"So much of starting a business or affecting change is the confidence and courage to simply try." - Simon Sinek
This quote from Simon Sinek is simple, yet powerful. Every day, I meet and talk with people who have amazing ideas, amazing ambitions and dreams for their life. Yet, so many people are afraid to take action and simply try.
Prior to launching my first company, I tried several other ventures, and failed several times. At the time I knew I wanted to do something in the music industry, so I went out and hit the ground running.
Recording Studio = Fail
Show Promoter = Fail
Graphic Design for Artists = Fail
Artist Manager = Fail
Video Production = Success!
Jake’s historical account, summarized from this article. These results describe his experience and are not a performance forecast.
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Venture Attempts Before First Success Recording Studio: Failed venture prior to launching first company Show Promoter: Failed music industry venture Graphic Design: Failed design venture for artists Artist Manager: Failed artist management venture Video Production: Successful first company venture
With each failure, you learn something new and it gets you a step closer to success. You learn what you are good at, what you enjoy, and what people are actually willing to pay for.
Jake’s historical account, summarized from this article. These results describe his experience and are not a performance forecast.
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Knowledge Feedback Loop from Failure Take Action: Start venture rather than just dreaming Experience Failure: Encounter failure during venture execution Identify Strengths: Learn what you are good at Identify Enjoyment: Learn what work you actually enjoy Discover Market Fit: Learn what people are actually willing to pay for
If I had sat around all day and just dreamed about opening a recording studio, then I would have never learned that it wasn't right for me, and I would still be dreaming about it. By taking a leap of faith, and trying to start something, you learn more than you ever could by just dreaming about it.
One of my good friends and mentors, Mark Montgomery wrote this amazing quote which sums up everything I am trying to say here.
"Just do. Don't worry about failing. Failing is actually a better teacher than success"
Sources
Sources checked October 7, 2026
Jake Jorgovan
Jake works with enterprise leaders on marketing strategy and executive talent. He co-founded Alpha Apex Group, founded Content Allies, owns Listen Network and is a partner in Fieldtrip, a group of marketing agencies. He founded Lead Cookie and later sold it.