What Motivates You in Startup Tech Companies?

Finding your motivation is important if you want to define success.

So let’s say you’ve started a tech startup. Why?

If you can’t answer this, or can’t answer this succinctly, you could be facing a major problem. Your motivation for starting a company is more important than you might realize, as it underlines all your future decisions. It will determine who you hire and why. It will determine whether you eventually sell or expand. It will determine how you shape your company culture, and the ways you change the company over the years.

Let me illustrate an example: let’s say you have two different candidates for a lead developer on your team. One is very talented, and has a great personality, but is somewhat expensive and pushes your budget to the limits. The other is somewhat talented, has an okay personality, and is very affordable. If your primary motivation is to work with a great team and build something awesome no matter the cost, the former would be your decision. If your primary motivation is achieving profitability as quickly as possible, the latter would be your decision.

Understanding your motivations can help you make better, more consistent decisions. So what is it that motivates you?

Are you motivated by the promise of wealth after years of profitability?
Are you motivated by being able to make your own schedule and be your own boss?
Are you motivated at the prospect of working with a great team of people?
Are you motivated by creating something beautiful and leaving behind a legacy?
Are you motivated by developing a revenue generator that your children and grandchildren can take over?

All of these are valid motivations, but they aren’t going to apply to everyone. Chances are, one of these stands out more than the others to you (or you may have something else in mind). Keep this in the back of your mind as you continue to make decisions and progress for your company.

About the Author

Jose Vasquez is a serial entrepreneur and tech specialist dedicated to helping startup tech companies grow and succeed. As the founder of Build. Brand. Blast., Jose has worked with dozens of enterprises to find direction, gain momentum, and achieve results.