2025-06-24 16:42:32
Close your eyes for a moment and allow yourself the indulgence of picturing your dream future a few months after you have sold your business. What are you doing, and how much money do you have to enjoy it with? Are you still involved with your business or are you out of it entirely? Do you care about who’s running it now, and if so, do you like the way they’re going about it? Thinking about these things will move you closer to deciding what kind of deal you want – in other words, what a successful sale looks like for you.
I’ve come to the conclusion that successful deals are a blend of:
To help you see what I mean, let’s look at an example scenario with two alternative options. Let’s say you put your business up for sale and the total offer you’re given is $5 million. This is structured into an immediate payment of $2.5 million, with the rest split into three equal payments over the following three years.
In Option One, these payments are dependent on the future performance of the business. If it doesn’t hit the agreed targets, the installments you’re paid are reduced accordingly. Alternatively, if the business exceeds the targets, it may well yield a higher overall price for the business. How would you feel about that? Is it what you want?
In Option Two, you receive the offer above, but instead of having to hit performance-related targets, you’re paid instalments regardless of performance. While this sounds more reliable, it has its pros and cons. If you miss your targets, you’ll have the benefit of receiving the payments regardless, but if you over- shoot them, you may well end up foregoing a higher overall payout.
That’s why the deal you strike needs to be dependent on both your market growth and on how confident you are in your business’s ability to become more profitable in the future. To complicate matters, you might also feel strongly about what kind of buyer you want to take over your business, especially if you have employees whom you want to see well looked after. If this is important to you, it can make a difference to how you approach the sale.
One of the biggest mistakes I see owners make is leaving exit planning too late. It really is important that you take the time to ready your business to be put on the market. The more time you give yourself, the more leverage you retain.
However, I don’t just suggest that you only plan for your business – make it about you as well. It’s easy to be so focused on the sale that you forget to think about what you’re going to do afterwards. You might assume you can work that out when the time comes, and maybe you will, but it never does any harm to prepare for life after the sale. Dare to dream.
Think about the impact your newfound wealth will have on you and your family. While you might assume this will be positive, it isn’t always the case. Ahmed was a business owner I worked with who sold 60% of his business to his management team six years ago. His vision had always been to buy a new house, and he had an exact picture in his mind of what it would look like and where it would be. Sure enough, as soon as he sold his share of the company, he moved out of the small, terraced place he’d been living in for twenty years and into a $1.5 million new-build on a large plot of land. You’d think that would be a happy ending, but five years down the line, there’s still ongoing tension between him and his wife because she continues to find the transition to their newfound wealth difficult.
Another thing to think about is what you’ll do with acres of free time. While your other half may have been begging you to sell so they can spend more time with you, now you’re at home more, you might both find the space a bit crowded. Planning how you’re going to live a more comfortable lifestyle will help to reduce tensions and minimize regrets after the event.
When you know why you want to sell, have a realistic idea of what your business is worth, have envisioned what kind of sale you want it to be, and how you’re going to live after the sale, you will have maximized your chances of success. Ultimately, you will understand what success means for you, and the planning you’ve done will give you the best opportunity to make it a positive and fulfilling experience.
This is an adapted book extract from The Exit Roadmap by Chris Spratling.
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2025-06-23 15:00:18
Entrepreneurship often involves facing unexpected challenges head-on. This article presents real-world examples of business leaders who successfully overcame various crises, from supply chain disruptions to regulatory shifts. Drawing on insights from these resilient entrepreneurs, readers will discover practical strategies for navigating setbacks and emerging stronger in the face of adversity.
One of the biggest crises we dealt with when we first transitioned from being a B2B supplier to one that also deals with e-commerce was underestimating the supply chain disruption during peak holiday seasons. During holidays like Easter or the Fourth of July, we weren’t impacted by the weather, but during our first December holiday season, we were met with several disruptions that impacted our delivery of fresh seafood to customers on time. Shipments were delayed, which resulted in logistical bottlenecks, and the freshness of the produce could be compromised if not stored at ideal temperatures.
One of the most pressing concerns that stemmed from this was that it put our reputation and customer trust in jeopardy. We were able to salvage the situation by proactively communicating with customers and updating them about delays. We figured that being transparent would help maintain trust and reduce any friction. We then secured alternative logistical assistance to help with fulfillment and compensated customers with free shipping and discounts on future purchases.
From this experience, we learned about being prepared for hiccups and put contingency plans in place. We continued with transparent and empathetic customer communication and recognized the importance of investing in technology to help with effective shipping and preventing disruptions.
Joe Bowab, CEO, Lobster Anywhere
Running a mission-driven platform like mine has been one of the most fulfilling things I’ve ever done—and also one of the hardest.
For over a year, I poured everything I had into building the site: late nights, unpaid hours, and an unshakeable belief in the power of human stories. But when our web traffic suddenly plummeted—after everything we’d built—it felt like a punch to the gut.
