Under 30 CEO gives advice and news about young entrepreneurs. However, some reflections are also valid for entrepreneurs older than these, insofar as there are attitudes that we must all adopt when starting new companies. This post details the opposing traits. 7 aspects to avoid when we want (and should) get to the point and be efficient, something that in the growth of a startup can mean success or failure. Let's look at them:1. Don't set end datesDon't waste time. In general. Get to the point and set deadlines, dates when one or more tasks must be completed or no longer polished to move on to another phase.2. Office InventoryDon't invest time or money in creating unnecessary inventory that will fill your workplace. Buy only what is strictly necessary.3. Excessive designDesign only what the customer wants and what they validate using your tool/platform. Make sure you're developing the right product at the right time for the validated customer.4. Excessive processingIf problems arise, file them and return to them later. Try to design standard processes that prevent you from stopping to think about too many points. Use methods such as 5S, spaghetti diagrams, value flow maps and other tools to streamline processes.5. Analyses that are too generalCreate your own metrics to test your product, keep track of everything, analyze variability (also of related products and processes) and improve them. During testing, try to devise solutions to reduce delivery times for products and customer services. Establish a strategy to identify what is expendable, which prevents you from responding immediately to problems or new challenges.6. The hiring of rock starsSometimes teams look great on paper, but do they really bring specific value to the project? Use the potential of each individual on your team wisely, and assign them specific task profiles, responsibilities (and, as in point 1, set deadlines for them). (interesting article “Why don't we hire rock stars?”).7. Lack of communicationMaintain a cordial and honest relationship with your partners or employees and customers, and minimize intermediaries. Use project management tools to simplify tasks, create goals and programming projects. Basecamp or Trello are two examples. Other tips:
- Control manufacturing or service cost
- Trace learning curves
- Look at the competition
- Periodically analyze demand
- Develop an effective program for material shortages
- Design flexible processes and highly configurable products
- Know the quality standards
- Anticipate potential process inconsistencies
