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Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, where personal growth, strategic thinking, and resilience play significant roles. Ran Sarig, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, recently shared invaluable insights with Eliav Ser, CEO and co-founder of WalkImpact, during a meeting part of the Growth+ project by Calcalist and Poalim Tech. The focus of their conversation? The art of storytelling and the emotional resilience needed to overcome personal challenges while building a company. In this article, we dive deeper into their discussion and explore the lessons learned, particularly about the power of narrative in business and how personal experiences can fuel entrepreneurial success.
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Ran Sarig, an entrepreneur and investor, emphasized the importance of developing strong storytelling skills in entrepreneurship. In a conversation with Eliav Ser, the CEO of WalkImpact, Sarig explained how storytelling plays a vital role in convincing investors, employees, and customers when building a startup. Sarig shared his experience of initially struggling with storytelling, but through continuous practice, he honed this skill by seeking feedback from friends, family, and early investors.
Eliav Ser, whose company WalkImpact focuses on strengthening the mental resilience of security, emergency, and rescue forces, shared his own challenges. He revealed how he had to build a company around the deeply personal issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition he experienced after returning from military service. Ser highlighted the emotional and mental difficulty of leading a business with such a personal mission while also presenting it to investors in a relatable way.
Sarig offered advice to Ser, encouraging him to trust in his product and the authenticity of the story. Serâs product was born out of a genuine need, and Sarig believed that knowing the problem personally made it easier to communicate the solution effectively. The conversation also touched upon the value of listening. Ser explained that sometimes entrepreneurs are so focused on their solutions that they forget the importance of listening to feedback, which allows them to adapt and improve.
Both entrepreneurs learned from each otherâs experiences. Sarig expressed admiration for Serâs ability to transform his difficult personal experiences into a meaningful business. Ser, in turn, was inspired by Sarigâs commitment to perfecting his storytelling skills and the importance of listening to others.
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Storytelling is a key element often overlooked in the technical and financial aspects of building a startup. Entrepreneurs often focus on product development and market fit, but the ability to tell a compelling story can make or break a business. As Sarig pointed out, many tech entrepreneurs face challenges in presenting their ideas effectively, especially when they come from a technical background. Storytelling is not just about pitching an idea but about conveying the vision, the problem being solved, and why it matters. A well-crafted story can help build trust and foster connections with potential investors and customers.
For Ser, the challenge was not just about building a product but sharing a deeply personal experience with the world. PTSD, particularly in the context of Israeli security forces, is a sensitive topic. Turning such a painful experience into a business solution requires a delicate balance of vulnerability and professionalism. This highlights a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship: the ability to connect with your audience on an emotional level. Itâs not just about the technology or the product; itâs about why it exists and who itâs for. In Serâs case, his firsthand experience with PTSD makes his story even more relatable and authentic.
In any entrepreneurial journey, personal resilience is just as important as business acumen. The emotional toll of building a company, especially one tied to such personal issues, can be overwhelming. But resilience, both mental and emotional, can lead to breakthroughs. Serâs product addresses the needs of those who experience trauma, while his ability to navigate personal struggles gives him a unique perspective on the issue. This connection between personal experience and business solution is what makes WalkImpactâs approach powerful.
Moreover, the importance of feedback cannot be stressed enough. Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of believing that they have the perfect solution from the start. But as Sarig pointed out, getting feedbackâwhether itâs from friends, family, or colleaguesâis vital. Constructive criticism, even when itâs difficult to hear, helps entrepreneurs refine their story and product. Itâs a process that can ultimately lead to a better outcome and a more successful business.
Fact Checker Results
Storytelling Skills: Entrepreneurs with strong storytelling abilities have a higher chance of engaging investors and customers. Storytelling is a learned skill, not an inherent trait.
Personal Experience as a Driver: Products born out of real-life experiences are often more authentic and relatable, making them more likely to succeed in the market.
The Importance of Listening: Effective entrepreneurs not only tell their story but also listen to feedback and adjust their approach accordingly.
Prediction
Looking ahead, the focus on personal resilience and emotional intelligence in entrepreneurship will likely become even more important. As businesses navigate increasingly complex challenges, entrepreneurs who can blend technical solutions with emotional storytelling will be better equipped to connect with their audiences. Companies like WalkImpact, which tackle deeply personal issues like PTSD, could pave the way for a new wave of startups that prioritize both innovation and empathy. Storytelling will continue to be a crucial tool in building trust and securing investment in the coming years.
References:
Reported By: calcalistechcom_0fd3046df41575dd91e6bc52
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