At first, I blamed myself. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for this. Maybe the dream wasn’t sustainable. But then I dug in. After some (very emotional) detective work, I discovered a plugin issue had quietly created hundreds of duplicate tag pages, hurting our SEO.
I texted one of my SEO colleagues—someone I trust deeply—and said, “I’m ready to hit the delete button.” That was my low point. But instead of walking away, I asked for help.
With support from peers and the incredible State of Search community, we fixed the issue, restructured the backend, and got things back on track. Since then, we’ve seen growth again, and I’ve even been invited to speak at two events—proof that staying the course pays off.
What I learned is this: perseverance doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine. It means telling the truth, asking for help, and not giving up—even when the delete button feels tempting.
Danielle Dahl, Co-Founder, Resilient Stories
In 2015, Brazil was in the midst of a severe economic downturn, and I had just launched my first successful company. With limited resources and challenging market conditions, I quickly focused on reducing costs while maintaining quality. I restructured our operations and implemented efficiency measures that helped boost sales conversion rates. These strategic adjustments were vital for building a sustainable foundation for long-term growth. This experience reinforced the importance of agility and operational discipline during tough times.
Renato Ferreira, Founder & Advisor, Insight Sales
One of the largest crises I encountered was early in our journey when we hit an unplanned production setback. A critical batch of our products was held up by a manufacturing glitch, and this meant we were unable to fulfill the demand we had generated through marketing. This became a major challenge for us—we were at risk of losing customer trust from those who were eagerly waiting for our products.
To navigate this crisis, we quickly re-evaluated our supply chain, discovered an alternative manufacturer, and expedited the process. We also kept our customers informed at all times. We didn’t make excuses but instead explained the steps we were taking to resolve the issue. Our customers valued this transparency, and the trust we had established remained intact.
This crisis taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Issues are unavoidable, but your reaction to them is most important. I have learned that being clear in your communication and intent on solving problems is paramount. Since then, I have ensured that we always have backup plans ready and that we continually streamline our operations to be able to weather the next storm. The experience also reaffirmed the value of customer loyalty; if you keep them informed and let them know you care, they will remain loyal to you.
Dan Steiner, Co-Founder, Good Laundry
When regulations shifted suddenly in one of our core markets, business ground to a halt overnight. Patients who depended on the availability of medical marijuana found themselves without a clear direction. The team was presented with a decision—wait and see or act now. We acted. Rather than slowing down, we doubled down on adapting, collaborating with legal advisors to clarify new guidelines and creating backup workflows to keep patients informed and up-to-speed.
It was a challenging process. Communication had to be clear-cut, customer support had to scale up, and internal systems had to be rearranged on the go. There was no time for indecision. By emphasizing transparency and nimbleness, the team restored trust between patients and partners, and ensured that access was as smooth as possible in spite of outside hurdles.
The experience reaffirmed a core belief: resilience is not keeping away from disruption but about responding without hesitation. The most resilient companies are those that evolve while staying devoted to their cause.
Aspen Noonan, CEO, Elevate Holistics
During the initial stages of my company, we encountered an important regulatory challenge that threatened to interrupt our entire tokenization strategy for private and public equity. Our main difficulty involved managing intricate financial guidelines while keeping our platform usable by both retail investors and those located beyond U.S. borders.
The current circumstances demanded immediate adjustment and innovative approach development. Our organization worked with leading legal specialists and regulators to make technological redirections that supported compliance needs while upholding our essential business objectives. Our team experienced extreme difficulties during this period because we needed to demonstrate our capacity to balance both innovation and regulatory requirements.
Learning to recover from this trial highlighted an essential truth about resilience: it requires adaptability and persistence. Our commitment to adaptiveness, specialized expertise, and long-term-oriented solutions allowed us not only to escape past difficulties but to create a stronger and compliant system that secured its market viability.
Chunyang Shen, Finance Expert, Jarsy Inc.
One of the biggest crises I faced was when a major client suddenly pulled out of a long-term contract with us, leaving a significant gap in projected revenue. It was a shock, but instead of panicking, I focused on resilience and adaptability.
First, I gathered my team to reassess our strategy. We immediately diversified our client base, reaching out to past leads and expanding into new service areas. We also refined our marketing to showcase our unique strengths.
The recovery wasn’t instant, but within months, we had not only regained lost revenue but also secured even more stable, long-term clients.
My biggest lesson? Never depend too heavily on one source of income. Always be proactive, adaptable, and client-focused because challenges will come, but how you respond defines your success.
Kritika Kanodia, CEO, Write Right
One crisis that truly tested our resilience occurred during a significant supply chain disruption. Due to unforeseen global challenges, some of our key fabric suppliers faced delays, which impacted our ability to deliver custom orders on time.
It was a stressful period, but our approach was rooted in transparency and communication with our clients. We took proactive steps to notify affected customers, providing them with realistic timelines and alternative solutions. Additionally, we worked closely with our suppliers and explored new partnerships to minimize future disruptions.
