“Persistence & Commitment Are Key”

Tips for Entrepreneurs: Shalu Attri, GOAQUÍ

Shalu Attri is a first-time founder who recently launched GOAQUÍ, a social platform for travelers that enables them to share travel experiences and draw inspiration from fellow travelers about possible future destinations. Attri actually reached out to HP Startup Central via Twitter and we met up with her at TiEcon 2011 where she gave us her take on getting her first startup off the ground. An experienced amateur photographer and avid traveler as well as entrepreneur, Attri believes in dedicating oneself fully to an idea that they believe in. She shares her lessons learned to entrepreneurs in this HP Startup Central Tips for Entrepreneurs episode titled, “Persistence & Commitment Are Key.”

Before venturing forth on an idea, Attri recommends first making a landing page and testing your hypothesis with your friends by gauging to see if they’re interested in becoming your future customers. A good idea should show significant traction this way first. Attri believes location is important for startups and being in Silicon Valley certainly has its advantages. She notes, “It’s all about networking.”

Working in the tech industry, Attri finds that challenges arise in the changing landscape and investment process. For those that aren’t tech-savvy themselves, finding a suitable business partner with the right tech background can be tricky as well. At the end of the day though, she says it’s really about believing in your idea. Attri urges entrepreneurs to, “Definitely go after it, even if it means using your own money, bootstrapping it, or spending less time with your family and friends.” Persistence and commitment are key.

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