Our CEO and co-founder Jamie Thomas recently appeared at 1 Million Cups Columbia. He shared his perspective on the early days of Cognito Forms, the spin out from parent company VC3, and lessons he’s learned while growing the company.
Here’s some of the advice he shared for up-and-coming (as well as more established) entrepreneurs:
Success requires perseverance. Cognito Forms was around for years before becoming a standalone company. Maximizing every opportunity and staying persistent kept us going.
Know that the unexpected will happen. And pivot when it does.
Sometimes you have to let go. This could mean changing platforms, using new tools, or even taking a new direction with your product. Regardless, you have to embrace changes when creating what your customers want next.
Surround yourself with great people. In good times and tough times, you will have to rely on the ingenuity, energy and dedication of your team. Choose them carefully – and support them so they can support you.
Maintain your vision and plan to succeed. When customers arrive, you’ll be ready.
For the full presentation, visit 1MillionCups on Facebook.
Learn more about Cognito Forms.
Ace E.
Ace is the Marketing Communications Manager for Cognito Forms. When not at the office, you can find him volunteering with the American Advertising Federation (and soon on stage with his band: the Cottontown Soul Society).