What I learned from this experience is the importance of adaptability and maintaining strong relationships, both internally with the team and externally with clients and suppliers. It reinforced the idea that being open about challenges and working collaboratively to find solutions not only helps in crisis management but also strengthens trust with everyone involved.
For any business facing adversity, I would emphasize the value of being prepared for the unexpected and maintaining a solution-oriented mindset.
Simon Elliott, Founder & Operations Director, CLIFTON
When my father suffered from acute confusion following surgery, I identified symptoms of delirium immediately. However, I was not in the hospital as a psychiatrist—I was there as a daughter. No matter how much medical knowledge I had, it didn’t prepare me for watching a parent unravel. He didn’t recognize me. He lashed out. Nurses overlooked key signs. I had to shift from daughter to medical advocate in minutes. I made quick decisions about medications, discharge plans, and follow-up care—all while holding back tears in the hallway.
Meanwhile, I was still parenting my children, taking patient calls, and attempting to be professional. I hit rock bottom when I forgot to pick up my son from school. That moment forced me to restructure everything. I put together a plan that balanced medical, legal, and emotional needs. I created a checklist of questions to ask doctors. I developed communication tools for siblings who weren’t on the same page.
I learned that resilience is less about pushing through and more about adapting under pressure. Recovery wasn’t fast. It came in pieces—delegating responsibilities, attending therapy, and creating space to grieve. You don’t need to hit rock bottom to realize you need a plan. If you’re managing your parent’s care and it’s starting to impact your work, your health, or your family–stop. Ask for support. Build a system before a crisis takes over. Because the strongest caregivers are the ones who know when to ask for help.
Dr. Barbara Sparacino, Founder, The Aging Parent Coach
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One of the biggest crises in my life was the full-scale war in Ukraine. Just yesterday, we were making plans, working on projects, and communicating with clients, and the next day, we found ourselves facing the unknown. It was a moment when we had to make quick decisions without any guarantees that tomorrow would even come.
The first thing I did was pay my team’s salaries in advance. Despite the chaos unfolding around us, people needed to feel at least some stability. Work came to a halt, but I wouldn’t just sit and wait.
A few weeks later, we began to adapt. It became clear that we needed to enter new markets quickly and look for new opportunities. It was difficult because working under constant stress was never easy, but the most crucial thing was moving forward.
This experience taught me a lot. First, it’s crucial to always have a backup plan and a financial cushion. Second, in times of crisis, there’s no time for doubt. Decisions must be made quickly. And most importantly, in any situation, you have to take action. Because while you hesitate, the world keeps moving forward.
Alexandr Korshykov, Founder & CEO, DreamX
Hurricane Delta in 2020 struck just as we were beginning a recovery from pandemic-related losses. There was no power for days, trees blocked access, and various parts of our property were damaged. Guests needed to be moved, and future reservations started canceling out of fear. I stood there, ankle-deep in water, with a broom, completely defeated.
But instead of backing away, I leaned into transparency. I chronicled the recovery on our website and social media—cleanups, repairs, even our small victories (Wi-Fi, hello?). Guests appreciated the honesty, and several who canceled rebooked later, saying they trusted us more because of how we handled it. The lesson: Resilience isn’t merely a matter of pushing through — it’s about remaining visible, honest, and human in the face of disruption.
Silvia Lupone, owner, Stingray Villa
Well, a major fret for us occurred when one of the core data providers we were using suddenly changed their API policy, denying access to some key features that fueled part of our platform. In a matter of hours overnight, our users’ access became non-functional, and we were hit with a barrage of support tickets and potential churn. Rather than have a panicked response, we initiated a 48-hour sprint—recreating our pipeline with alternative sources and applying quick fixes to backend logic to bring the service back up. It was not pretty, but it worked.
The experience reinforced for me that resilience is not just about bouncing back—it’s about preserving trust in challenging conditions. Effective communication with customers, transparency regarding what was happening, and rallying our team with a sense of urgency made the difference. We emerged stronger, with a more diversified infrastructure and a newfound confidence in our agility.
Hiren Shah, CEO, Anstrex
Last year, after leaving my role as a Communications Consultant with the United Nations, I set out to build a startup around two of my passions: pedagogy and children’s education.
I created a children’s holistic education brand called Stardust & Bubbles. I was so excited and lit up every time I talked about it. The main product was a deck of hand-drawn positive affirmation cards, and I printed a prototype to begin testing it in focus groups with parents and children.
During that time, however, I realized my MVP lacked direction. While I thought the product was great and parents told us the same, there wasn’t enough traction to lead to actual sales.
Having no rainy day fund as a backup meant that I would have to leave Europe and move in with my family back in Canada. There were dark moments when I thought that even dreaming of starting my own business was a terrible idea.
