Converting Feedback into Action
by Ray Crowell

I have had the pleasure of working with hundreds of startups (both military-led and civilian alike) over the last few years through my immersion in Patriot Boot Camp, Bunker Labs DC, and the East Coast entrepreneurial ecosystem. I've coached some that are very early stage, to those who are already hundreds of thousands dollars into their investment raises, to later stage companies try to scale in revenue by the tens of millions. Teams of two, teams of four, male, female, young, old, of every shape and size – I've seen them all.

But what sets apart an entrepreneur or founding team who will be successful from the rest of the chaff? Simply put – the ability to convert feedback into action.

When you're building a company, there are a thousand different problems that can kill your business. As a founder, you're responsible for the vision and execution of all aspects – from things as fun and inspiring as brand management and product development, to the very unsexy parts of running a business like cash flow, payroll, and taxes. It's just too hard to avoid all of the pitfalls on your own – mentorship is a must.

There exists a myriad of organizations that are devoted to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners from the military community build scalable and sustainable businesses (such as Boots to Business, Capitol Post, and Bunker Labs, to name a few). Getting involved with these organizations is just the first step in the process. Through them, you'll have access to top tier presenters, speakers, workshops, and a great network. Even then though, that's not enough.

You can sit through as many classes and workshops and one-on-one sessions as you could possibly fit into a week. However, participation in class does not guarantee success in the real world. As I mentioned – converting feedback (whether learned in a group setting or through a dedicated mentor) “for real” will be the true testament as to whether you've adequately absorbed the information. There's a difference between hearing and listening; likewise, listening and acting.

I've seen countless founders come to ‘aha!' moments in a workshop, hands covered in whiteboard marker and little beads of sweat on their brow. It's always exhilarating, but I've become hardened by the too-many experiences I've had when, a week later, my team and I have to start back at square one. Part of the challenge at times can be when egos are at play. It's a classic stereotype of the arrogant and naive entrepreneur, and it takes a long time to work through someone who feels that his or her way is the best and only way. Be humble and open to new ideas – it will propel your business and career in ways unimaginable.

If you've found a revelation that will lead to a business breakthrough, take the initiative to start the change, preserve through the uncertainty, reach out for help if it's new territory for you, and be resilient! It's not easy, but ultimately, taking lessons learned and acting in a way to prevent making the same mistake twice is the signature characteristic of a successful entrepreneur.

Ray Crowell
Managing Director
humble ventures

Ray Crowell is fueling the veteran & spouse-led startup renaissance in DC, providing a peer-learning environment for entrepreneurs to Discover, Grow, Innovate, and Connect. He leads a team of supportive mentors, industry experts, strategic partners, and dedicated founders over at Bunker Labs DC. Ray is obsessed with engaging military veterans and their spouses to start, innovate, and scale the next generation of high-growth companies.

Ray unleashed his entrepreneurial spirit while on active duty (USAF), accelerating chapter-driven non-profits. Following a stretch as a Department of Air Force executive and government contractor, he joined the Patriot Boot Camp team as advisor and devoted roadie. Ray recently launched Ascent 7 Ventures, which will be debuting its first App (managing carpool pick-up for charter schools) very very soon. He has a BA, MA, a stack of executive development program certs in business and public policy, and was a Harvard Kennedy School Fellow at the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy.

Ray lives in Savannah with his active-duty (USAF) wife and their almost-thoroughbred rescue puppy.

 

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