Shambhu Sah’s Post

What’s the key ingredient for making an early-stage startup successful? A great idea? A solid MVP? Unwavering motivation and dedication? Naive optimism? Or maybe just a bit of salt and pepper? 😋 While all these elements play a role, in my humble opinion, the true driver of early success is the founding team. Ideas evolve, and products pivot. Both are malleable and should adapt as needed (we did earlier this year). But what remains critical is having the right team that can navigate these changes, adapt to feedback, and keep moving forward 🏃♀️ Here are some key qualities to look for in a founding team, whether you’re starting a company or investing in one: 🧠 Entrepreneurial mindset - founding members who understand the hustle required to build a company from scratch—long hours, stress, little pay, and initially, minimal rewards. 🔀 Cross-disciplinary skillset - it’s essential for founders to have the combined ability to build, market, and sell the product. Missing one of these skills often increases costs and can lead to a loss of control if outsourced or hired externally. 🤔 Diverse thinking - neurodiversity or at least a mix of different perspectives is crucial. Being able to challenge ideas and strategies constructively and mindfully leads to much stronger decisions. 😁 Keeping it fun - a team that can consistently enjoy each other’s company is vital, especially when the going gets tough. 👫 Shared values - perhaps the most important and often overlooked aspect is a founding team that shares the same core values. This alignment is what ultimately keeps the team united for the long term (I'll share our values next week!). I’m incredibly grateful to be on this journey with Lydia Hartley and Richie Ganney — two unbelievably talented and kind individuals. Thanks for making startup life enjoyable and fulfilling - I couldn't be luckier ❤️ #StartupLife #FoundingTeam #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #StartupJourney

I keep getting asked about the perks and challenges of surviving the startup world. So here goes... Let’s talk, just you and me. You’re at that crossroads, wondering if the startup world is your next big move. Maybe the thought of building something from scratch excites you, or maybe you’ve heard one too many tales of overnight success. But before you dive headfirst into this chaotic, exhilarating world, let’s get real about what you’re signing up for. First off, if you’re expecting a linear path to success, think again. Startups are more like a rollercoaster with unexpected loops and sudden drops. For example, there was a time when we launched a new feature, and the app crashed for hours. Fun, right? Not exactly. But here’s the thing—we learned, we fixed it, and we moved on, stronger and smarter. Another time, we spent weeks prepping for a big pitch. We nailed it—or so we thought. Instead of business, we got a list of 20 things to fix. It was a gut punch, but it taught us the art of resilience. But let’s not forget the perks. Nothing beats the rush of seeing your idea come to life or the camaraderie that forms when a small team rallies to hit an impossible deadline. The joy of a win—no matter how small—feels like a victory lap at the Olympics. You’re not just clocking in - you’re creating, innovating, and growing in ways you never imagined. Now, if you’re conflicted about making the switch, here’s my advice: Get clear on what to expect and what not to. Expect long hours, uncertainty, and moments where you’ll question your sanity. Don’t expect immediate success, a cushy routine, or an easy ride. But if you’re up for the challenge, if the thought of navigating the unknown excites you more than it scares you, then welcome aboard. Just remember, it’s a wild ride, but for those who are up for it, there’s nothing quite like it. #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CalculatedRisks #1to10Journey

In the start-up journey, there will only be 2 kinds of moods that your company will be in: One is usual, that all of us know, it will be when the hell has broken loose and everyone is on their toes, trying to get stuff done, pulling off extra hours, just fixing the blocks of the puzzle. Let's call it THE PHASE, this is where the majority of fast-paced work gets done. Then there will be other times when there will not be much to do. This will be the DOWN phase. Things will be smooth, and the majority team will be low on work load, idle, and waiting for that one person or that one team to get done with their piece of the puzzle so that everyone can get into THE PHASE again. It is during the second phase, the not-so-momentum phase, where it becomes important for founders to maintain the pace, mindset, and internal momentum of the people working to build the business. More importantly, it is during the second phase, the down cycle, when the founders themselves need to keep their momentum going because this is when majority doubt sets in. And a lot of questions set in as well. The startup is made in THE PHASE, but the path is paved in the down phase. The down phase is as important, if not more, important than THE PHASE and the momentum. The majority of thinking happens in the down phase. It puts things into perspective. So at times, you will feel that things are not moving, that is when you wait, take a macroscopic view, and put things in perspective. So that when things start to move again, you know what you have to do. #startup #founders #phases #culture #building #0to1 #0to16

