Summary
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Victoria Dickerson are joined by Chris Heivly, co-founder of MapQuest and managing director of Build the Fort. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Chris is the author of Build the Fort: The Startup Community Builder’s Field Guide, a book which simplifies entrepreneurship and outlines five basic elements that are common to both startups and startup communities. Chris is passionate about sharing his expertise in helping other entrepreneurs find success, and as a frequent blogger and public speaker, Chris advocates the importance for communities to develop viable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Throughout the episode, Chris discusses the value in networking and mentorship as an entrepreneur, the mechanics of building a startup ecosystem, and the different types of business systems.
Show Notes
(0:54) Introducing Chris Heivly
(5:03) The Trajectory of MapQuest
(10:21) Chris’ Startup and Investing Journey
(13:17) The Importance of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
(18:41) The Process of Building an Ecosystem vs. A Venture
(22:02) The Impact of Mentorship
(29:16) Advice to Younger Self
(30:57) Closing Question
Links
Build the Fort: The Startup Community Builder’s Field Guide
Quotes
“Every entrepreneur knows, and if anybody’s been doing it for more than a couple of years, and if you’ve ever had any real success, you know that your success is based on the backs of the people that helped you. And it’s just the nature of this thing that you get help. And I think the best entrepreneurs seek help and are more self aware and more vulnerable to put themselves out there.” – Chris Heivly, (10:40)
“The very nature of being in an entrepreneurial community is one of disruption, is one of discovery, is a process of knowns and unknowns, with the best intent and with the best motivation.” – Chris Heivly, (17:03)
“The basis for our view is around systems theory, and in systems theory there’s either three or four types of systems. But along this continuum from simple to chaotic are two systems, complicated and complex. And although they’re synonymous in the dictionary, in systems theory, they couldn’t be more opposite.” Chris Heivly, (19:30)
“People think networking is a transaction. It’s not, it’s a connection. And I found the value in connecting with people and asking them two questions. Asking them what they’re stuck on and asking if there’s any way I could help them. And in doing that, I helped other people, and then other people helped me.” – Chris, Heivly, (23:48)
“To close the gap between success and failure you have to use your network, and your network is your community.” – Chris Heivly, (24:57)
Factors that Play into Entrepreneurial Success with Chris Heivly
On this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley, Jeff Amerine, and Victoria Dickerson are joined by Chris Heivly, co-founder of MapQuest and managing director of Build the Fort. Based out of Durham, North Carolina, Chris is the author of Build the Fort: The Startup Community Builder’s Field Guide, a book which simplifies entrepreneurship and outlines five basic elements that are common to both startups and startup communities. Chris is passionate about sharing his expertise in helping other entrepreneurs find success, and as a frequent blogger and public speaker, Chris advocates the importance for communities to develop viable entrepreneurial ecosystems. Throughout the episode, Chris discusses the value in networking and mentorship as an entrepreneur, the mechanics of building a startup ecosystem, and the different types of business systems.
Navigating the Startup Terrain
From his GIS background automating map production for the US State Department to launching MapQuest and other successful ventures, Chris’ work underlines the critical entrepreneurial lesson of marrying disparate concepts to foster groundbreaking innovations. Chris distinguishes between complicated and complex systems explaining how a complicated system can be deconstructed into individual parts each with a clear function. And with this, you can predict outcomes and control them by manipulating the individual components.
On the other hand, complex systems, like an entrepreneurial ecosystem, are dynamic and unpredictable. Complex systems are characterized by a web of interdependent relationships and factors that are not easily controlled. However, the importance of embracing a complex mindset is that it encourages experimentation and innovation. And when you approach ecosystem building as a complex system, it allows for flexibility and adaptation, which is essential for surviving and thriving in the fast-paced and ever-evolving startup landscape.
“The basis for our view is around systems theory, and in systems theory there’s either three or four types of systems. But along this continuum from simple to chaotic are two systems, complicated and complex. And although they’re synonymous in the dictionary, in systems theory, they couldn’t be more opposite.” Chris Heivly, (19:30)
Fostering Entrepreneurial Communities
Chris emphasizes that successful entrepreneurship necessitates a supportive community, robust networking, and the humility to ask for help. This is because entrepreneurship at its core is a multifaceted patchwork of contributions from many individuals where networks serve as the thread that binds them cohesively. Oftentimes, connecting with others and learning from them can offer a shortcut to success.
“To close the gap between success and failure you have to use your network, and your network is your community.” – Chris Heivly, (24:57)
In reference to the founding principles of startup ecosystems such as the “give-first” mindset, networks provide the necessary platform for faster, smarter, and more efficient business growth because there is collective wisdom and cumulative experience accessible. As a result, entrepreneurship works best when it’s a communal enterprise bolstered by symbiotic relationships rather than a solitary undertaking.
“Every entrepreneur knows, and if anybody’s been doing it for more than a couple of years, and if you’ve ever had any real success, you know that your success is based on the backs of the people that helped you. And it’s just the nature of this thing that you get help. And I think the best entrepreneurs seek help and are more self aware and more vulnerable to put themselves out there.” – Chris Heivly, (10:40)
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