With apologies to John Hiatt, whose song, 'Have a Little Faith in Me', inspired this post...
Faith is my ultimate fall-back feeling I have when dealing with my portfolio companies. Losing faith in the idea, founders, or fellow investors is the worst thing that can happen as far as I am concerned when dealing with one of my investments. When all other rational behavior fails, I roll my eyes and 'take it on faith'.
I'm no super religious kind of guy. Far from it. But I do fervently believe in the ability of my companies to do what they say they are going to do to be successful. When a hiccup comes (quite often, for sure), I remind myself to have faith--in the idea, the business model, the founders, etc. etc.
I preach the same thing to my companies--to have faith in their employees, their lawyers, their board and advisers, their clients, etc. etc. Unless everyone believes in their heart that 'it' can happen, meaning a successful company, then it can fail. I ask my CEO's to keep checking on the level of faith in the company, its customers, and its investors. One cannot ask this question too often.
So next time you think all is going great, remember that not everyone may be on board and have the same faith as you do. Get out there and poll the crowds, founders. Make sure that the faithful are still on board the bus...
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