1
Identify a problem meaningful to me certain that it plagues others as well
Conduct deep market analysis through frameworks
Provide technical inputs (technology + proof of concept)
2
Gain critical insight on trying to solve it by spending time grappling with it
Create product (prototype, MVP)
Collect user feedback through extensive network + tools
3
Locate resources to solve the problem
Hire founding team
Tap into network + Share curated frameworks
Provide funds + infrastructure support where required
4
Garner support from crucial stakeholders
Create presentations / business plan, business model
Create financial and unit economics models
5
Align minimum necessary resources and further test the critical insight (align or assign)?
Build minimal viable product
6
Talk to customers frequently (at this time and throughout the journey)
Conduct surveys, group discussions, pop-ups etc
7
Build and align team, advisory board and a network of external partners
Define vision, values, goals; Build hiring & partner onboarding process
Create an org chart - with JDs, compensation, learning
Find the right tools to execute
8
Start building a business - set up a company, accounts, budgets, etc.
Choose type of business (pvt ltd/LLP)
Ensure execution of processes, compliances, forms (financial, secretarial, labour)
9
Put in place a clear system & infra to run operations and business
Decide tactical + governance internal processes
Identify tools like basecamp, EOS management systems etc
Utilise build3 office or setup different space
10
Create a Go to market strategy
Build a brand (visuals, tone, collateral, target audience)
Create a Marketing plan (Website, Channels, Content, Campaigns)
11
Iterate the product/pivot
Analyse all the insights and data collected
12
Get traction for your product/service
Build sales/marketing/operations/technology teams
Ensure that the right people are in the right place, they want it, get it, and have the skills to do it
13
Time for a Clarity break !
Step away to think and plan - ideally periodically, else before any key events
14
Cool, but now you got to raise money!
Do you? ;) You already got a lot of traction, new revenue streams, growth opportuniites etc - rethink resource need and caliberate
15
Engage with 3 tiers of employees (mid level managers and managers who are managing two levels or more)
Conduct Townhalls / goals and accountability review meetings - plan what to do, communicate it + track it transparently
Revisit the org structure - do you need something flatter?
16
Build internal team systems for a seamless customer experience
Document processes, structure data, track quality metrics
Focus on CULTURE
Build accounting function (with high quality audit, potentially an internal audit function)
17
Start to recruit specialists that rival the founders in terms of capability
Tap into networks, compensate primarily as cash and lesser equity
Build a formal board of directors
18
Scale the business to different markets/verticals
Create scale-up strategy and run the entire process from the top (barring a few steps obv!)
1
Tackle loneliness, variation of energy levels, physical health deterioration / fatigue / stress
Provide initial team who has been there done that
Practice meditation and physical fitness routines (yoga, exercise)
2
Lack of intellectual sounding board (somebody who will question your beliefs and push you to think through)
Allocate permanent POC and Sherpa for constant one-on-one support
Create a network of advisors
3
Lack of clarity on whether what you are doing is right or wrong
Sherpa serves as moral compass check as well as for business model/direction check
4
Repeated questioning of why are you doing this?
Learn strategies to maintain inner peace, provide avenues to explore spirituality
5
Insufficient skills
and conflict (with team, investors, self, family)
Define vision / values and keep aligning stakeholders through regular processes
Enrol in skill development programs
6
Ensure personal finances are in place and prioritise time/effort
Utilise frameworks to plan time and team
Provide inital funding support for stability
