Founder tips: No.1 - Start small

Start Small: Focus on Validation First

You don’t need a big launch or millions in funding to start a successful business. What you really need is validation—proof that people actually care about the problem you're solving and are willing to pay for your solution. Here’s why starting small works:

1. Lower Risk: Starting small allows you to test your ideas without putting your financial security on the line.
   Instead of quitting your job, work on your business on the side until you have proven it works. I've built multiple projects like this and when they don't work, there is no risk.
2. Validate the Problem: Before you build, talk to potential customers. Ensure they see value in the problem you’re solving and would pay for a solution.
   Most of the founder think that they know the market but they don't. Verify first.
   1. Reach out to your network - LinkedIn comes handy at this stage. Ask some of the people who may be your target audience to give you their feedback.
   2. Friends of friends - sometimes you may not have the network, but your friends and colleagues will. Use it.
   3. Reaserch the topic and competition. If you are going for funding later on, investors will not believe you if you say that you are the first person to do it. In 99% of cases, someone else already though about the product you are trying to build and most likely failed. Learn from their mistakes and if they succeeded, see the bottlenecks or potential gaps.
3. Test with an MVP: Build a minimum viable product (MVP)—a basic version of your solution. I call it an Alpha version of the product.
   Simple page, easy to understand content describing what you are trying to achieve.Use it to get feedback and learn what’s working and what’s not before investing too much time and money.
4. Iterate with Feedback: Based on feedback, iterate on your idea. This is much easier when you’re not locked into big commitments like offices or full-time teams.

My advise: De-Risk Your Startup Journey

When starting a business, always de-risk your situation. Just as investors do their due diligence to reduce risk before funding a startup, you should protect yourself by ensuring financial stability and validating your ideas early.

1. Financial Cushion: Before quitting your job, have at least 6-12 months of financial runway set aside. This cushion will ensure you can meet basic needs while building your business, without being forced to make desperate decisions. This should cover living costs (rent/mortgage, food and lifestyle, i.e. gym/activities).

2. Validation First: Just like investors de-risk their investments, validate your business idea with real customers before you invest too much time or money. By starting small and gathering feedback early, you’re far more likely to succeed.

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I’ve always approached my businesses this way, and it’s been the safest route to make sure I don’t burn out or go broke before I even get started. It’s all about balancing ambition with practicality.

Key takeaway: Don’t leap before you’ve looked. Build your startup step by step, validate your ideas, and make sure you have a safety net. Success often starts with a series of small, smart steps.

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