Control your narrative

“I have a startup…”

That is quite possibly the worst way to introduce yourself to anyone. And, yet, it’s the most common phrase I’ve heard over the past few years.

Now that we’re in the second year of our tour, we’re meeting many of the same entrepreneurs again. And I love that. Until they introduce themselves the same way they did last year.

• If you’re an entrepreneur, listen to the way other people introduce you. If you don’t like it, start introducing yourself differently. Humblebragging is ok.
• You’re not building a startup, you’re building a business. When someone asks what you do, talk about your customers — not about your startup.
• If you don’t control your own narrative, someone else will create one for you. And it probably won’t help you or your business.

Originally published at Results Junkies.