System for Startup Success
Think
Emotion flames startup creation. Reason takes chaos and optimizes the path from thought to reward. Objectivity is as essential as passion. Think big, start small. The first mistake is to think too little, the second is to think too much.
Plan
Write your thoughts for clarity. Define the big why, the strategy, who does what, by when, for how much. Include checklists, key performance indicators. timelines and responsibilities.
Do
Ideas gain value only by action. Execute the plan as it is written. Measure the results of actions and practice continuous improvement. See the Startup Action Checklist.
Repeat
Consistent rhythm creates predictable results. Accelerate the process.
Startup CEO Action Checklist
√ Focus - Limited resources require limited objectives. Prioritize. Concentrate on the top two. Deny shiny objects to give energy to essentials. Make managing a competitive advantage. Delegate.
√ Recruit - Share the dream to build a 5-star core team, top down: board of advisors first. Hire slow, fire fast. Reward superior performance. Always be recruiting. Leverage is the startup spinach.
√ Sell - Cash is the life blood of the business. Sales solve all problems. Sell value to customers or sell equity to investors. Sell the mission to all. Create, maintain, improve and expand your selling systems.
√ Build - Expand methodically from a balanced business. Create products based on customer feedback. "Do it, Document it, Delegate it." Build a strong body and peaceful mind to endure the journey.
√ Test - Continuous improvement requires continuous experimentation. Feedback is the raw material to build your business. Everything is a prototype. Do good now, make it better later.