In that struggle, I was about to give up and started applying for consulting jobs with the United Nations again. And in an attempt to quickly earn some extra money, I signed up as a public speaking tutor on an online platform. What happened here was quite remarkable: within just a few weeks, I got several clients. Finding joy in teaching, I decided that—instead of giving up—I would start from scratch. This time, I knew I needed to build a business not only around my expertise and skills but also around proven demand. The tutoring platform had confirmed that my teaching approach was a fit with what people were looking for—and willing to pay for.
Now, scaling a public speaking coaching business, I am hosting a stage at a big tech conference and have even been invited to give my first TEDx Talk. The business is growing steadily and I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose. And I’m so glad I gave entrepreneurship a second chance!
This experience taught me that—especially in new ventures—you may not get it right the first time. Resilience doesn’t just mean pushing through. It also means being honest with yourself and willing to make changes along the way.
Maria C. Rincon, Public Speaking Coach & TEDx Speaker | Ex-TV Host & UN Comms Consultant, Public Speaking with Maria
One of the most important crises struck when a destructive storm destroyed our areas of service. The damage was massive, and the sheer volume of repair requests was huge. Several customers needed urgent services, and the supply chain lagged. It was challenging for both our logistics capabilities and our people. The pressure was on, but there was a need to keep one’s eye on pragmatic solutions and march ahead.
I made transparency and clarity in communication a top priority for our clients and staff. We established realistic deadlines and ensured that our customers understood what was going on at all times. I remained vigilant, checking with the workers often, and made certain that they had everything they needed to remain productive. The most important part was to remain composed, be transparent regarding what we could and could not do, and never sacrifice the integrity of our work. This experience tested my leadership abilities to make fast, efficient decisions under pressure.
The crisis reaffirmed one essential lesson: preparation is essential. A well-trained, reliable staff and strong supplier relationships enabled us to ride out the storm. I learned that resilience is not just created by responding to adversity, but by continually living up to your word and holding strong to your fundamental values. It is amid adversity that maintaining a solid foundation and clear-cut priorities allows you to rebound and persist.
Shantell Moya, Business Owner, Roof Republic
We were in the midst of a bustling market when suddenly, the housing market began to shift. Homes weren’t selling as quickly, and I watched deals fall through. As a team leader, I was deeply concerned about the impact on my team and the families we worked with. It was a challenging time, but it became a turning point in how I approached challenges.
I focused on staying calm and leading by example. Instead of becoming discouraged, I delved deeper into understanding the market shifts and began communicating more openly with my team and clients. We explored creative ways to present homes to the right buyers and adjusted our strategies to reflect the changing environment. Recovery took time, but it served as a reminder that resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about how you navigate them and adapt. From that experience, I learned the importance of flexibility, communication, and the value of maintaining trust during difficult times. It shaped how I lead my team and approach each challenge moving forward.
Matt Ward, Team Lead, The Matt Ward Group
At Unity, while I was working as a Principal Engineer, we faced a serious issue with one of our main learning platforms. It suddenly became unstable—users were experiencing delays, and the support team was getting flooded with complaints. It was one of those moments where everything felt like it was falling apart.
I quickly brought together a cross-functional team—engineers, product managers, and support staff—to get a clear understanding of the problem and find a solution. From the beginning, I focused on ensuring everyone was aligned and had access to the same information. We communicated openly and regularly with both the team and leadership, which helped reduce confusion and keep things moving.
We realized early on that this wasn’t something we could patch quickly. So, once we stabilized things temporarily, I initiated a retrospective to dig into the root causes. The priority was to be honest and constructive, not to place blame. That conversation helped us see where the gaps were—in our infrastructure, in our processes, and in how we planned for scale.
We took those lessons seriously and used them to redesign parts of the system to be more stable and scalable. It wasn’t easy, but it helped the team grow stronger and more prepared for future challenges.
Looking back, that crisis taught me the value of staying calm, being transparent, and trusting the team. It reminded me that resilience isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about learning from them and coming out better on the other side.
Serhii Mariiekha, Principal Software Engineer
A few winters ago, one of our key clients experienced a major fault across multiple security systems following a power surge. We had engineers booked elsewhere, stock levels were tight, and the outage left a large facility exposed. The client expected immediate action. Internally, resources were stretched and tensions were high.
I called an emergency operations meeting and restructured our schedule on the spot. Non-urgent jobs were paused. Engineers were reassigned. I personally coordinated with three separate suppliers to secure replacement parts—one required a four-hour round trip. Every detail mattered. We worked through the weekend, and by Monday morning, all systems were back online and certified. No compromises were made.
That situation tested more than our workflows. It tested leadership, trust, and execution. I learned the importance of being visible when pressure rises. You can’t solve problems from a desk. You need to be on the ground, listening to your team, clearing roadblocks, and making fast decisions.
We came out of that experience stronger. We’ve since expanded van stock, trained more engineers in advanced diagnostics, and built emergency response paths into our support model. It wasn’t about a dramatic fix. It was about clear thinking, fast action, and the right people stepping up when it mattered most.
