The world is changing rapidly. Yesterday’s exceptions are today’s norms. In this fast paces world, if you are not ready to adapt, you’ll quickly be left behind or will have tremendous mental stress to catchup.
One way to look at it is to chill, and let the world do whatever it has to do – and you do your thing. I am okay with that view point and don’t have anything against you.
Another way to look at it is to learn the new normal, and try your best to get ahead of the curve. Again, sitting infront of the TV binge watching that popular show, or playing fortnite for hours is not going to get you much in life (yeah, yeah, I know about those YouTubers and Twitch streamers who make million just doing that – but hey, if you could do that you wouldn’t be reading this…so keep going, sucker!)
Why you should build a business (startup) in High School:
There are various reasons, but here are a few that are most immediate rewards:
- Early Learning
- Financial Independence
- College Applications and Career Development
- Tech & Social Media Advantage
You can shape your own, and other people’s future by building a startup. Find your Why – Your passion.
Here are 10 simple steps to get started with a Startup, and keep it going.
1. Finding an Idea
Table of Contents
- Start with Problems: Look for real problems people have and think about how to solve them. The best startup ideas come from trying to fix things that annoy you or make people’s lives better.
- Be Passionate: Work on something you’re interested in because building a startup is tough, and you’ll need that passion to keep going.
2. Building a Great Team
- Find Co-founders You Trust: A startup is like a team sport. Find people who share your vision and can bring different skills to the table.
- Balance Roles: One person might focus on the technical side, while another manages the business side. Each person should be an expert in their part of the work.
3. Creating a Product People Love
- Get Feedback Early: Create a basic version of your product and share it with real users as soon as possible. This helps you learn what people like and don’t like.
- Keep Improving: Constantly listen to feedback and improve your product. The goal is to create something so good that people want to tell their friends about it.
4. Growing Your Startup
- Focus on Users: Treat your users well and keep their needs in mind. If users love your product, they’ll stick with you and even help you grow by spreading the word.
- Find a Growth Strategy: This could mean advertising, partnerships, or just making your product so good that people can’t help but talk about it. Every startup has a unique path to growth.
5. Making Money
- Decide on a Business Model: Think about how your company will make money. Will you sell a product, charge a subscription, or rely on ads? It’s essential to pick a model that fits your product and customers.
- Don’t Worry About Profits Right Away: Focus first on building a product that people love. Later, you can figure out how to make it profitable.
6. Getting Funding
- Start with Personal Funds: Many founders start with their own money or small investments from family and friends.
- Seek Venture Capital (VC) When Ready: VCs are investors who give money to startups with high growth potential. They look for ideas with a big impact, so apply when your startup is gaining momentum.
7. Handling Setbacks and Staying Resilient
- Learn from Mistakes: Every startup makes mistakes, but successful founders learn from them. Keep trying, even when things get hard.
- Stay Focused: Stick to your goals, and remember why you started. Building a startup is like a marathon, not a sprint.
8. Company Culture
- Create a Positive Environment: As your company grows, make sure it’s a place where people want to work. Encourage creativity, trust, and respect within your team.
9. Legal and Practical Steps
- Handle Basic Legal Stuff Early: Make sure your company is legally sound by setting up contracts, protecting your ideas, and keeping good financial records.
10. Planning for the Future
- Look Ahead: Always think about where you want the company to go and be ready to adjust as things change.
As a founder, you need to developer qualities that will help you form and lead a successful startup.
- curiosity
- resilience
- resourcefulness
- passion
- open-mindedness
- adaptability
- empathy
- confidence
- willingness to learn
- self discipline
- and most importantly, Survive on Pizza and Energy Drinks!!
What should you do to get the right traction for your startup?
- meet new people!!!!
- connect
- show up
- learn
- offer help
- ask for help – don’t be shy
- WATcH “SHARK TANK”