Every summer, over 7 million viewers tune in to The Bachelorette, that guilty pleasure that everyone loves, but denies being emotionally invested in. Yes, The Bachelorette might be full of drama, heartbreak, and beyond cheesy musical underscoring, but there actually are some valuable takeaways.
Believe it or not, starting a company has a lot in common with finding true love on reality TV. Now that Kaitlyn Bristowe has finally concluded her epic quest for love and Bachelor in Paradise is in full swing, here are a few Bachelor Nation tips on how to supercharge your startup. Bonus points if you can get Chris Harrison to host your launch party.
1. First impressions matter
When you’re starting a new company, first impressions matter. To be taken seriously by potential investors and new hires alike, you’ll need to create a compelling brand and elevator pitch. While the quality of your product should come first and foremost, naming and brand image are a close second when it comes to long-term viability. Establish yourself off the bat as a confident founder with a clear vision, and you’ll reap the benefits later when you’re attracting new talent and new advisors. Who knows—just like Kaitlyn gave Shawn the first impression rose, the first person you pitch may become your future co-founder.
2. Be competitive
A startup battlefield or competitive grant application can give your company the acceleration it needs to execute goals quickly. Research your options heavily before committing, and make sure your startup qualifies before paying an entrance fee. If you’re still a college student, look into the competitions your school offers—these are often encouraging and educational ways to build interest in your project. If you can, enter a competition that caters specifically to the niche problem your business solves, be it healthcare, e-commerce, travel, or beyond. Don’t be afraid, and be true to your vision. After all, Kaitlyn beat out Britt by being genuine, open, and honest about herself.
3. Know your worth
Be clear and honest about the valuation of your company as soon as you start fundraising. There will be a lot of people who try to get a piece of your company in its early stages, before you may be confident about what your business is truly worth. Take it slow, and only bring on investors who are here for the right reasons and will act as trusted advisors, rather than jumping in on a whim for a quick profit. Be able to tell the genuine from the disingenuous. When contestant Ian called her shallow and boring, Kaitlyn was quick to show him the door.
4. Listen to your employees
When you do eventually make hires, it’s important to make them feel included in the company culture and mission. Be approachable and open to critique, just like you expect your employees to be. In the early days, it’s important to keep a flat organizational structure and earn the respect of your employees, because their knowledge and experience will become more valuable as the company grows. While it is important to follow your heart, a trusted group of colleagues to bounce ideas off of is invaluable. While Kaitlyn made a gut decision by bringing Nick onto the show, eventually the feedback from the other contestants and her family made her feel more confident about ultimately choosing Shawn.
5. Go public with your soulmate
When you’re finally ready to launch—or, more importantly, IPO—it’s crucial to have a devoted co-founder by your side. Choosing a co-founder can be tricky, but picking the right one can make all the difference for your growing startup. Be wary of choosing the first prospect that you get along with—keep your options open for a while, and settle on the choice that not only complements you socially, but also professionally. If you’re a marketing whiz, pick an operations guru. More into tech? Pick a gregarious partner who will close deals. You’ll want someone that balances you out—the yin to your yang—to create a well-rounded C-suite. When Kaitlyn went public with Shawn, she was confident that she had chosen the man who was the best fit for her, regardless of the chemistry she felt with Nick. When you’re ready to make your debut, make sure it’s with your soulmate—the Shawn to your Kaitlyn.