"Crear un negocio no es ciencia de cohetes, se trata de tener una gran idea y llevarla a cabo con integridad."

Starting a business isn't some mystical, unattainable task. At its core, it’s pretty straightforward: come up with a solid idea and stick with it—always being honest and ethical along the way. It's not about having a genius-level intellect or a secret formula. It's about dedication, perseverance, and above all, being true to your principles.

Think about the context here. This was likely said by someone who’s been through the entrepreneurial wringer. Maybe they were tired of people overcomplicating things or making excuses about not having what it takes. They wanted to strip things back to basics. And it makes sense—think about how many successful businesses started from simple ideas. Colonel Sanders came up with a fried chicken recipe. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started building computers in a garage. These weren’t groundbreaking scientific discoveries. They were good ideas that people believed in and worked on tirelessly.

Take the story of Airbnb, for example. Back in 2007, two guys, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, needed a way to pay the rent. They decided to rent out an air mattress in their living room and turned that small idea into a business. The concept was simple: offer people a place to stay that’s more personal and often more affordable than a hotel. They weren’t rocket scientists; they were just two guys with a problem who found a clever solution. They saw it through, despite numerous challenges and setbacks, and they did it with a commitment to integrity and creating a community of trust between hosts and guests.

If you’re thinking about starting a business, here’s how you can apply this wisdom. First, focus on what you’re passionate about. What’s that one idea that keeps you up at night? That’s your starting point. Next, break it down into manageable steps. Don’t get overwhelmed by the big picture. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time. And most importantly, always stay true to your values. If you build your business on a foundation of honesty and integrity, you’ll create something that customers can trust and respect.

Let’s imagine a scenario. Picture yourself at a coffee shop (our conversation feels fitting here, right?). You’ve just had a lightbulb moment about starting a new business—a subscription box for eco-friendly household products. You’re excited but also a little daunted. You don’t have a degree in environmental science, and you’re not a tech whiz. But remember, you don’t need to be. What you do need is that great idea, and a commitment to seeing it through, no matter what. Start small. Maybe you begin by sourcing products from local vendors. You test the concept with friends and family. You build a simple website. And every step of the way, you make sure that your business decisions align with your core value of sustainability. You’re not cutting corners; you’re not compromising on quality. You’re building something you believe in.

So, the next time you find yourself doubting whether you can turn your idea into a reality, just remember: it's not about being a genius. It’s about having a great idea and sticking with it—seeing it through with unwavering integrity. If you do that, you’re already halfway there.