Stop Treating Your Business Like a Situationship: Entrepreneurship Basics That Actually Matter
By Nina — I'm the friend who tells you what you need to hear about your situationship. ·
Let’s Be Real: Your Business Needs Commitment, Not Just 'Vibes'
Listen, I love a good Brooklyn coffee shop brainstorm as much as the next person. But I’m seeing way too many of you treat your new business venture exactly like that guy you’ve been seeing since July who 'isn’t ready for labels.' You’re putting in all the emotional labor, you’re constantly checking to see if they’re interested in you (or in this case, if the market is interested in your product), and you’re terrified to ask for a commitment—a.k.a. a paying customer.
I’m Nina, and I’m here to tell you that entrepreneurship isn’t a romantic comedy where everything magically works out because your intentions were pure. It’s a business. And if you don't get your act together, you’re just going to end up with a drained bank account and a massive case of professional burnout. Let’s cut the fluff and talk about the actual basics of building something that lasts.
Stop 'Dating' Your Idea and Start Validating It
In my PR work, I see founders spend six months perfecting a logo and a color palette before they’ve ever sold a single unit. That’s not business; that’s procrastination in a cute outfit. You are 'dating' your idea—you’re obsessed with how it looks, how it feels, and what people think of it—but you haven't actually checked to see if it solves a real problem.
Here’s your reality check: If you aren't talking to potential customers, you aren't doing market research. You’re just talking to yourself. Before you file an LLC or drop a grand on a website, find five people who aren’t your mom or your best friend and ask them if they’d pay for your service. If they say no, don't try to 'convince' them. Pivot. Changing your mind isn't a failure; it’s an evolution. Stop falling in love with your first draft.
The 'Exclusivity' Talk: Define Your Revenue Model
One of the biggest red flags I see in new entrepreneurs is the refusal to talk about money. You’re acting like you’re doing this for the 'exposure' or the 'community.' Look, I’m all for community, but community doesn't pay my Brooklyn rent.
If you don’t have a clear way to generate revenue from day one, you don’t have a business; you have a hobby. And hobbies are great—they keep us sane—but don’t confuse them with a career. You need to know exactly how you’re making money. Is it a subscription? A flat fee? A service-based model? Whatever it is, be explicit. If you can’t explain your revenue model in one sentence, you aren't ready to launch. Stop being coy about the transaction. Money is the heartbeat of your business. If you aren't comfortable asking for it, you aren't comfortable running a business.
Setting Boundaries (Because Your Business Will Eat Your Life)
When I was in my three-year relationship, I let my boundaries erode until I didn’t know where I ended and he began. Don't let your startup do that to you. Entrepreneurship is notorious for 'hustle culture'—that toxic, late-night, caffeine-fueled narrative that says if you aren't suffering, you aren't working hard enough.
Total nonsense.
If your business requires you to be available 24/7, you haven't built a system; you’ve built a cage. Start by setting 'office hours' for yourself. If you’re a solopreneur, you are your most valuable asset. If you burn out, the business dies. Protect your time like you protect your peace. You don’t need to answer emails at 11 PM, and you definitely don’t need to be 'on' all the time. A rested founder makes better decisions than an exhausted one. Trust me, I’ve seen the wreckage of both.
The 'Red Flag' Checklist for Your Startup
Since we’re being honest, let’s audit your current situation. Run through this list, and if you find yourself checking off more than two, we need to have a serious conversation:
1. The 'Hidden Cost' Trap: Do you know exactly what your monthly overhead is? If you’re guessing, you’re already behind. 2. The 'Perfect' Complex: Are you still tweaking your website colors instead of cold-emailing prospects? 3. The 'Yes' Man Syndrome: Are you saying yes to every client project, even the ones that don't align with your goals, just because you’re scared of a dry spell? 4. The Lack of Separation: Is your business bank account the same as your personal one? (If yes, fix this today. It’s the business equivalent of sharing an iCloud password—just don't do it.)
You Are the Architect, Not the Victim
At the end of the day, entrepreneurship is about taking radical responsibility. There is no 'boss' to blame when things go sideways, and there’s no partner to share the load with unless you decide to bring on a co-founder. It’s just you. And honestly? That’s the best part. You get to decide the rules. You get to decide the values. You get to decide what success looks like.
But you have to be intentional. Stop drifting. Stop waiting for 'the right time.' Stop acting like your business is something that’s happening to you. You’re the one holding the pen. Stop writing a tragedy and start writing a success story.
What’s the one thing you’ve been avoiding in your business because you’re scared of the answer? Let’s talk about it. Slide into my DMs or drop a comment below—I’m here to help you stop the BS and start the build.