Lisa Clark, Director, Bell Fire and Security
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2025-06-21 14:32:14
An entrepreneurial journey is a path filled with lessons in resilience, sacrifice, and the power of pivoting. When my wife, Vanessa, and I transitioned from the restaurant industry to building a chiropractic franchise, we faced numerous challenges, setbacks, and moments of growth that ultimately shaped us as business leaders.
Today, with an expanding presence across the country, our success has been built on both the lessons from our restaurant days and the strategic pivot into healthcare. Along the way, we’ve distilled key insights that transcend industries—offering valuable guidance for anyone looking to create, grow, and sustain a business.
Here are five core lessons that have shaped our journey and can serve as a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs in any field.
Before becoming chiropractors, we were deeply embedded in the restaurant business. But life has a way of forcing you to reevaluate your direction. A mix of long hours, the birth of our first child, and the sudden loss of a loved one made us realize that we needed more than just financial success—we needed purpose. So, we sold nearly everything we owned in a garage sale, packed up our lives, and moved from Denver to Iowa to attend chiropractic school. It was a huge risk, but sometimes, bold steps are exactly what you need to find your true calling.
Advice: If you feel an itch to make a change—whether it’s in your career or your business—don’t be afraid to take the leap. It’s not easy, but the rewards of pursuing something meaningful are always worth it.
Life is unpredictable, and as entrepreneurs, we quickly learned that adaptability is crucial. Relocating to a new city with a young infant was one of the toughest challenges we’ve faced. We sold everything to fund our move, leaving behind our support systems, and started from scratch in an unfamiliar place. While managing the pressures of school, finances, and raising young children was overwhelming at times, we stayed focused on our ultimate goal: building a better future for our family with a career we are truly passionate about.
Advice: When you’re facing life’s inevitable challenges, always keep your vision clear. Obstacles will come, but staying focused on your goals helps you stay on course. Embrace challenges, view failures as steppingstones, and approach change with a mindset geared toward growth. This mindset not only strengthens your business but also builds your leadership skills.
Running a business with your spouse or a partner is a rewarding yet complex venture. As co-founders of 100% Chiropractic, Vanessa and I had to figure out how to balance our roles as both business partners and life partners. We quickly realized that to make our relationship work—both at work and at home—we needed to establish clear boundaries, define our roles, and communicate openly. Mutual respect and transparency became essential in navigating both the challenges of entrepreneurship and marriage.
Advice: For any entrepreneur, especially those working in partnership, it’s vital to define roles and responsibilities early. Consistent, transparent communication is the foundation of both a successful business and a strong personal relationship. By supporting each other’s strengths and addressing challenges proactively, you can foster both professional and personal growth. Prioritize your relationships—whether with a spouse, business partner, or team—to sustain long-term success.
Our journey to success wasn’t an overnight affair. We opened our first 100% Chiropractic location in a small room of Vanessa’s family’s business. We were
living paycheck to paycheck, paying off student loans, and pouring every spare dollar into building the business. It was humbling, but we knew we had a vision that would eventually come to life. Through perseverance and patience, our small operation grew into a nationwide brand. It didn’t happen quickly, and there were many tough days, but we kept pushing forward because we believed in the long-term success we were building.
Advice: Entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be moments when progress feels slow, but consistency and persistence will eventually pay off. Keep your vision clear, stay patient, and trust in the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Setbacks are inevitable, but they’re just opportunities to learn and grow. Stick with it, and over time, your efforts will build momentum.
When we made the decision to franchise 100% Chiropractic in 2015, it wasn’t done hastily. We waited until we had a strong system in place, a proven business model, and a solid brand foundation. Today, our franchisees experience exceptional patient satisfaction and business performance because we took the time to perfect our approach before scaling. We didn’t rush the process—we expanded thoughtfully and strategically.
Advice: The key to successful scaling is recognizing when your business is ready. Scaling too early can lead to operational strain and financial challenges. Build a resilient, well-tested model, and only expand once you’re confident in your ability to deliver consistently. Thoughtful, intentional scaling positions your business for sustainable growth and equips you to weather the challenges of expansion.
One of the most valuable lessons we’ve learned is the importance of building a brand that reflects who you are and what you excel at. Your brand should be an extension of your strengths and core values. When we built 100% Chiropractic, we didn’t just design clinics—we created experiences that aligned with the strengths we developed in the restaurant industry. Specifically, we applied the sensory-focused approach we learned in restaurants to make our clinics more welcoming and comfortable for our clients. This sensory experience became an integral part of our brand.
Advice: Your brand should reflect your core values and strengths. Create an experience that resonates with your customers on a sensory level—whether through design, service, or even the way you communicate. A strong brand is one that feels authentic, consistent, and inviting, making it easier for customers to connect with what you offer.
