Four Things I’ve Learned About Starting a Business

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, so it’s fair to say that the entrepreneurial spirit is part of my DNA. But starting your own business for the first time brings some truly unique lessons. From my career starting out with an orthodontic startup to today’s success working with ambitious tech companies, I’ve managed to gather some key insights about starting a business that you can use as you take your first steps to becoming a founder.

1. As a Startup Founder, You’ll Wear a Lot of Hats

If you think starting a business means you'll sit in an office with people bringing you reports, think again. In the early days, at least, you'll be heavily involved in many aspects of running your company. You'll talk to investors, meet clients, and network at conferences. You'll oversee the hiring of marketing experts and HR teams and get elbow-deep in research and development. Make sure you're ready for the challenge of switching hats on a dime!

2. You Need a Brand

Creating something noteworthy is not enough. Take Transpose, for example. They went from a note-taking app to a B2B-only information management system in a very short space of time. They started charging a small monthly fee but couldn't generate enough revenue to match the product to the needs of the new customer base and collapsed. The right research and marketing here could have helped create a brand and message that resonated within the B2B sphere.

3. Every Founder Needs a Trusted Team

Create your own “board of directors” by surrounding yourself with people you trust to give honest, objective feedback. You want people who will hype you up, but you also want people who will let you know when you’ve come up with a potential dud.

4. All Work and No Play Really is Dull

One of my top business insights: Make time for your life outside your work. Starting a business can be all-consuming, but don’t lose your family and friends over it. Embrace vacation time, turn the phone off when you can, and make memories outside your incredible entrepreneurial efforts.

Final Word

Starting a business is one of the most rewarding things you can do, especially when you have a potentially game-changing tech offering. If you want help mastering the marketing side of your startup, book a 15-minute introductory call and let us find the right support for your company.

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