What they don't tell you about starting a business....

Embarking on the journey of starting your own company is a thrilling adventure filled with highs and lows, unexpected twists, and invaluable lessons. I created a post about a month ago to seek wisdom from folks who have already started this journey.? Here’s some of the advice:

• Be honest with yourself on how good your business skills separate from your technical are and set a plan to either improve or hire people to fill the gaps.
• Get yourself a great CPA!
• Have a clear vision, aligned with your passion, and then outwork everyone else.
• Be clear on what you do.
• Start with a business plan as well as research and research.

All great advice, I’m sure you’ll agree!?

Here are some of the other lessons I've gained during the first month of operating:

• Networking is Not Optional - Building relationships both within your industry but also with fellow startups is more crucial than ever. Networking provides insights, partnerships, and mentorship that can propel your startup forward. You've realized that the connections you cultivate can shape your success.? My thanks to everyone that has spent time with me so far!
• Don’t start a business that starts with “0” - When I registered my company, I did so with a business service called ZenBusiness.? Lots of people told me that it was an easy process, and I didn’t need the help, but I wanted to get it right first time.? Registering the company was easy and was done within a number of days – 077 Media was born.? I then received a message from ZenBusiness to say the IRS (tax service) doesn’t allow for companies that start with a “0” in their naming convention.? So Zero 77 Business was re born!? I had hopped that ZenBusiness would have advised me on this but sadly not.? After two weeks and another payment to the state we were in good shape and back on track!
• Embracing Uncertainty as a Norm - Uncertainty is your constant companion in the startup world. Navigating through ambiguity and making decisions without all the facts has become part of my routine. I’m also learning to expect situations being fluid with customers making changes in requirements and availability.
• Celebrating Small Wins – This is a big adventure, and you need to remember that at times it’s going to be tough!? That makes it even more critical you celebrate milestones and achievements.? These milestones provide motivation and serve as indicators of progress.
• Get as much support as you can, especially if it’s free - Thanks to my friend Matthew, he informed me of a Washington State mentor program that is provided to help nurture small businesses.? Next week I have my first meeting with a former Berkely Professor.? Go Bears!

My first month as a startup founder has been a whirlwind of discovery, growth, and challenges. The lessons I’m learning are not found in textbooks or business seminars; they're the hard-earned insights that come from diving headfirst into the entrepreneurial world.

I’ve still so much to learn and I want to talk to as many people as possible.? If you would be open to a catch up, please let me know on here or email: [email protected].

Please also subscribe to my Linkedin page: https://bit.ly/Zero77

#First30days #StartupStrategy #AutomotiveBusiness #MotorsportStartup #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #30DaysChallenge #AutoIndustry

#MotorsportStrategy #NewBusiness #BusinessSuccess

#MarketingStrategy #MotorsportMarketing #BusinessTips

#AutomotiveInsights #BusinessDevelopment #MotorsportBusiness

#StrategyPlanning #AutoStartup #MotorsportGrowth

#EntrepreneurLife #ZenBusiness