Seven Steps to Startup Success

So that big idea has crystallized itself in your mind. That new business proposition you have been mulling over for some time, the one which will make your millions and make you the next big occurrence.

That is how most first time entrepreneurs tend to think and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's called ambition and inspiration both of which are key components to that serial entrepreneur and great that the foundation is there, as far as attitude is concerned.

There is of course much more to starting your business and to move forward, it's necessary to get a real understanding of these areas and to address each of them.


Below I will cover some of the key points to at least form that baseline from which you should build, not just for the initial business but all through your entrepreneurial career. The "magic 7" for any and every startup business.

1/ The Concept

Of course any new business needs that next big idea, that single minded concept you've had flying about in your head for months, perhaps years. It may not necessarily be the most original but even as a variation on a theme, make sure you've got your own style and personality on it. Think about the market you're entering, the competition, the client base and of course that all important unique selling point.

2/The Client Base

Consider the demographics and geographics. What are their buying trends and importantly how do they buy? These are important because it defines who and how you market and sell to them. It could be your product extends across all generations and geographies, so key thing here is to reach out to them all, with a message and marketing that transcends.

3/Marketing

There are so  many ways to market nowadays and thanks to social media, a lot cheaper too! Think about what media you can use and how you use it. Get your new business out there through word of mouth. Encourage friends, family and of course those initial clients to help you get the word out there through their own social media feeds.

Think about introductory offers and perhaps free prixe draws for the first 100 customers for example. Have an opening event and get some local influencers along as well as turning up at every relevant event possible. Yes it's a whirlwind in the first few months, then you become the whirlwind !!

4/Sales Engagement

Think about how you will transact with your customers. Make it easy for them to trade online whenever possible. A simple website with simple and fast access to the products and a purchasing process that doesn't extend beyond 3 or 4 clicks for them to get confirmation of purchase.

It may be you need a local presence so again make your premises attractive and branded to get people in.  Don't go getting lots of sales people before you get the pipeline flowing, use your marketing effectively to get the footfall ! Once you have that then you begin to shape your sales department but remember the technology angle. Fast , cheap and always on !!

5/Customer Service

No business exists without effective customer service. It's all about giving your clients the best buying experience for it is that which gets return business. If face to face, really show that personal touch. If online make sure you give them a great user experience, encourage feedback and even with a few of them, follow up with after care surveys !

This is an ideal opportunity to ask if that feedback can be used on your website and marketing material as client endorsements, because those are the things other potential customers will trust.

6/Growth and Brand

Now you're into growth mode. You are established and you now take things up a gear. Now you have to start thinking about cultivating your brand and making it synonymous with your business. Get the brand out there as much as possible for this now becomes your biggest and best sales tool !

7/ Taking on the Competition

So now you're one of the superstars of your market, the powerhouse who's hit the market and taken it by storm. Now is not the time to relax, in fact now is the time to really get the foot on the accelerator and to understand the competition.

Where are you compared to them ?
What are they doing that's got them ahead of you ?
What are your strengths and their weaknesses you can exploit to overtake?
What do you bring to the market that has that edge that the competition will need to develop?

Understand all of these, address them and succeed. We can cover off the consolidation piece later, for now it is about trail-blazing and getting from start up to established major player !!

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