By Taylor Clark Jacobson 

REV Director of Recruitment & Growth 

“Find a need and fill it.” — AG Gaston 

Successful, profitable and competitive business models are built upon this super simple principle. To create a business is to serve a customer need; and while it may seem like an uncertain time to embark on a startup journey, I think it’s an awesome moment in time to do just that. In many ways, COVID has hit pause. We personally and collectively have an opportunity to reflect and to reimagine the future. 

Coronavirus has created needs and uncovered others. We, as a community, have an opportunity to respond. If you’re wondering if now is your moment to pursue your small business dream, we have a 20–step checklist to get you started and we’ve got your back along the way.  Here’s more of what to expect from the checklist:

Identify your WHY & solidify your company’s core values

Consider why you’re starting this business and how your customers will feel about your product. The keyword here is “feel.” People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it. Your personal why is an important piece of building a worthy product, a company and a brand. Your brand story should start with why. What do you believe and how does your product or service reflect that? What are you selling and how are you selling it?  

What do you value and how will your company be a reflection of that? Think about how you’ll build trust with your customers. People buy from companies that share their values and beliefs. Write them down and let them guide you along the way. This will be your north star as you navigate the often treacherous path of entrepreneurs.  

DOWNLOAD THE 20-STEP CHECKLIST

Determine your Minimum Viable Product

Your vision may be huge, but everyone has to start somewhere. Determine the simplest product requiring the least investment and create a plan for getting to your first sale to begin gaining customer feedback quickly. 

Start with the numbers

Draft a startup budget to clearly see what it will take to get your small business dream off the ground. Consider your startup expenses first and where you’ll find the resources to get started.