One of the biggest unspoken lessons was taking the advice from academia, and applying it to reality. Learning how to navigate between the academia to realization can be quite hard as a Social Entrepreneur. I believe it to be true more than ever. There's so much support in these learning environments, but doesn't translate too much unless you join an organization and/or network group.

Typically, nonprofit groups are created in nurturing test labs without the needed support. When created in these sorts of environments, monies are provided to continue that research or activities to add value to those within the institution. That same model doesn't work in a free-market reality. This isn't saying the group doesn't provide value, but more than likely it could be a replica of another agency.

As a founder, I've been fortunate to have experiences in both institutional groups and free-market groups. Founders are passionate, but sometimes they're (including me) fueled not with all the right fuel. For example, academias run on grant and tuition funds while 'realization' runs on donations and sponsors. Those are completely different operational infrastructures.

Depending on which way you're going, I'm going to give some tips that helped me. There are (5) tips that will help you navigate these waters of academia vs. realization. If you're transitioning to academia to realization, this is for you.