If you ever watch Shark Tank (which has become remarkably redundant), you'll note that each shark has a certain style (no doubt born of his/her own experience/personality).
Cuban is always harping about sacrifice, breathing the dream, not taking a salary, etc. The story goes that if you want it bad enough, you'll make the sacrifices. This has become a common belief that is propagated about entrepreneurship.
I've come to believe that it's absolute nonsense. Engaging in self-destructive behavior does not have to be a core tenant of entrepreneurship nor some proof of passion or dedication. And, at what point is the entrepreneur just a slave to the investor? Some will say, "well, the investor is risking her money". Sure, but she is only doing so because, presumably, she can afford it. In other words, it is a discretionary "luxury" for the investor to invest, whereas it can be a subsistence-level sacrifice for the entrepreneur to go without a salary.
Whether it's a failing bootstrapped company or funded venture wherein investors require an unreasonably small salary or none at all, this is not good. And, for people who go the entrepreneurship route for "freedom", the effect can be the opposite. Not having an income introduces stresses and risks that represent anything but freedom.
If you ever watch Shark Tank (which has become remarkably redundant), you'll note that each shark has a certain style (no doubt born of his/her own experience/personality).
Cuban is always harping about sacrifice, breathing the dream, not taking a salary, etc. The story goes that if you want it bad enough, you'll make the sacrifices. This has become a common belief that is propagated about entrepreneurship.
I've come to believe that it's absolute nonsense. Engaging in self-destructive behavior does not have to be a core tenant of entrepreneurship nor some proof of passion or dedication. And, at what point is the entrepreneur just a slave to the investor? Some will say, "well, the investor is risking her money". Sure, but she is only doing so because, presumably, she can afford it. In other words, it is a discretionary "luxury" for the investor to invest, whereas it can be a subsistence-level sacrifice for the entrepreneur to go without a salary.
Whether it's a failing bootstrapped company or funded venture wherein investors require an unreasonably small salary or none at all, this is not good. And, for people who go the entrepreneurship route for "freedom", the effect can be the opposite. Not having an income introduces stresses and risks that represent anything but freedom.