Omer Keser, founder of curasy.com, talks about understanding your customer, creating company culture and how it took almost losing his life to give him the courage to leave a successful career in Google to start his own business.

Key Takeaways

[1:40] Where the idea for Curasy.com came from, realising that there was a problem that he could address, helping independent luxury designers to reach their customers.

[2:45] The most important thing is clarity of purpose. However clarity can also come through taking action.

[4:25] How Omer deals with self doubt and keeping the vision. He recommends entrepreneurs really understand what they want to get out of their life. 

[5:50] The hurdles Omer has encountered, including financial and hiring challenges.

[6:37] How he got the financial resources together. Advice on saving beforehand, giving yourself a year's runway. Funding from start up accelerator programmes like NDRC, an early stage startup accelerator.

[7:35] The value of mentoring and networking and the credibility being in the programme gives you.

What unique value do you offer?Click To Tweet

[12:40] Letting go of your original ideas, letting it change. The people who are succeeding are open to adapting as they understand their customer better.

[13:45] Not falling in love with your “baby” too soon in case there is a better solution to the problem you’re trying to solve

[15:40] The moment that made Omer take the chance and pursue his idea. Almost losing his life and the realisation that you have to do it. Life is too short.

[14:35] Get out of the building and talk to people 

Identify a problem that is worth solvingClick To Tweet

Are you trying to build a vitamin or a painkiller? Click To Tweet

[17:40] Being in business reveals your personal weaknesses and strengths. He discovered new parts to himself, new weaknesses and new strengths.

[19:55] Once caught, the entrepreneurial bug, will always stay with you whether as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur in a corporate environment.

[20:40] How the company replicates the culture of the founder. It’s important to understand that early on and build a strong culture early on in the business.

[21:30] Knowing when to ask for help.

[22:50] "Life is too short, just go and do it. What matters is the journey you go through."

 

Links to things mentioned in this episode

curasy.com

Twitter @omerkeser

facebook.com/curasy

instagram.com/curasy/

NDRC

Guinness Enterprise Centre

Innovation Academy