Start by visualizing, strategizing, and keep learning on the way
Strong in both mind and body when it comes to setting goals, structuring her steps and visualizing outcomes, FemGem25 Alexandra Vlachopoulou-Horn has successfully opened and established two delicious gastronomic spaces in Berlin. Speaking to Dora Dora on Episode 25 of the FemGems Podcast , Alexandra spreads entrepreneurial spirit and a determined mindset of a true athlete; accepting of the uncomfortable feelings when moving through challenging business stages.
A-Horn Café-Restaurant in Kreuzberg and B.Horn Foodbar in Neukölln are both born from the desire to have a comfortable space for friends to share plates of food and enjoy quality drinks in a beautiful green rustic setting. Focused on fresh ingredients, beautifully plated homemade dishes and warm service, Alexandra has taken her Greek heritage of hospitality and infused her passion into every detail of her businesses.
“We create what we love” is exemplified by the success and loyal patronage of their customers. These days Alexandra is able to further share her experiences through consultation work for non-profits as well as mentoring at Metro Startup Accelerator.
She credits her success to a number of factors including a little luck, a supportive partner, a great team and a growth mindset that continues to be adaptive and reflective. This is epitomized by her ability to draw out the commonalities between her studies in Business Administration, Macro Economics and Development Economics, her work with non-profit projects, and the administrative responsibilities of running A.Horn. Required to reorganize and restructure the business after much growth, she used her insights and experience as a means to inspire and learn from, before tackling the opening of a second location.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.” ~ Amelia Earhart
Alexandra’s insights when at the starting gate of launching her own business are actionable tools available to anyone. But she points out the ‘blessing’ of not actually truly knowing beforehand the extent of the learning, challenges and difficulties you are about to embark as a founder. Being able to view challenges positively and enjoy the processes of change and progress have certainly contributed toward her success.
“When you’re in it, you have to go through it, because you have no other option. You have to. You can either give up or find a solution for it.”
Like the beginning of any great journey, it is crucial to write your ideas down, as imperfect as they may feel. The first phase of your prototype is undoubtedly going to be flawed and it takes time for it to take shape. Understanding its parameters and refining its strengths takes work. Instead of getting demotivated at this early stage, get comfortable and find your confidence speaking to as many people as possible and gauging their responses. Developing your soft skills is as significant as advancing your hard skills. Going to meetups and surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you learn how to communicate your vision with true conviction.
“You have to be so passionate about it, so that other people believe in it”
This experienced personal feedback is paramount to shaping your concept and making refinements. Alexandra encourages us to view this testing phase with curiosity and to appreciate ‘failures’ as lessons. This self-awareness of the skills missing or areas that need development allows for learning opportunities that can’t be taught, but can only be experienced first-hand. The realistic appreciation and acceptance of our unique capabilities, including our weaknesses, can be leveled-up with a multitude of online tools, courses, software and meet-ups to learn and grow.
“I learned a long time ago that there is something worse than missing the goal, and that’s not pulling the trigger.”
~ Mia Hamm
Few business diplomas or management positions can compare or prepare you for the responsibility, accountability and ownership of all decisions once launching your business. Being able to problem solve in addition to grasping the functions of each operation, from accounting to design and strategic planning from the inside-out will all fall under your job description. This holistic view of business operations is often only possible by becoming an entrepreneur.
An athlete’s mindset of discipline and pushing her limits has certainly prepared her for the periods of discomfort at different stages throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Keeping in mind that it won’t kill you, even if it hurts, has helped her remain consistent and on track. She also knows how to listen to her body and sets clear boundaries of when to switch off, rest and focus on other aspects of private life. One tangible tool Alexandra offers for when overwhelmed or not knowing what to prioritize is ‘brain-dumping’ and organizing tasks according to a timeline of stages reflecting your own personal long-term goals. To make sure these goals are not left hanging, she suggests sharing such a timeline with selected people on your team to ensure there’s shared responsibility/ownership together with having a clear understanding of the milestones toward your vision.
Setting goals and having a trusted someone who helps hold you responsible while being a reference point for whether you are reaching your milestones is also extremely important. Start TODAY by visualizing it, strategizing weekly, monthly and yearly goals and trust you will learn everything you need on the way. Even when challenges and unforeseen circumstances derail you momentarily, get back in the lane and keep moving forward!
“You can never leave footprints that last if you are always walking on tiptoe.” ~ Leymah Gbowee
Tune in to this energizing episode with Alexandra and start visualizing your goals.
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