Entrepreneurial Lessons From The CEO Of MentorMate

As an entrepreneur, overcoming doubt and criticism will likely be the most difficult challenged to face. The more out-of-the-box your idea is the more difficult it will be to sell. So, what can you do to persevere and give your startup the best chance possible? Here are a few lessons from Björn Stansvik, CEO of MentorMate:

(Curated from Pittsburgh Business Times)

• Stansvik’s company has seen unmatched success after increasing revenue by over 500 percent in the last three years. Before finding success, however, Stansvik faced many obstacles beginning with his parents.

“Stansvik came to America in his mid-20s from Sweden, the son of ‘overprotective civil service parents,’ he says, who valued safety and certainty. In contrast, he was the restless, striving type who wanted adventure and ambiguity. As a result, he decided to come to America to start a business because he admired from afar our nation’s welcoming attitude toward entrepreneurs and its healthy business climate.”

• Upon arriving in the U.S. Stansvik only had 90 days to find work before his tourist visa expired. Stansvik struggled to find work for a technology employer, but he didn’t let rejection stop him:

“After going nearly three months without any job offers, Stansvik made a bold move, creating, without being asked, an 80-page SWOT analysis of a Minnesota tech company he admired. He delivered it and asked for a volunteer job and desk. Surprisingly, the company said yes. Within a few weeks, he had proven his value so thoroughly that the company offered him a full-time job — and sponsorship for permanent resident status.”

• Stansvik’s story also emphasizes the importance of accepting help from others. He admits that he couldn’t have found his start without significant support from other people. Stansvik ended up staying in Minneapolis after a stranger suggested he get in touch with another Swedish man there.

“Stansvik would be the first to acknowledge how much he’s benefitted from the help of others. For instance, while traveling in Mexico, a stranger recognized his Swedish insignia bag, began speaking to him in Swedish, and suggested he contact his Swedish pal Erik in Minneapolis.”

There are several entrepreneurial lessons you can learn from Stansvik and his company, especially determination and perseverance. How do you think entrepreneurs can benefit from Stansvik's story?