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3 Startup Fundamentals To Live By

The journey from idea and validation to market traction and sustainable success is different for every startup. However, it pays to know a few fundamentals.


Running a business is hard work. That much is obvious. The nature of business demands dedication, persistence, and more often than not –– “blood, sweat, and tears.” When the business in question is a startup in the process of getting off the ground, that paradigm is magnified tenfold.

Yet, what is it about startups that encourages the best and well-executed ideas to flourish and thrive, while all others fall into disrepair along the way?

The journey from idea and validation to market traction and sustainable success is different for every startup. However, it does pay to understand startup fundamentals. So, without further adieu, let’s look at three factors that seem commonplace to enduring startup success.

 

Failure to plan is a plan to fail

For startups, there is nothing quite like having a solid business plan from day one with the agility to meet the market where it’s at and pivot through challenges that arise. That might sound a little full on to some wantrepreneurs, but ultimately there is something important to be said about being adequately prepared and proactive instead of reactive and ill-informed.

There will always be unexpected challenges, especially as you try to break even and satisfy the market. So it’s best to have an active and consistently engaged plan in motion to help you work through issues that will arise, as best you can.

 

Entrepreneurship is a marathon, so learn running fundamentals

Regardless of your industry, there is undeniable energy (and trepidation) that comes with being a fresh player on the scene. The startup game is much like running sprints to pump you up for the marathon ahead. Any runner will tell you, how “running fast improves your form, endurance, and so much more—even if you’re not running that pace on race day.” And race day for entrepreneurs is when it’s time to go-to-market.

Photo: Mikoto, Pexels
Photo: Mikoto, YFS Magazine

Startups can learn from runners the importance of speedwork, and apply it to their daily approach. “‘Speedwork is actually one of the most crucial parts of marathon training…” “It gets you out of your comfort zone, forces you to run with more efficient form, teaches you recovery tools, and prepares you for the rush of adrenaline you’ll experience on race day,’ says Jerry Snider, an exercise physiologist, and USATF-certified coach.”

Consider the operational areas of business where you need to get out of your comfort zone, gain efficiencies, and prepare yourself for perceived threats and challenges, internally and from competitors.

 

Focus on engagement

A massive component of early-stage startup success is tied to engagement and resulting traction. Whether this engagement takes place as you build out online marketing strategies, consider global outsourcing, and search for SEO companies Dubai; or develop strategic partnership within the social media marketing industry and by leveraging networking events and word of mouth –– focus on growing engagement. Without engagement, you’ll fizzle fast and work much harder for every view, like, and retweet. Make it a priority to be engaging whenever and however possible.

 

Craig Lebrau is the CMO of Media Insider, a Wyoming-based PR company that aims to disrupt the way companies communicate their brand in the digital era.

 

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