15/12/2020
5 Realistic Tips to Build a Successful Startup
1. Start with a solid plan
Every good company starts with a good plan. Writing a business plan for the first time can be daunting, but it’s really about just writing down what was in your head to start with. It should include both your short-term and long-term ambitions.
The short-term part of your business plan should include details regarding what you are going to do and how you are going to do it. The long-term plan for growing your startup quickly can be more flexible, but you should aim for it to be as accurate as possible.
Take note that there’s no reason you can’t change the plan later. In fact, chances are you will change your plans going forward. That’s what pivoting is all about, and that’s what can make a successful startup.
2. Begin networking as soon as possible
Professional networking is the way forward. Business is about the connections you have because your network will push your company to the next level. Word-of-mouth marketing has never been stronger. Right now 88% of people trust reviews from online consumers just as they trust recommendations from family and friends. You need to start networking for all the right reasons.
You should also start networking because this can turn you onto a lot of great talent going forward. The big companies tend to have the best talent because that talent never reaches the open market. They are there to headhunt this talent and claim it before anyone else can.
So how do you begin networking?
Start by signing up for a LinkedIn account and joining groups there. You should also try to attend dedicated networking events in-person in your local area.
3. Surround yourself with the right people
Running a business is hard and you need to make sure that you have all the right people around you. Mentors and strategic partners will become crucial during this initial growth phase. The right team can help you to accomplish far more than you can do alone.
If you want to transform your business, you need the right team. Part of that comes down to networking, but it’s also about hiring the right people in the first place.
Build up an environment in which everyone participates so you can form a positive corporate culture. Together, you can achieve a great deal.
4. Stay ahead of everyone else
To be successful, you need to be able to pivot and keep up with the latest trends. There are so many companies that go extinct just because they couldn’t keep up with what was going on in their field. Make sure that you’re studying your competitors and the major trends in your industry.
You don’t have to react to every change, but when you come across the right change you have to embrace it to be successful.
5. Maintain a balance between work and life
The balance between life and work should be roughly equal. It’s difficult as a startup owner to disengage from your business. After all, this is your baby and it is hard to leave it alone for a single second. However, you can and you should.
Maintaining your hobbies and downtime will leave you feeling refreshed for longer and help you avoid burnout. Your business can run without you for a while, whether through auto-pilot or delegation of work.
