Your startup is young. An infant struggling to keep a head full of wonder from tipping over. Soon, you hope this adorable little business will learn to use its wobbly legs to maneuver around the enormous world that exists within your industry. Eventually it will grow big and strong, able to carry its own weight and make important decisions for itself (ok, maybe that’s a little optimistic).
Like a loving parent, you will do everything in your power to mold your startup to be the best version of itself. But how do you ensure that it can navigate the perils of complexity and stay on the right trajectory?
Surprisingly, the solution to complexity isn’t so complex after all…it’s actually quite simple. Below are 4 rules to help your startup conquer complexity:
Define Objectives
I know, it seems obvious. You’re probably saying “Hey, I defined plenty of awesome objectives when I started this business!” Yes, that’s most likely the case, but it’s important to analyze your situation and define precise, targeted objectives. Instead of saying “We’re going to be the most profitable [insert company focus here] in the world,” it might be better to start with “We’re going to increase our web traffic by 10% next quarter.”
Be Disciplined
It can be easy to get a little over-excited about the product or service your company provides (it is your baby after all). However, this does not mean it’s time to dump every cent of capital you have into an “all-in” marketing campaign just to get your foot in the door of your industry. While the financial reward may not be your primary goal (some of us are “bigger picture” type minds), it is extremely important to build a budget and do everything in your power to stick to it. Besides, you’d be amazed at the number of ways you can get your message out for free.
Have Conversations
I know your mother told you not to talk to strangers, but in the world of business, strangers are the key to your success. Whether you’re conversing with thought leaders in your industry, or engaging potential clients with thought provoking questions and ideas, simply talking to others is a key to keeping your business afloat. Look for networking events in your area and join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry to meet people and open up new opportunities for your business.
Craft Rules Specific to YOUR Company
Ok, before you give me a hard time about making the last rule, “make rules,” hear me out. Nobody knows your company better than you, and it’s important to analyze your situation. By making it a priority to prepare for the adversity your company is bound to face, you’re putting yourself on higher ground ahead of a potential flood. Sit down with your team and craft a set of rules for your team to live by. While they may seem obvious now, having them defined early will help you grow in the way you want and with the structure and rules that you want.
As your startup grows and evolves, things are going to get more complex. That doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of everything and keep your business running smoothly. Are there any other things you do to conquer the complexity in your startup? Let us know in the comments!
by The Penguin Team on May 21, 2015
As a leading B2B digital marketing agency, We help B2B Technology Companies, enterprise software, and hardware companies increase brand awareness, reach more qualified leads and close more customers. Penguin Strategies is a Diamond Partner of HubSpot.
