The Fab 5: Actually-Doable Startup Steps
1. A Clear Offer (aka: What You Actually Do)
“If you confuse, you lose.” – Donald Miller
You need:
A product or service people actually want (not just one your mom thinks is cute)
A clear description of who it’s for, what it helps with, and why it matters
A way to talk about it that doesn’t make people’s eyes glaze over like a Monday morning meeting
Coaching tip: Ask, “What problem am I solving, and how does it matter right now?”
2. Defined Audience (aka: Your People)
Your business isn’t for “everyone.” It’s for someone. Be bold enough to get picky.
You need:
A clear niche or target market (NO, “anyone with a pulse” doesn’t count)
A basic understanding of their pain points, desires, and what weird Netflix shows they secretly love
A way to reach them (email, socials, your cousin’s wedding if you’re really desperate)
Narrative insight: Speak to their story, not just your solution. You’re not selling kale; you’re selling how they’ll brag about eating kale.
3. Basic Business Infrastructure (aka: Don’t Crash on Day One)
Your backend shouldn’t explode the moment your first client says “yes.”
You need:
A simple legal setup (LLC, sole prop—consult your accountant, not your barista)
A business bank account + payment processor (Stripe, PayPal, or your very patient cat)
A way to track finances (even a messy Google Sheet beats scribbles on napkins)
Pro tip: Don’t overbuild. Start lean and functional. Remember: even IKEA furniture starts as a tiny box.
4. Marketing That Doesn’t Make You Cringe
You don’t need a fancy website yet. You do need a way for people to find and trust you without needing a decoder ring.
You need:
A simple, clear presence (landing page, LinkedIn, or an IG bio that doesn’t read like a mystery novel)
A method for showing up consistently (content, convos, cat memes)
Social proof: testimonials, case studies, or an enthusiastic text from your first client’s mom
Fun reframe: Marketing is just storytelling in service of your people. Think less “buy now” and more “here’s how this helps you become a legend.”
5. Mindset & Momentum (aka: The Secret Sauce)
The invisible glue that keeps you going when no one is clapping—and your houseplants are your only audience.
You need:
A tolerance for imperfection (progress > perfection, always)
Support or community (coaches, peer groups, your hype friend who thinks you’re a genius)
A commitment to experimenting, learning, and occasionally face-planting with style
True story: Every successful business has had messy, awkward beginnings. That’s not failure—it’s fertilizer.