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A lot of entrepreneurs hate big companies. But if you hate them so much, why are you trying to build a new one? The truth is, as soon as a startup has any kind of success whatsoever, it will face big company problems.
Eric Ries
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Entrepreneurs often criticize large companies, yet they aim to create successful businesses themselves, ultimately facing similar challenges.

This quote by Eric Ries highlights the paradox within the entrepreneurial community, where there is a disdain for large corporations despite the fact that startups, upon achieving success, encounter the same issues that plague established companies. It suggests that rather than viewing big companies as adversaries, entrepreneurs should recognize that they will inevitably face similar challenges as their own ventures grow. This reflection encourages a deeper understanding and a more constructive approach towards the business landscape.

Themes

EntrepreneurshipBusinessStartupsSuccessChallenges

In practice

Example use cases

During a business conference, this quote can be shared to inspire new entrepreneurs about the realities of success.

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Learning to see waste and systematically eliminate it has allowed lean companies such as Toyota to dominate entire industries. Lean thinking defines value as 'providing benefit to the customer'; anything else is waste.
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Quote by Eric Ries | QuoteProject