Templates by Niall Cleaver

You want the truth about building a startup. Here it is...

It's going to be much more challenging than you think.

But please remember:

All that has gone right.

All the skills you've developed.

All the obstacles you've overcome.

All the growth you've experienced.

All the incredible people you've met.

Think bigger, dream bigger and believe in yourself.

These challenging times will pass.

Stay focused!

How I approached building a startup.

And how you can do the same…

- I tried some things.

- I learned some things.

- I figured out some things.

You'll always have more obstacles than you think.

But not trying to get past these obstacles and quitting.

That keeps you in the same place you started.

You're better than this.

Take the time to figure out the problem

Then, take the time to fix the problem.

Fixing problems is what startups are all about.

When you do this, you move forward.

Please don't quit.

Entrepreneurs, I want you all to remember:

The longer it's taking, the closer you are getting.

It's easy to feel discouraged by the time it's taking.

But you've got to remember there's a reason for this.

- The lessons you're learning.

- The changes you're making.

- The progress you're having.

The moment you:

Stop looking at the time it's taking.

Start looking at the progress you're making.

It will be the moment you start enjoying the joruney.

Embrace where you are right now.

Most importantly, take it all in!

Today, I'm celebrating 25,000 of you.

I'm just a normal 23-year-old trying to build a business.

- I'm still living with my parents.

- I'm a dyslexic founder.

- I'm figuring life out.

That's it! There's nothing special about me.

But you guys make it seem much more special.

Thank you for all the support. I appreciate you all.

Message to all startup founders this Monday morning:

- Times will get tough

- You will feel scared

- Doubt will creep in

It's normal.

I've been through it.

But I want you to remember this:

It's a privilege. You're feeling what many aren't.

All because you decided to take action.

You're already ahead of so many.

You can do this!

Building a strong team is key to startup success. 🤝 Hire for attitude and train for skills! Look for team players who align with your company's values and culture. Remember, a positive attitude goes a long way, and skills can always be developed with proper training and guidance. Encourage open communication, promote a healthy work-life balance, and invest in your employees' personal and professional growth. As a leader, foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to your startup's success. #teamwork #Nigerianstartups

Entrepreneurs, I get it. We often dive so deep into our innovations that we lose sight of the real magic: the value we bring to our customers. I've been there, marveling at the tech I've crafted, only to realize that it's not about the tech itself but the transformation it brings.

No one cares about the intricate backend connections or the cutting-edge tech stack. What truly matters? The superpowers it bestows upon the customer.

Remember: The tech is just the medium; the real magic is in the unique capabilities it unlocks.

Founders, I know you've got a lot on your plate. But always remember, customers aren't buying your tech. They're investing in the power it unleashes.

🔍 Regularly review your messaging. Ensure it speaks to the heart of what your customers truly value.

Sell fireballs, not flowers.

I would like to hear from Academicians, Startup fraternities on this.

After a professional networking meeting at a exhibition, workshop, seminar, or event, what should be the next step? Your counterpart is likely to check your profile, whether it's on websites, social media platforms, or through a request for your proposal. This step plays a crucial role, particularly for early-stage startups seeking clients.

It's essential to prioritize establishing and focusing on your professional details, such as your scope of work, affiliations with management institutes and renowned Universities, NGOs, Government Bodies, as well as activities like writing educating blogs on various subjects, delivering sessions at significant events, and participating in knowledge-enhancing activities.

Additionally, highlighting achievements from early college days, involvement in public policy awareness, contributions to research and documents, and exposure to corporate and industry knowledge are all noteworthy.

Continuous portfolio and profile upgrades are essential for growth of your startup.

I welcome your thoughts and insights on this matter in the comments below.

Startups, like math, have an order of operations.

Do them incorrectly and your startup dies.

Do them correctly and you can learn your way to success.

First, the problem. The closer you are to the problem the better. Primary research generates the insights that chart the path forward.

Then, solutions. Original insights about the problem illuminate potential solutions. Stay open minded. Novel solutions open doors to customers, talent and capital.

Last, the market. Understanding if and how customers pay helps evaluate the viability of a solution. Willingness and ability to pay shed light on value.

Be careful about the last step. Markets are dynamic and nuanced. Novel solutions can create new markets. Customers often struggle to price a novel solution. Technology, culture and regulations change.

Over-index on the problem and solution. They will write the market narrative for you.