(Do This Before You Launch or Risk Wasting Time and Money)
Look, starting a business feels like jumping off a cliff and building your wings on the way down. Exciting? Absolutely. Terrifying? You bet.
But here’s the thing no one tells you loud enough:
The prep work you do before launch can make or break your entire startup.
If you want to avoid being one of those “almost had it” founders and instead actually multiply your income by six figures (or more), this checklist is your new best friend.
Ready? Let’s dive in.
1. Validate Your Idea Like Your Bank Account Depends on It (Because It Does)
You’re in love with your idea—and that’s awesome. But newsflash: your customers don’t care how cool you think it is.
Ask:
Are people actually struggling with this problem?
Would they pay for your solution?
Have you asked real humans (not just your mom)?
If you skip this, you’re basically throwing money into a black hole. Test first, build later.
2. Stalk Your Competitors (In a Totally Legal Way)
Know who’s out there and what they’re doing. Are they killing it? Failing hard? Where’s the gap you can fill?
Create a simple spreadsheet and jot down what’s working—and what isn’t.
Pro tip: The best startups don’t just copy. They fix what others break.
3. Figure Out How You’ll Actually Make Money (No, Hope Isn’t a Strategy)
Freemium? One-time purchase? Subscription? Ads? Donations? (Okay, maybe not donations.)
You need a crystal-clear plan. And the sooner you test your pricing, the better.
4. Don’t Be a Lone Wolf—Build Your Tribe
Even if you’re a one-person army, find mentors, advisors, or freelancers to back you up.
Because entrepreneurship is messy, and you’ll want people to catch you when you stumble.
5. Start Marketing Before Your Product Even Exists
I can’t stress this enough:
Marketing isn’t an afterthought. It’s how you build your tribe.
Who are you talking to? Where do they hang out? What’s the story you want them to remember?
Get your social pages ready, start sharing early, and build that email list.
6. Set Goals That Actually Mean Something
Vague goals like “make money” won’t cut it.
Track real numbers: How many people visit your site? How many sign up? What’s your cost per customer?
This is how you know what’s working—and what’s not.
7. Get Legal & Financial Stuff Sorted Early
It’s not sexy, but setting up your business structure and bank accounts early can save you headaches—and money—later.
Trust me: avoiding this step is like leaving your door unlocked in a sketchy neighborhood.
8. Launch a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) — Not a Masterpiece
Your first product doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to work.
Get something out fast, learn from real users, then iterate.
Why This Checklist Is a Game-Changer
Skipping these steps is basically playing startup roulette—spinning the wheel and hoping for the best.
But if you nail this checklist? You’re stacking the odds in your favor.
You’ll save time, dodge expensive mistakes, and build something customers actually want.
And yeah, that means you’re way more likely to see that 6-figure income (or more).
Your Move
Ready to stop guessing and start building smart?
Bookmark this checklist. Use it. Share it with your fellow founders.
And if you want a hand customizing it to your crazy-awesome idea, just ask. Because your dream deserves more than luck—it deserves a plan.
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