The Olympics are in full swing and the world is watching. Success and failures abound, personalities are shining (some shying away), and medals are getting handed out. So, what do the Olympics and startups have in common? Here are the top 3 mistakes startup founders and Olympians should avoid. An Olympic gymnast can practice the rings in their own backyard all year long if they want. However, if you talk to most of the top tier athletes around the world they will tell you that nothing beats training at your country’s Olympic Training Center, if you have the opportunity. WRONG LOCATION 3 MISTAKES READ FULL ARTICLE STARTUP FOUNDERS AND OLYMPIANS SHOULD AVOID GOING IT ALONE If you’ve got an idea for a great startup being in the right city can make all the difference in the world. Every Olympian has a coach. The relationship between coach and athlete is one that is more than just a matter of matching skills. It’s about chemistry, it’s about connection, it’s about matching personalities and passions. No athlete makes it to the top without a great coach. Just as no great athlete can make it alone, single founder companies have little chance of making it big. NOT GIVING IT YOUR ALL If you’ve made it to the Olympics it’s hard to imagine that you haven’t worked hard and accomplished a lot. If you talk to the greatest Olympic athletes you will find that there was a turning point, a moment when they made the mental transition from “This is important” to “This is everything”. Running a successful startup is a commitment. Dipping your toes into it will never result in earth shattering success. by @Kanbanchi Building a massively successful startup represents the same obligation of time, effort, and energy as winning the Olympics!