Every entrepreneurial journey is unique, but the principles we’ve followed—building a brand based on your strengths, mastering the balance between personal and professional life, being patient, and scaling thoughtfully—are universal. Our journey from restaurateurs to chiropractic leaders has been filled with unexpected lessons and deeply rewarding outcomes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, we hope these insights will serve as a guide to building a business that stands the test of time. After all, as entrepreneurs, we have the privilege of shaping not just our own futures but also the lives of our clients, employees, and communities. Stay focused, stay patient, and always keep learning.
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2025-06-19 14:13:53
Launching a startup is an adventure filled with uncertainty, excitement, and plenty of unexpected challenges. As you set out on this journey, protecting your business means more than just securing your data or drafting airtight contracts. It means building a resilient, adaptable, and innovative company.
We’ve put together eight ways to safeguard your startup—from how you build your team to managing your finances, and choosing the right tech.
Building a startup starts with the people behind it. Your co-founders and early hires set the tone for your entire company. When you choose partners, look for complementary skills and shared values rather than just complementary technical expertise.
Take the time to understand your potential partners’ working habits. Talk about your visions and even your fears—if you can disagree constructively, you’re on the right track.
Founding team conflicts have doomed many promising ventures. Instead of putting together a group of “yes people,” seek out individuals who challenge your thinking and bring different perspectives. A balanced team not only mitigates risks but also nurtures innovative ideas.
Your early hires will help shape your company culture, and that culture could be your greatest competitive advantage.
Many startups fail simply because they have an inflexible business model or lose track of financial realities. It’s important to project costs, revenues, and growth patterns as accurately as possible—even if the forecasts change over time. You need to ask yourself: How can you pivot quickly when market demands shift? Every dollar counts in your early days, and your financial planning should be both realistic and flexible.
Instead of relying solely on assumptions, build a data-based model and revisit it frequently. Engage with mentors or even platforms that provide financial analytics to get a clear picture of your burn rate and break even point.
Remember, agility in your financial strategies can mean the difference between capitalizing on trends or running out of resources.
Many entrepreneurs consider legal protection as a checklist item rather than an essential building block. However, clear legal frameworks and sound intellectual property (IP) strategies can safeguard your innovations and support your overall growth.
Early on, make sure you choose the right corporate structure—whether forming an LLC, C-Corp, or another entity that suits your long-term goals. Take the time to draft founders’ agreements, equity distribution, and clear roles from day one.
Don’t let cost-cutting lead to overlooking IP. Register trademarks, domain names, and patents when necessary, and use non-disclosure agreements with contractors or potential collaborators.
A trusted startup lawyer can help you navigate these complexities, making sure that your creative work and business ideas don’t fall prey to future disputes.
Every startup relies on technology, but not every tool delivers real value. Companies try to minimize overhead costs by adopting every AI tool on the market, hoping to streamline operations while saving on manpower. However, embracing too many tools can lead to clutter and inefficiencies that ultimately slow you down.
When you add a new software or AI tool to your stack, you need to ensure it integrates well with your current systems. Overloading your team with multiple platforms can create confusion, reduce productivity, and even introduce security risks if not all tools are managed properly.
Consider a tool like MacKeeper to declutter your device, uninstall unused software, optimize performance and provide protection.Instead of adopting a slew of unproven AI solutions that promise cost savings, you can focus on a few trusted tools that enhance efficiency and protect your digital assets.
A strong company culture is one of the most important assets to protect your startup. It’s not just about preventing high attrition rates; a toxic culture can drain your startup’s creative energy and ruin its potential. When you neglect the atmosphere within your organization, you risk losing your best people, and with them, the innovation and passion that fuel your growth.
A positive culture nurtures collaboration and open communication. It ensures that your team feels valued and heard. When individuals trust one another and share a common vision, they’re more likely to work together effectively—even during challenging times.
In contrast, when your team is mired in conflict and negativity, ideas fall flat and productivity drops. Moreover, constant internal strife can lead to burnout, which further accelerates turnover. High attrition doesn’t just disrupt your workflow, it also creates a culture of negativity and makes it harder to build momentum.
Canva’s (now no longer a startup) Co-Founder Cameron Adams, credits the tech company’s culture for helping it survive and thrive through the pandemic. It’s not about the free lunches or other shiny things you can offer that make a culture; it’s about being a “force for good.”
No matter how talented you are, external perspectives are invaluable. Building connections with industry experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and even peers in similar fields can transform your approach to business challenges. A mentor’s advice can save you from reinventing the wheel or making costly mistakes.
Attend industry conferences, join local entrepreneurial groups, or simply reach out to someone whose work you admire. These relationships can yield practical insights and open doors to funding opportunities, partnerships, or fresh talent.
Having a strong network is not just a good backup plan—it’s an ongoing asset that can guide you through market shifts, regulatory changes, and competitive pressure.
Your original vision may transform as you learn more from the market and your customers. It’s essential to remain flexible and constantly validate your product-market fit. Solicit feedback actively, whether through customer surveys, focus groups, or usage analytics.
Sometimes the data will tell you that a pivot is necessary, and that’s perfectly normal.
