Your path from dream to reality
When my business idea finally became clear, my first impulse was to create a website to make my plan official. But I knew from my business development experience that this was not the critical first step. It was much more important to put my idea into practice and test it.
I decided to take a parallel approach: while I was having initial conversations and working with beta customers, I started to build my website. This meant that I had to keep adjusting my writing, but that was a conscious risk I took. That's what this blog is about: How to focus on the steps that really matter, and master your launch with strategy and clarity.
Initial challenges
Taking the leap into entrepreneurship is exciting, but it can also be fraught with uncertainty. Many entrepreneurs face the same questions:
How will I find my first customers?
How do I turn my idea into a working business model?
Which steps are really important to get started?
Maybe you've already asked yourself which legal form is the right one. But more on that later - because there are more important questions to answer at the beginning.
Strategy 1: Have a clear set of goals and a plan
The first step into self-employment requires clarity: What do you want to achieve and how will you get there? Without a plan, you will quickly lose your bearings.
Prioritize: What are the three most important tasks that will get you closer to your first clients? Write them down and set a timeframe
30-day plan: Define specific steps, such as "1. Clearly define my offer, 2. Contact first prospects, 3. Get feedback."
Visualize: A simple weekly plan can help you stay focused and not get distracted by unimportant tasks
Strategy 2: Start the customer acquisition process
No customers, no business. The focus should be on finding your first customers right from the start - even if your offering isn't perfect yet.
Use your network: Talk to people you already know. Introduce them to your idea and ask if they know anyone who might be interested
Start simple: Platforms such as LinkedIn or Instagram are great for making yourself visible and showcasing your expertise. Regularly post content that is relevant to your target audience
Get feedback: Use conversations with prospects to improve and customize your offering
Strategy 3: Stand out from the crowd from the start
Clear positioning is essential to stand out from the crowd. Your customers should understand at a glance what makes you special.
Communicate your value proposition: What does your offering solve that others don't? Keep it simple and concise
Tell your story: People buy from people. Tell why you started and what motivates you
Visual differentiation: Professional design and consistent branding build recognition and trust
Strategy 4: Focus on the idea rather than the legal form of the business
Many founders in Switzerland spend a lot of time at the beginning dealing with administrative issues, such as the choice of legal form or tax details. But this step should come later.
Why the idea comes first: Without a validated business idea, even the best legal form is useless. Focus on whether your offer appeals to the target group
Start simple: In Switzerland, it is easy to start a business as a sole trader. Administrative formalities such as registering with the commercial register or choosing a limited liability company can be dealt with later.
Validation is key: Test your idea with real customers. Find out if they are willing to pay for what you offer before you invest time in legal structures.
Conclusion: Start with focus and strategy
Starting your own business is a big challenge, but also an opportunity to realize your dream. With clear goals, your first customers and a validated idea, you can lay the foundation for a successful business. Don't get distracted by details like incorporation - just get started and learn as you go.
Your next step: If you need help getting started, book a free initial consultation with me for my coaching program Selbständig Durchstarten. Together, we'll get your idea off the ground.
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