Building Startups That Thrive: Lessons from Unlikely Sources

According to statistics, as many as 90% of new startups fail. If you want to be among the other 10%, knowing what they do differently is important. Startups that think outside the box are generally the ones that survive. These organisations will often draw inspiration from unconventional sources. In this article, we’ll give you a mix of practical insights and creative strategies from unlikely sources that just might make the difference for your business.

Learning from Gamification

Gamification comes naturally for many online entertainment businesses that make use of it as a way to build loyalty and engage their audiences. This concept means using systems like rewards, leaderboards and achievement badges to motivate users to stay engaged. These tactics encourage repeat interactions, thus potentially building a strong and loyal customer base over time.

Of course, gamification won’t work for every industry, but many, like online gaming, have mastered this approach. For example, online casinos NZ use gamification to improve user engagement. They work on the fact that people are already there to play games. This type of audience is more likely to return if they’re offered challenges and reward systems.

Although iGaming lends itself to a gamification approach, startups can adopt similar techniques to create rewards. This could be through loyalty programs, gamified onboarding processes, or customer engagement campaigns.

Lessons from Adaptability in Nature

In startups, like in nature, adaptability is vital for survival. In ecosystems, species either adjust to shifting environments and find new ways to thrive, or they die. Similarly, startups must be able to adapt to changes to their situation—whether that’s changes in the market or in consumer needs.

Certain plants and animals, for instance, thrive by exploiting niche opportunities that others overlook. An example of this can be seen in the pocket mouse species found in desert environments. These small creatures have adapted to survive in extremely dry conditions by exploiting a niche opportunity: they feed on seeds hidden beneath the sand.

Similarly, startups can succeed by identifying unique needs or gaps in the market that are often overlooked by larger, more established competitors.

The Power of Storytelling: Lessons from Filmmaking

Another unusual source of inspiration is filmmaking. Movies that engage the audience emotionally through storytelling will have a lasting, more profound impact. The same can be said about businesses that use storytelling. By focusing on the “why”—the startup’s mission, purpose, and origin—brands can build emotional connections.

Teamwork Lessons from Sports

Teamwork is crucial for startups, just as it is in sports. Sports teams rely on diverse skill sets and clear roles, and the same approach is needed in startups. Like a top team, each individual needs to know and understand his or her specific contributions to the overall mission. Being collaborative is essential: communication should be open, and everyone should feel valued for the part they play.

If startups draw on this perspective and create an environment where small and large victories are celebrated, they can inspire camaraderie that will take them far. Ultimately, startups that work on building a strong team ethic can achieve goals more effectively and with greater impact.

Conclusion

Building a startup that thrives requires careful planning. By using techniques from other areas of success, a startup can be innovative and resilient enough to survive and thrive. As in sports, being collaborative and working together will take things further. Remaining flexible and connecting with customers will take you far too. We’ve shared four areas that startups can learn from but it’s important to realise that success doesn’t come from one single formula. Instead, it’s about using different insights to build a foundation that will thrive in any environment.