Stay curious and never settle for “good enough” when it comes to innovation. Encourage your team to brainstorm new ideas and explore different approaches to solving the problems your customers care about. This iterative process of feedback and adaptation can help you maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
The companies that survive and thrive are the ones that learn continuously and adjust their strategies without losing sight of their core values.
One of the most overlooked aspects of startup protection is the human element—your mental and physical health and that of your team. The startup journey is notorious for long hours and high stress, and burnout is a real risk that can derail even the best-laid plans. Take proactive steps to integrate work-life balance into your routine.
Encourage a culture where taking breaks, getting proper sleep, and even stepping away from work are seen as investments in productivity and creativity. Recognize that your well-being directly influences your company’s long-term success. Whether it’s through regular team-building activities, scheduled downtime, or professional support when needed, prioritize mental health as much as you do business strategy.
This isn’t just about preventing personal collapse—it’s also a strategic move. A burnt-out team is less innovative and more prone to mistakes, which can be especially detrimental during periods of rapid growth or market uncertainty.
Protecting your startup goes beyond cybersecurity and legal protocols. It’s about nurturing every facet of your business—the team, the culture, and the strategies you build every day. Every decision you make, from establishing legal frameworks to the daily habits of your team, plays a part in fortifying your company.
By combining technical safeguards with sound business practices and resilient leadership, you set the stage for long-term success. With a clear vision, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning, you create a startup that’s prepared for unexpected challenges and poised for growth.
Find free courses, mentorship, networking and grants created just for small businesses.
The post 8 Must-Have Tips to Protect Your Startup appeared first on StartupNation.
2025-06-17 14:45:57
Why should you learn inbound marketing tips for growing startups? Well, because inbound marketing is a more affordable and sustainable model than other marketing approaches. And building awareness around your startup can be a tough task.
Starting a business today is easier thanks to the internet. However, there’s a challenge: The competition for customers is high given the low entry barrier. In fact, more than 20% of startups don’t survive past the first year. Of the startups that fail, 38% state lack of cash as the top reason whereas 20% got outcompeted.
What does this mean?
If you want to start and grow your business, you need to leverage marketing strategies that aren’t costly and can help you stand out of the crowd.
So, understanding the inbound marketing tips for growing startups can be a great idea.
Unlike traditional marketing which focuses on pushing out marketing messages to customers, inbound marketing focuses on creating valuable content that attracts your target audience to your business.
So if you’re looking to attract potential customers and convert them into leads and paying customers to drive more revenue and grow your business then keep reading.
Inbound marketing is a strategic digital marketing approach that helps you connect with and influence prospective customers to build trust and foster long-term relationships.
The strategy involves the use of content marketing, SEO, social media marketing, video marketing, and more to attract prospects and convert them into paying customers.
Whether you’re selling online courses or other digital products, it’s a great strategy as it involves the customers finding you, and not the other way around.
Here are the four stages of inbound marketing methodology.
There are many benefits of using inbound marketing for startups including:
Now that you understand what inbound marketing is, let’s discuss practical inbound marketing tips you can leverage to help grow your startup.
Video content is more entertaining and engaging than text or images.
When done right, it can be a powerful tool for:
According to the latest Wyzowl Video Survey report, 91% of businesses say video has helped them increase traffic, and 87% say it helped increase sales:
According to the same survey, 91% of consumers say they want to see more online videos from brands.
That’s why 73% of marketers say video has become more important to their businesses than ever.
The good news?
You can easily get started with video marketing. Plus it’s not as expensive as many people think.
Today, you can easily create interesting videos online to promote your products using a video making tool. This curated list of best video makers by Attrock can be really useful.
All you need to know is to learn to tell stories, share valuable information, and keep your message authentic.
Here are practical video marketing tips to grow your startup:
Who doesn’t love free things?
If you want to generate leads that convert into sales, creating downloadable offers is one of the most powerful inbound marketing tips.
Granted, having a lead-generation form on your landing page can help you capture email addresses.
Nevertheless, content in the form of downloadable offers enable you to attract more leads who want to gain access to those assets.
Besides, although lead generation is the most important goal for creating downloadable content offers, you can also achieve the following:
You can create downloadable offers in the following formats:
Here’s an awesome cheat sheet created by OptinMonster that covers over 700 power words that can help you boost your conversions.
HubSpot also offers a free downloadable State of Marketing Trends report with a massive amount of research-backed data.
But here’s the catch:
To gain free access to the entire report, you need to provide enough information about your business to help HubSpot understand if you’re a potential lead for them or not.
This is a fantastic way of collecting your visitors’ email addresses so that you can follow up with marketing emails and other content upgrades.
Here’s how you can create attractive downloadable pieces of content:
Social media is probably one of the easiest and more accessible inbound marketing strategies for growing your startup efficiently.
But why?
