Each day, business leaders make decisions that guide their future, but some of them have a much deeper impact than others. These choices, sometimes made under pressure, determine not only the sustainability of a business, but also the personal balance of those who direct it. Several French entrepreneurs have known, at key moments, make the right decisions, those that have transformed their trajectory. Back on these 5 strategic decisions which can radically change an entrepreneurial life.
1/ Position yourself on the right market at the right time
Entrepreneurial success is not based solely on a good idea. It also depends on the timing and the choice of the market. Many have failed because they had a product in advance on their time or because they had launched in an already saturated sector.
The example of Doctolib perfectly illustrates the importance of good timing. When Stanislas Niox-Chateau launched its medical appointment platform in 2013, the digitalization of the health sector was still a stammering. However, by anticipating market development and positioning themselves before hospitals and doctors were forced to adopt digital solutions, Doctolib was able to establish itself as a key player. Today, the startup has become a French unicorn, proof that choosing the right time at the right time is a decision that can change a life as an entrepreneur.
For its part, Frichti, the French startup for home -made meal delivery, knew how to embark on an already competitive market, but by adopting a different approach: that of home cooking, prepared with quality ingredients. This specific positioning allowed the company to grow quickly and stand out from general platforms.
2/ Get out of good people from the start
No entrepreneurial success is made alone. Behind each large company, there are partners, employees, mentors or investors who have played a decisive role. The choice of his team and his partners is one of the most decisive decisions in the course of an entrepreneur.
Take the example of Blablacar. Frédéric Mazzella had the idea of long -distance carpooling, but it was by surrounding herself with solid associates, notably Francis Nappez and Nicolas Brusson, that he was able to structure the company and bring it to an international level. The success of the startup is not only due to its concept, but also to the excellence of the founding team and the complementarity of profiles.
Conversely, many companies fail not because of a bad product, but because of internal tensions, bad associations or a lack of leadership. Knowing how to surround yourself, choosing partners who share a common vision and which bring additional skills, is a determining success factor.
3/ Dare to say no to protect your cap
All entrepreneurs are faced with opportunities that seem attractive at the moment, but which can distance them from their initial vision. Knowing how to say no is a difficult but often saving decision.
Take the example of Michel and Augustin. At their beginnings, the two founders received several proposals from large distribution to industrialize their production of cookies. However, they refused these attractive offers, preferring to keep their artisanal model and their fun and authentic brand image. Result: their strategy paid, and they were able to negotiate much more advantageous partnerships later, without infringing their identity.
In the same register, Deezer had to refuse agreements with majors of the music industry who could have restrained its development. By remaining faithful to its mission to make music accessible in streaming without excessive constraint for users, the company was able to find a lasting balance between profitability and attractiveness.
An entrepreneur who says yes to any risk of scattering, losing control of his project and weakening his positioning. Learning to say no is an essential competence to build a solid company aligned with its long -term vision.
4/ Change model when the market imposes it
Knowing how to pivot at the right time is a decision that can save a business. Many startups start with an idea, then realize along the way that their initial model is not viable or scalable. Those who succeed are those who agree to adapt and change course in time.
A striking example is that of The Fork (formerly the fork). When it started, the platform offered a simple booking tool for restaurants, but the model was not profitable enough. Rather than persisting, the company has decided to evolve towards a system of promotions and recommendations, increasing real value to restaurateurs and customers. This pivot allowed the company to stand out and be bought by Tripadvisor, a spectacular success that would never have been possible without this change of model.
In a completely different field, Manomano, the French marketplace specializing in DIY, first tested several approaches before adopting a model of pure marketplace, by connecting manufacturers and consumers without intermediaries. This strategic choice has enabled the company to establish itself as a major player in the face of traditional giants in the sector.
Pivoting is never an easy decision. This requires recognizing that certain hypotheses were false, to have the humility to question your own project and to dare to bounce back. But for those who dare, it is often the key to survival and growth.
5/ Accept not to control everything and delegate intelligently
Finally, one of the most difficult decisions for an entrepreneur is to accept to let go. Many leaders are exhausted by wanting to manage everything themselves, while learning to delegate is an essential lever to scaler your business.
In the e-commerce sector, Mathilde Lacombe, founder of Blissim (ex-Birchbox France), has delegated logistics and customer management to external providers to focus on the growth and international development of its brand. This choice accelerated his success and allowed her to take steps much faster than if she had sought to control everything herself.
Knowing how to delegate is also accepting that others can sometimes do certain tasks better than yourself. This is an essential step in going from an overwhelmed entrepreneur to a real business manager capable of seeing far and having a lasting impact.
