The hardest part of creating a start-up is getting it up and running. To help with that, we’ve outlined the only five steps you’ll need to get your start-up started.
1. Start With A Great Idea
New businesses start with new ideas and succeed on them. How great is your idea?
- Can it be done?
- Does it solve a common problem or fulfill a common need?
- Has it already been done, and if so, how will yours be different?
- Can you convince others that this is a great idea?
Great ideas are what great businesses are built on. Give your startup its best chance by starting with a great idea.
2. Make Your Start-Up Stand Out
In order for people to support your start-up, they have to know about it. What can you do to make your new business stand out in the crowd?
- Get personal. Tell people who you and your employees are and why you believe in the power of your start-up.
- Build an online presence that doesn’t scream business. Make fun, interactive posts that aren’t always trying to sell.
- Create personalized promotional products that make sense for your company. You want someone to look at your promo pieces and know exactly what you do.
- Find supporters before you officially get started. If you have people talking or posting about you before you even open it’ll create curiosity.
No two start-ups are the same. Show everyone what makes yours special.
3. Buy Your Basics
Your start-ups’ specific needs will depend on what you’re doing. Even so, there are a few pieces of essential equipment that are universal.
- Money to get started. Your start-up will need some funds. You can save up the money, take out a small business loan, or find investors who believe in you.
- A computer or computers. Even if you’re not tech-based, you’ll still need a work computer for emails and website purposes.
- Business cards. You never know when you’re about to meet someone who can change your world.
- Office supplies. Even if you don’t have an office, you’ll still need a nice pen at some point.
Making sure you have your basic daily supplies covered will save you a lot of time and stress when your start-up opens.
4. Plan Your Future
You’ll need to make some plans to keep your start-up on the right track when it opens and as it runs. Here are a few places to start.
- Have a financial advisor help you make a budget for your first year.
- Set goals for what you’d like the start-up to do and achieve.
- Create a timeline for those goals. You don’t necessarily have to meet the deadlines, but keep track of how close you are so you can gauge your progress.
- Check-in on the progress of your plans and goals at the end of each quarter and decide if any changes need to be made.
Creating plans for your business allows you to fully envision what you’d like to achieve.
5. Take The Leap
When all of your supplies have been gathered, and your plans have been laid, it’s time to open your doors (or computers) for business. Here’s one last checklist before you take your first customer.
- Check that all of your technology is up and running smoothly.
- Make sure you have your necessary office supplies. Especially if you’ll be shipping products.
- Have a quick meeting with your employees to check that everyone is on the same page and ready to begin.
- Remember that you’ve worked hard for this and should try to enjoy it.
You are now the proud owner of your own company, congratulations!
These five steps are the only ones you’ll need to get your start-up started. So come up with that first idea and be on your way.
