Introduction: An Entrepreneurship and Startups Approach to ‘I Do’

Imagine orchestrating the perfect wedding, one that typically takes two years to plan, in a mere four months. It sounds like a plot pulled from a rom-com, but this was the reality I faced when I decided to tie the knot. The secret to my success? Applying the same principles I teach aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s a tale that not only exemplifies the power of strategic planning but also embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and a sprinkle of agile methodology, in all facets of life.

As someone who’s coached countless entrepreneurs on how to launch their startups efficiently, I turned to what I knew best: strategic planning and execution. The techniques that help founders turn nebulous ideas into thriving businesses were surprisingly fitting for orchestrating a wedding.

As we step through the strategies that made my dream wedding possible, you’ll discover how the same approaches can be applied to any monumental life project, especially launching a startup. From setting the vision to adapting to last-minute challenges, each step is a lesson in entrepreneurship.

Ready to see how a wedding can teach us about entrepreneurship and building startups? Let’s dive into the first step of this entrepreneurial love story. For a deeper dive into building your entrepreneurial skills, check out my post on The #1 Question I Get Asked About My Portfolio Career and My Social Impact Mission.

Step 1: Crafting the Dream Vision

When embarking on a journey to start a new chapter in life, be it marrying the love of your life or launching the startup of your dreams, it all begins with a vision. This vision serves as your north star, guiding every decision and every step you take. For my wedding, as for my business ventures, I started by defining what success would look like.

With my fiancé, we envisioned a wedding that felt intimate yet grand, one that would be remembered not just for the celebration itself, but for the moments it created. We wanted a small wedding, one that was big on meaning, with people who had shaped our lives in significant ways. The south of France, with its timeless charm and sun-kissed vineyards, called to us as the perfect backdrop. We discussed everything — from the flow of the day to the little details that mattered to each of us, like exceptional food for him and a picturesque setting for me.

This clarity of vision was similar to how I approach building a startup. As I teach in “Mastering Startup Ideas,” it’s about knowing what your end goal is, understanding your values and mission, and then crafting a business model that encapsulates all of these elements. It’s about seeing the picture in its entirety before you even pick up the brush.

Our wedding vision was ambitious, especially given the tight timeline, but it was clear and actionable. That’s what made all the difference. It’s this same clarity and actionable vision that I encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to develop — because when you know where you’re heading, the path to get there becomes much easier to navigate.

As we proceed, remember that whether planning a wedding or a business, the vision is not just a dream — it’s your project’s very foundation.

Step 2: Assembling the A-Team

In the world of startups, a founder’s first hires are crucial; they set the tone for the company’s culture and future. Similarly, for my wedding, I needed a team that shared my vision and passion. I didn’t just hire a wedding planner; I sought a creative partner who would be just as invested in the success of the event as I was.

Just like in a startup, where you lean on a co-founder, advisors, and mentors, for the wedding, I relied on a close-knit group of family and friends. Each person brought their unique talents and perspectives to the table, making the planning process not just easier, but more enjoyable. My fiancé and I acted as the co-founders, steering the ship, while our loved ones were the early-stage team members, each playing a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life.

Our parents, with their wealth of experience and wisdom, were akin to our board of advisors. They provided insights we hadn’t considered and solutions to problems we hadn’t foreseen. My friends became my focus group, giving honest feedback on everything from dress choices to menu options, ensuring that the wedding would resonate not just with us but also with our guests.

The parallel to startups is clear. You can’t do it alone, and why would you want to? Building something great, whether it’s a marriage or a business, is a collaborative effort. It requires trust, delegation, and the humility to ask for help. In my online program, I stress the importance of building a strong foundation with a team you trust. They are the ones who help you weather the storms and celebrate the victories. So, surround yourself with people who believe in your mission and are willing to join you on the journey — it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Securing Foundations

In any venture, be it personal or professional, understanding what’s urgent and important is crucial. For our wedding, and indeed for any startup, there are certain elements that simply can’t be compromised—these become your top priorities. For us, it was the venue and the catering, which had to be secured before we could even set a date. Similarly, in a startup, identifying and securing critical elements early on can set you up for success.

