As the nookees sales to the US get bigger and bigger, I got invited to New York to do some little popups in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. I totally freaked out when I received those possibilities, didn't think twice, grabbed a backpack full of nookees and off I went.
Being so close to the American vibe and the American customers, made me realize three things, I really admired during my time there (and still carry with me):
1. Think big:
Yes, I know. Nothing new, but every time a good reminder. The whole energy, all the communication I had plus so many great insights into the US market, made me realize again that thinking big is always a good idea. Not in the way of getting stressed or under pressure through this, but more with the focus on all the possibilities we have and that the world is big. The German startup bubble is definitely not the nucleus of everything, and watching how the others do it (in a bigger way) is quite uplifting.
2. Celebrate failures:
I really love the approach of appreciating all the failures and mistakes we make on the way, as this is the only possibility to learn and grow. From Ed Sheeran to Sara Blakeley, so many smart people are talking about it all the time, but still, I feel failure over here is not as celebrated as they do in the US.
3. Appreciate feedback:
Of course, superficial behavior can be annoying, and I guess we all know what I am referring to. But getting positive and appreciative feedback for even doing the first step and becoming a founder of a business can be so pushing. So often I heard the people I talked to in New York wishing me a huge success, thanking me for my work, and admiring the path I am on. And that kind of pep talk can give us such great energy and great push, that often is so needed.
My big adventure in the US is just getting bigger and growing more and more, and I am incredibly excited and thankful about where I am heading.
