For many startups, the thought of not having Internet presence in the form of a website is not conceivable. Thus, as soon as they start to implement their one big idea, the first step is setting up a website to ‘attract’ people to their brand. However, especially for service-based business, successful entrepreneur Margo Aaron outlines 4 steps that are more important for owners of startups to consider before even thinking of setting up a website. Here they are
Ensure your network is strong enough before finally branching out
For many entrepreneurs, the dream model involves getting a bright idea, dropping whatever they are currently doing in favor of pursuing their dreams. However, this could be part of the varied reasons why startups have very short life spans in Nigeria. Why? Unless you have an unlimited source of cash (which EFCC could be interested in), growing a startup will require cash to support you as you make mistakes which will almost always make you lose cash. While many budding CEOs will complain that this leaves them will less time to grow the business, it may be the only there’s a business in the long run.
Having the right mindset
Who’s the ideal entrepreneur? For many, they are the “numbers people” who are also money hungry, and don’t care about changing the world or doing good. This may not however may be the case as successful entrepreneurs have come out to insist that any entrepreneur with a self-centered mindset is less likely to be successful. What is one main reason for this? For one, such a person is unlikely come up with a relevant product or service as he/she does not think in terms of what people need but rather in terms of that big idea in his/her head. So, ensure that your mindset changes from “Here’s what I can do!” to “What do you need help with?”
Listening is more important in sales pitches
The general idea of a pitch to a potential customer is spending 30 minutes talking about the business or the CEO, what it could do and why it is the perfect fit for the potential customer. Unfortunately, it seems that clients are getting tired. A better idea would be to earn their trust and pique their interest. You are more likely to achieve that by asking them and their concerns. As they talk, listen carefully to identify what the problem(s) is/are. Then you will find the best way to use your service to solve the problem(s). Besides, who doesn’t love a listening ear?
Focus on the important things first
Setting up the website, getting a business cards, building social media presence etc. are important for a startup, right? Yes, but definitely as important as getting those initial customers who’ll form a foundation for your business. Initially, the focus should be on going directly to the people who had a problem that you could solve. Leave the building the brand thing until there’s a brand to build. When you have the initial stream of clients that provide the needed cash inflow to get the business on a firm footing, then indulge in the building the brand.