As a founder, you’re often faced with a multitude of tasks that all seem pressing. However, the key is to identify your ‘non-negotiables’—the aspects that are fundamental to the vision you’re trying to create. In our case, it was the perfect venue that would encapsulate the beauty and intimacy we desired and a caterer who could deliver a culinary experience to remember. These had to be locked down first, just as a startup might prioritize securing funding or nailing down a prototype.

Budgeting was another crucial element for our wedding that parallels startup finance planning. My fiancé and I agreed on a budget that we were both comfortable with, and this became our financial blueprint. In my programs, I teach entrepreneurs to approach their financial planning with the same level of seriousness. Know your figures, set your limits, and plan accordingly.

Whether you’re celebrating love or launching a dream, remember to keep your priorities in check. Focus on what will drive your project forward and don’t get sidetracked by the myriad of less critical tasks. Stick to your plan, and you’ll find that your path to success becomes much clearer.

Step 4: Goal-Setting with Precision

Setting goals is one thing, but making sure they’re SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—is what really turns visions into reality. During the wedding planning, we translated our vision into actionable steps. Just like in startup development, we had to set SMART goals and have regular check-ins to ensure we stayed on track.

For our wedding, the action plan was detailed and every task was assigned a deadline. We scheduled weekly 30-minute Zoom calls with our wedding planner to review progress and next steps. These regular meetings kept the momentum going and ensured that every detail was accounted for. The discipline of these check-ins mirrored the agile methodology I teach to entrepreneurs—constant iteration, assessment, and evolution.

In startups, as in life’s big events, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the grandeur of the end goal. But by breaking it down into smaller, manageable tasks, each with a clear timeline, you make steady progress. And just like my wedding planner came to appreciate our weekly calls, founders often find that regular progress checks provide structure and rhythm to the otherwise chaotic startup life.

Whether you’re gearing up for a product launch or walking down the aisle, setting SMART goals and tracking your progress is non-negotiable. It’s this systematic approach that can take you from dreaming to doing, from idea to execution, and from planning to partying.

Step 5: Agile Adaptation & Enjoying the Moment

Adaptability isn’t just a buzzword in the startup lexicon; it’s the lifeblood of any successful venture. As I discovered in the run-up to our wedding, no matter how foolproof your plan appears, you’ll inevitably encounter obstacles that require a quick pivot or a complete rethink. This adaptability is what I explore with entrepreneurs in my online coaching programs.

The saga of the flower arch for our wedding is a testament to this. I had envisioned a specific design that became a symbol of my dream wedding. Yet, when Mother’s Day weekend threatened to derail our plans, we had to be creative and persistent. After numerous rejections from florists and a not-so-perfect plan B in place, we finally found a designer who agreed to craft the perfect arch just a week before the big day. It was a close call, but it paid off beautifully.

Pivoting isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a strategic move. In business, as in wedding planning, you refine your approach, rehearse different scenarios, and stay open to change. It’s about being resilient enough to embrace plan B (or C, D, or even E) when plan A falls through.

And then, there’s the art of relaxation. After all the planning, refining, and rehearsing, you need to trust in your preparation and enjoy the moment. The winds of change may blow hard—like the mistral wind that forced us to cancel our fireworks—but with a strong foundation and the ability to adapt, you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

So, here’s to the pivots, the perseverance, and the power of embracing the entrepreneurial journey with open arms and an open heart. Ready to take your first step? Join me, and let’s build something extraordinary together.

Conclusion: From Wedding Bells to Successfully Building a Startup

As we wrap up this tale of love, strategy, and entrepreneurial spirit, I hope you’ve seen how the principles that guide a successful startup can apply to life’s other grand adventures. It’s been a journey of vision, collaboration, agility, and above all, unwavering commitment to a dream.

But what about you? Are you ready to embark on your own journey, be it launching a startup or another passion project? If my story has sparked a desire to create, to lead, to innovate, then I invite you to take the next step with me.

Why not become a part of something bigger today? Sign up for my Inbox Club, where you’ll receive weekly doses of inspiration, stories, and practical tips to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and keep the spirit of innovation alive in your work and life.

Remember, whether planning a dream wedding or building a dream company, the principles of success remain the same. Define your vision, build a solid team, prioritize effectively, stay agile, and embrace the journey. Let’s start this adventure together—I can’t wait to see where it takes us.