As a startup founder, it’s important to set intentions for your business. What are your goals? What do you hope to achieve? What kind of company do you want to build? What niche are you looking to feel and how do you want to be perceived? All of these things matter when it comes to setting the tone for your startup.
Think about what you want your business to be known for. Do you want to be known as the company that always puts the customer first? Do you want to be known for your cutting-edge technology? Do you want to be known for your amazing culture?
Answering these questions can help you create a roadmap for your business and make sure everyone is on the same page. It’s also a good way to stay motivated and focused as you grow your startup.
Here are a few tips for setting intentions for your startup:
- Keep it simple. Don’t try to accomplish too much at once. Start with a few simple goals and build from there.
- Be realistic. Make sure your goals are achievable and that you have a plan for how to achieve them.
- Know your elevator pitch. You never know when you might make a critical connection, so it’s important to always be ready. Revise your pitch as needed and rehearse every so often to sharpen your confidence.
- Get feedback. Ask your team, advisors, and investors for their input on your intentions. Be open to criticism and remind yourself that it’s not personal–it’s for the improvement of your project.
- Be flexible. As your startup grows and changes, so too should your intentions. Be prepared to adjust your goals as needed.
- Write it down. Putting your intentions in writing will help you stay accountable and on track. It’s also a great way to track how you develop and grow your ideas.
- Review regularly. Take some time every month or so to evaluate your progress and adjust your goals as necessary. Be ready and willing to learn.
- Celebrate milestones. When you reach a major milestone, take a moment to celebrate your success and refocus your intentions for the next phase of growth.
- Stay positive. Try to remember that you’re still early in the process. You’re running a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t let small setbacks discourage you. Find whatever methods help you remove negativity from your life.
- Find you support. You might want to keep especially clever or insightful ideas about your startup to yourself, but you should find the people in your life that are ready to be supportive. Telling them about your plans will make them feel more concrete.
- Remember the human element. Every start-up, no matter how tech-reliant it may be, involves people. Keep yourself flexible, practice clear communication, and make sure that your reliable people know you value them.
Write down each of these intentions. Keep a typed version easily accessible for moments when you need to keep your mind on task. Put them on post-its and leave them in high-visibility spots. Make them the screensaver on your computer or phone. Whatever method you choose, make sure that you are constantly reminded of your goals so that you can stay focused and motivated.
Setting intentions for your startup is an important part of the journey. By taking the time to thoughtfully consider your goals, you can set your business up for success.