From Intelectium we have already given some tips on how to get funding, focusing on characteristics of the project, but also in the skills that the team that supports it must have to convince investors. In today's post, we're going to go back a bit in time to see some recommendations that entrepreneurs in more original phases can take into account. To do this, we are approaching a paper by Travis Steffen published in The Globe and Mail, which highlights ten aspects that we summarize below:1. Clarify the concept of your company from the start. What problem (relevant in the market) is your company going to solve and how is it going to do it? Put yourself in the user's shoes and pay attention to every detail, because each of them has a cost. If something isn't convincing from the start, stop and try to figure it out. Resolving it later involves a much higher cost.2. Research the market. Keep your eyes open, talk to consumers (and, if possible, entrepreneurs) about the market in which your company would operate. Are there a significant number of consumers willing to make money doing what you do? What do they miss about companies that already operate in that sector and what are they satisfied with? 3. Draw. Gather your thoughts, knowledge, and progress often and capture them in documents. Make a map of your company. If, for example, you have a business idea in the form of a mobile application, or where your website is essential, draw every screen, every button, every message (copy). Learn more about how users usually navigate. Look for studies on what the user experience is like in different types of spaces.4. Analyze the competition. What companies are already operating in that sector? What value does each one provide, how are they different and how would they differ from your company? What was your trajectory? How do you structure your activity? What failed experiences are known in the industry? How do you structure your activity? What counterpart companies are there in other countries? 5. Have a proactive and self-taught attitude. You don't need to leave everything to a business school, a master's degree, or a bachelor's degree. You can learn from the best. Services such as the Udemy they offer useful information at low cost, and even free resources, to learn about business, digital tools, marketing, sales. You won't become an expert, but you'll take steps, shorten times and channel your interests and visions.6. Calculate or estimate the cost of each operation. To contain expenses right from the start, calculate in advance the costs of all the services you need to make your project a reality. On the Web there are communities of developers, designers and other professionals willing to collaborate.7. Take advantage of social media from the start. If social networks make any sense, other than domestic, it is to facilitate processes. It's okay to start small: take care of your first social media prescribers, give them rewards. They will be able to give your brand a lot of value over time.8. Events, contact with professionals. In addition to social media, in-person networking is one of the best options for taking steps faster. Try to attend events for entrepreneurs and/or the sector in which your company operates. And contact these professionals also online, with restraint and without falling into spam practices. A good way to even find partners for your project.9. Find a Mentor. One of the most powerful assets you can have in entrepreneurship is having an experienced mentor, counselor (or several) who have already achieved success. Look for ways to tell your idea in the best way. But never afraid: often, many will consider themselves flattered and, to a greater or lesser extent, they will help you. Open your ears and mind and don't give up.10. Think about what image your company should have, from the tone with which the consumer is addressed to the logo. Keep in mind that first impressions, in consumer environments, are decisive. Everything influences customers to form an idea of your company.
