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Writer's pictureShrikant Soman
Dec 17, 20243 min read

Why Startups Fail Despite a Great Product, Market Potential, and Entrepreneurial Expertise – Part 3

Why Startups Fail Despite a Great Product, Market Potential, and Entrepreneurial Expertise – Part 3



The Role of Killer Instinct

One of the most critical requirements for the success of a startup is possessing a Killer Instinct. Without it, even the most promising ventures can falter. Let’s explore two types of founders whose lack of this vital quality often leads their startups to failure:

1. The Bathroom Singers

Bathroom singers are those who sing freely and passionately in private, with no regard for how good they actually are. They sing for their own enjoyment, not for improvement or performance. While harmless in the realm of music, this attitude in entrepreneurship can be disastrous.

Many founders approach their startups like bathroom singers—immersed in the joy of building and managing their ventures, yet without the strategic focus, discipline, and professionalism required for sustainable growth. They treat their business as a personal playground rather than a serious enterprise, leading to missed opportunities and eventual failure.

2. The Classroom Scholars

On the other hand, we have the classroom scholars. These founders often come from prestigious academic backgrounds, such as management graduates from top institutions. They excel in mastering theoretical concepts and case studies but struggle when faced with the messy, high-pressure realities of running a business.

Their textbook knowledge and analytical skills don’t always translate to the quick, practical decision-making needed for startups. As a result, many of these scholars thrive as executives in structured corporate environments but falter when attempting to build a business from scratch.


The Missing Ingredient: Killer Instinct

What sets successful entrepreneurs apart from bathroom singers and classroom scholars? The answer is Killer Instinct—a rare blend of determination, decisiveness, and unrelenting focus.


While traditional definitions often describe Killer Instinct as a ruthless or aggressive drive to win, the kind needed for startup success goes beyond that. It includes:

  • Focus: The ability to prioritize what truly matters and block out distractions.

  • Speed: Swift and decisive action to seize opportunities before they slip away.

  • Survival Mindset: Treating every critical decision as if the future of the business depends on it.


Imagine a lion chasing its prey. For the lion, failure is not an option—it could mean hunger, weakness, or even death. This survival-driven focus and ferocity are exactly what founders need when navigating the challenges of the startup world.


Killer Instinct in Action

In practical terms, Killer Instinct means running your business with the same intensity and purpose as a lion chasing its prey. It requires:

  • Total involvement and commitment to every aspect of the business.

  • Swift decision-making that aligns with long-term goals.

  • A relentless pursuit of growth and improvement, with no room for complacency.

Startups cannot be treated as hobbies or theoretical experiments. They demand a mindset that embraces calculated risks, aggressive execution, and a deep sense of urgency.


How I Help as a Startup Groomer

As a Startup Groomer, I specialize in guiding founders to develop this Killer Instinct and channel it effectively for success. With years of experience working with startups across industries, I help founders identify their unique strengths, overcome weaknesses, and adopt the laser-focused mindset necessary for sustained growth.


Through personalized mentorship and practical strategies, I enable founders to transition from being “Bathroom Singers” or “Classroom Scholars” to leaders with a lion-like drive. I focus on fostering the survival mindset, ensuring swift and effective decision-making, and embedding the discipline required to build a thriving business. Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than witnessing founders transform their ventures into successful, mission-driven enterprises.


Conclusion

Killer Instinct is the defining force that transforms vision into reality. It compels founders to manage their startups with the precision and urgency of a lion chasing its prey—focused, relentless, and driven by survival. This is in stark contrast to the casual enthusiasm of a “Bathroom Singer,” the theoretical mindset of a “Classroom Scholar,” or the complacency of treating a business as a mere hobby.


Cultivating this instinct bridges the gap between passion and professionalism, ensuring that every action is purposeful and aligned with the ultimate goal of success.

In my next article, I’ll explore how this Killer Instinct aligns with the concept of treating your startup as a mission—a higher calling that demands not just ambition, but unwavering dedication, focus, and a sense of purpose to achieve extraordinary results.

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