i am a startup
Building a startup requires meticulous effort, similar to creating a spacecraft. Startups ate characterized by a fast-paced, innovative, and entrepreneurial environment that encourages risk-taking, creativity, and collaboration. Here we will cover two startup scenarios.
1. I am a startup with a concept.
2. I am a startup with a validated concept
I am a startup
with a concept.
Having a concept is fantastic. You can ask chatgpt to create concepts, but it won't validate them. Your idea is as good as a disposable tea cup, i.e. not everyone likes tea. To develop your concept, you need your audience to validate it and validate your audience vice verse.
Conduct market research to determine if there is a need for your product or service. Validate your concept by getting feedback from potential customers and experts in your industry or conducting surveys.
targeting pain points
Identify who your target audience is and what their needs and pain points are. This will help you tailor your product or service to their needs.
A good practice to start is creating and validating a hypothesis by getting potential user feedback. Example: We will reduce wait time and long queues by introducing priority delivery using the XpressDeliver app. Get your food in under 25 minutes.
I am a startup with a validated concept
You have an idea that you have developed over time. Market validation has refined your target audience and has defined a need for the product in the market. In simple words, there is a market gap you were able to identify. Great job!
build your business
from day one
If you haven't already, consider incorporating your business to protect your assets and establish your company as a legal entity.
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Get the right people on the bus. As a startup, you may need people who believe in your vision, not just a paycheque.
brand identity and
the power of brand positioning
Differentiation: A strong brand identity sets your business apart from your competitors. It helps your target audience recognize your business and understand what makes you unique.
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Consistency: A strong brand identity ensures that your business is consistent across all touchpoints, including your logo, website, social media presence, and marketing materials. This consistency helps reinforce your brand values and message.
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Recognition: A strong brand identity makes your business recognizable. When your target audience sees your logo or other branding elements, they should immediately associate them with your business.
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A strong brand identity creates a sense of loyalty among your customers. When they feel connected to your brand, they are more likely to become repeat customers and advocates for your business.
startup culture
Innovation: Startups typically focus on developing innovative products or services that disrupt traditional industries.
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Agility: Startups are known for their ability to quickly adapt to changes in the market and pivot their strategies accordingly.
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Flat organizational structure: Startups often have a flat organizational structure with minimal hierarchy, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
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Flexible work arrangements: Startups often offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, and unlimited time off to attract and retain top talent. It also encourages people to work long shifts in crunch times.
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Casual work environment: Startups typically have a more relaxed work environment than traditional corporate settings, with open workspaces, simple dress codes, and a focus on work-life balance.
some reading recommendations
to help you get started
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Thinking, Fast and Slow
Author Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, is an entertaining exploration of how humans think. Understanding the concepts in this book and the psychology of the human brain not only helps you understand your humanity but they help you learn more about your prospective customers.
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Made to Stick
Chip and Dan outline the six characteristics necessary to make a message “sticky.” Don’t worry—this isn’t a spoiler:
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Simple
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Unexpected
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Credible
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Concrete
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Emotional
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Story
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Radical Candor
Author Kim Scott earned her stripes while working at Apple, Google, and various other startups. Like most of us, she grew up hearing the phrase, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” However, she watched first-hand how not saying anything ruined lives and destroyed careers.
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