Sprout Social’s The State of Social-Media Investment survey report reveals that at least one in four users are on social media to discover, learn, purchase, or recommend products, services, or brands:
However, to generate results from social media marketing, you must have a practical strategy focused on converting followers into leads and ultimately customers.
Here are the benefits of using social media for your startup:
Here are useful social media marketing tips for startups:
Even though webinars require some investment of time and resources, they can help you drive huge returns and conversions for your startup when done right.
According to the State of Content Marketing report by Semrush, 20% of content marketers say webinars are the video format that performs the best for them:
Understandably, hosting free webinars can help your startup in many ways.
Apart from being helpful for people looking for solutions to their challenges, webinars can turn your leads into customers.
Here are more benefits of free webinars for your startup:
You can create the following types of free webinars:
Here are some actionable tips to get more results for your startup with free webinars:
Content is a powerful tool for launching an actionable inbound marketing strategy.
Here’s why.
Creating compelling content establishes your brand as an authority in your industry, helps you build trust and loyalty, and ultimately improves customer retention.
No wonder, 82% of companies use content marketing.
Besides, according to the Semrush report mentioned above, 47% of respondents say content has helped them increase social media engagement, 33% of them also say it boosts their leads and conversions.
Remember, creating generic articles, blog posts, and other content won’t help you succeed.
Here are useful inbound content marketing strategies for startups:
Getting noticed as a startup in today’s noisy social media and internet marketing world is not an easy task.
This is where influencer marketing partnerships become helpful.
Statistics are clear.
According to the latest influencer marketing benchmark report by Influencer Marketing Hub, the industry size is estimated to be worth $21.1 billion.
According to the same survey report, 67% of respondents plan to increase their influencer marketing budget over the next 12 months:
The rapid growth and adoption of influencer marketing is due to the host of benefits it offers.
By collaborating with an influencer, you can achieve the following for your startup:
But before you get started with influencer marketing, you need to understand the different types of influencers you can partner with. Depending on your budget, you can choose nano, micro, or mega-influencers. You could even partner with celebrities.
Here are actionable tips to launch goal-crushing influencer marketing campaigns for your startup:
Find free courses, mentorship, networking and grants created just for small businesses.
The ultimate goal of implementing all these inbound marketing tips for growing your startup is to drive traffic to your website. It’s this kind of forward-thinking strategy that really exemplifies a growth mindset, because you’re not just reacting to the market, but proactively seeking ways to improve and expand your business.
You need to ensure you’re converting as many visitors into customers as possible.
But here’s what you need to know.
To make your website convert like crazy, you need to optimize it to cater to mobile visitors and shoppers. Also, be sure to conduct a CRO audit to improve traffic and conversions.
Here are useful tips to make your startup’s website mobile-friendly:
The majority of startups fail within their first year due to a myriad of reasons. Creating a goal-crushing marketing strategy can help you stay ahead of the competition, meet your customers’ expectations, and achieve great results.
Create videos, host webinars, work with influencers, and create a mobile-friendly website to improve your chances of success.
So, start using these inbound marketing tips to grow your startup and generate short-term and long-term results while keeping your customers happy and satisfied.
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
The post 7 Proven Inbound Marketing Tips to Grow Your Startup appeared first on StartupNation.
2025-06-16 22:45:36
If you came to this article to find out about the $10,000 small business grants from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, that’s great. Keep reading to find out more about the money.
But, first, you should know that before you can even apply for the $10K grants, you have to complete any two of the free courses or events the program offers. Lucky for you and your business, the course and event offerings are many, varied and aimed at helping you build your skillset and your community. Speak directly with experts and network with other entrepreneurs, all part of the benefits the program offers members.
And, guess what? Joining is free.
Sign up now and start taking courses to be ready to apply before the grant application period ends on June 30. Even if you don’t secure a grant, joining Digital Ready and taking advantage of the tools and resources the program provides is a smart investment in your future.
So, you can go find out more about the $10,000 grants. Or keep reading below to find out how the program can help you prosper.
These events and courses are for the back half of June.
Joyful budgeting #4
Forecast your financial future
To register for the program, click this link.
To find an online event, click this link.
To find an online course, click this link.
Conceptualize, build, and launch your app
Converting likes to sales
Small business chat: The Critical Thinking Child, Lotus Rosery
Cultivate brand connection through authentic storytelling
Search engine optimization
Mastering social media marketing
Business plan bootcamp
Mastering brand storytelling: Crafting narratives that resonate
Website usability review
Website usability review
To register for the program, click this link.
To find an online event, click this link.
To find an online course, click this link.
Peer to Peer Check-in Series: A dynamic interactive on-going series, designed to help small businesses stay on track and break through roadblocks. Connect with a community of like-minded individuals bi-weekly in either the morning and/or the evening sessions to share your goals, receive guidance and encouragement from your fellow Digital Ready small business peers.
What can you expect to take away from a peer to peer review?
The post $10K Grants and Skills Training: Free Events for June appeared first on StartupNation.
