Excitement versus confidence

There is one word to explain how I feel after spending the last week in San Fran: Excited.

After feeding on all the unbridled positive energy around here it makes me feel like we are building the best thing in the world, that will take over everything, and that we can do anything. The mixture of youth, positive ideas, and support of each other makes you feel like you can't lose. It's an awesome feeling to have that level of enthusiasm.

However, I worry a little about entrepreneurs who can get wrapped up in all the positive energy in the valley and what it might do to them. I'll be heading back to Boston with a raised level of confidence, but I also know that is not necessarily the best feeling to always have.

Excitement is incredibly important to keep you from thinking too small, to reach for big ideas and believe in them. But confidence can lead to trusting your direction so much you miss the train passing you by (or headed right for you).

• Confidence presents well to one person, excitement spreads.
• Confidence is sure, excitement is creative.
• Confidence leads to pushing your ideas, excitement leads to listening to how others can help your idea.

I have no right to be confident. Relatively few people really care about what we are building right now, no one has used it, and we have a lot to prove. But there is a huge opportunity out there, and I'm excited to see if we can pull it off.

Comments

[Giff]

It was nice to meet you last week, even if briefly. I agree that entrepreneurs must constantly cross-check and reality-check assumptions and strategies, but as you say, you need that confidence to push yourself forward and the people around you, whether employees or initial adopters. Entrepreneurs need a hefty amount of stubborness and optimism, because there is never a shortage of naysayers. You can't be so stubborn that you run yourself into a brick wall, but without the ability to listen to yourself rather than everyone else, a startup cannot be born.

[Ross Saldarini]

great post nabs.

[Michael Vu]

I think you have every right to be confident, you have a fantastic team. =)

[Robert Brackenridge]

I feel the same way after I have attended the often electric conferences in the valley area. When I return to Houston [yes - there are tech companies in H-Town :) ] I am quickly reminded of the challenges ahead when I have to begin every discussion with a rundown on virtual worlds and their progression.

But, in many ways, I think this is beneficial. It constantly reminds me that we are trying to reach these members of the internet audience. What are they looking for in a VW? What would they find so compelling that they would take a leap into virtual reality?

I look forward to seeing the culmination of your efforts!