like Agra-Palooza helped foster deep connections and mutual support.

Encourage participation. The author emphasizes the value of creating events and experiences that encourage active participation from community members, fostering deeper connections and shared experiences.

• Organize regular gatherings or events for your community
• Create opportunities for shared experiences and storytelling
• Encourage members to contribute their skills and talents
• Foster an environment of mutual support and growth
• Use technology to maintain connections and engage community members

9. Give Back and Serve Others

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

Incorporate service into your life. Agrawal emphasizes the personal fulfillment and broader impact that comes from giving back to the community. She describes how her experiences teaching about nutrition in schools enriched her life and business.

Create opportunities for impact. The author encourages readers to find ways to use their skills and resources to make a positive difference in their communities, regardless of the scale.

• Identify causes or issues that resonate with you
• Volunteer your time or skills to local organizations
• Incorporate giving back into your business model
• Encourage employees or team members to participate in service activities
• Share your experiences to inspire others to give back

10. Travel and Seek New Experiences

"Traveling by yourself from time to time is not a terrible thing to do. It encourages you to meet new people, get outside of yourself, and practice being the best version of yourself at all times."

Embrace new experiences. Agrawal emphasizes the value of travel and seeking out new experiences for personal growth and inspiration. She describes how her travels in Europe led to unexpected adventures and connections.

Step out of your comfort zone. The author encourages readers to actively seek out new and unfamiliar experiences, even in their own cities, as a way to spark creativity and personal growth.

• Plan trips to new destinations, both near and far
• Engage with local cultures and communities when traveling
• Try new activities or hobbies regularly
• Attend events or visit places outside your usual routine
• Use travel as an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth

Last updated: December 4, 2024