For entrepreneurs wanting to grow their idea, long days can easily turn into long nights. Whether they are spending time in front of a screen coding or on the phone selling, work usually turns into one thing: more work.
Which makes sense. Entrepreneurs who want to grow put in the hours to see that growth happen. At first it’s slow but then little by little, they see and sense progress (we call those “wins” here at the EC).
And while growing and building a company are exciting, it’s not the only thing worth building. In the midst of all the company growth, what about the community that supports it?
I’m seeing more opportunities for founders to get away from work and out into the real world, like, with other people. Hustle culture and the daily grind are slowing giving way to a more manageable pace and a priority on relationships. After all, if you build a company but lose your health and community in the process, what was the point?
A few examples of what I’m seeing:
For several years running now, there’s been an entrepreneur pool party. It’s family friendly, and yeah – Zap is involved this year. But a great way to toast to the end of summer while taking a break from building and leading.
Venture and tech groups are hosting trail runs and hikes, followed by breakfast. If you like any of those things, it’ll be worth checking out the next one.
There’s even a pickleball biotech meetup. My pal Woody has led that up, allowing a fast-growing sport to meet a fast-growing sector. Sounds entrepreneurial. He told me, “Pickleball is a fun and approachable sport that transcends age, background, and occupation. I have found it to be a fantastic team building event as well as a great way enhance relationships in the biotech community through friendly competition, exercise, and mentally unplugging from the entrepreneurial grind.”
The list could go on; these are just three examples that found me via email or run ins.
I’m glad to see that entrepreneurs are finding the balance in their work. They’re not standing still while they’re swimming, hiking, and pickleballing, but they’re taking time to pause.
While clearly working to build a meaningful company they’re also building something even more meaningful in the process: community.
This post was written by Sam Davidson, EC CEO.