🚨 Real Talk with Riggles: Is Your Startup Team Set Up for Success? 🚨 Building a startup is about more than just having a great idea—it’s about the team behind it. The truth is, poor team dynamics and the wrong equity split are among the top reasons startups fail. 💥 It's like assembling a rocket crew— if you don’t get the right mix of skills and the right equity split, you might as well be launching your business into space without a parachute. 🚀 In this week's blog, I break down the key elements of creating a powerhouse team and why getting the right equity splitcan make or break your startup's future. Whether you're starting with a co-founder or scaling with a full team, these decisions will shape your company's success from day one. Relying on a close-knit network or friends can restrict diverse perspectives and creativity. When everyone has similar backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking, it can lead to groupthink and stifle the innovative ideas needed to scale. To maximize growth, it's essential to bring in diverse voices and skill sets that challenge the status quo and push the business in new directions. 👥 Key Insights: -Why diverse teams have a 30% higher ROI than homogeneous ones -The right equity breakdown for co-founders (Hint: It’s not 50/50!) -Red flags to watch out for when building your team to avoid common pitfalls If you're serious about growing a business that lasts, understanding team dynamics and equity is non-negotiable. Learn how to set your startup up for long-term success! 👇 Get the full scoop here: https://lnkd.in/g_JANmid #StartupSuccess #TeamBuilding #CoFounders #EquitySplit #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #RealTalkWithRiggles #Leadership #StartupTips

Ever wondered what drives a startup’s success amidst all the chaos? I really enjoyed reading the interview with Flawless' Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Nick Lynes, in Authority Magazine with Yitzi Weiner. It's always inspiring to hear the 'rhyme and reason' from our leaders, especially when the day-to-day craziness of startup life can sometimes overshadow the bigger picture! Some key takeaways that stood out to me: 🔹 Solve a Real Problem: Startups often get caught up in selling an idea, but real success comes from addressing a genuine problem for people or businesses. Before seeking investor backing, ask yourself, "Is this truly worth my time?" Brutal self-awareness is key. 🔹 Vision and Resilience Are Essential: Building a successful startup isn't just about having a great idea. It demands a steadfast commitment to your long-term vision and a deep well of resilience. Embrace the ups and downs, knowing that the real reward is the growth and self-discovery along the journey. 🔹 The Power of an Outstanding Team: Success hinges on hiring talented individuals and creating a culture rooted in honesty and shared purpose. As Peter Drucker famously said, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast," and that’s especially true for innovative startups. Check out the full interview on our website — link in the comments!

What you need to know about starting and sustaining a business Starting and sustaining a business is a handful. Many people find this very difficult while some don't. Whatever I'm about to share with you today is from my experience. Believe me, I've been there. I've experienced both the excitement, and the nerves that come with setting up a new business, the late nights fueled by passion and a sprinkle of caffeine. It's a journey filled with twists, turns, and the occasional pothole, but oh, is it worth it? Of course yes, as long as you are willing to endure and stay out no matter what. First off, let's talk about the idea phase. You know that lightbulb moment when inspiration strikes? Hold onto it tight! Write down every detail, doodle every concept, and let your imagination run wild. Don't worry about perfection – just let those ideas flow freely. Now, onto the planning stage. It may not be the most glamorous part, but trust me, it's essential. Set clear goals, create a solid business plan, and do your research. Get to know who your audience is inside out, understand your competitors, and figure out what sets you apart. Now, let me share some secret ingredients. ✅passion. Pour your heart and soul into your business, and let that passion drive you forward, even when the going gets tough. Believe in yourself and your vision, even when others doubt you. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a successful business. After setting up the business, sustaining it should be the next thing in mind. So, do these: Surround yourself with a supportive network – friends, family, mentors, fellow entrepreneurs. Embrace flexibility. The business world is always evolving. So get ready to grow and upgrade. Stay curious, keep learning, and don't be afraid to try new things. Innovation often stems from stepping outside your comfort zone. And finally, never lose sight of why you started this journey in the first place. To all the startups and entrepreneurs, nobody said it will be easy but go ahead and get it done! #Enteetech #Startups #Startupgrowth #Digitalmarketing #Mondaymotivation #Brandbuilding

Every Startup's Journey: The Hurdles and Hustle 🚀 Starting a business is thrilling, but let's be real—it's not all smooth sailing. Here are some of the challenges every startup faces (and overcomes 💪): 💸 Money Talks: Figuring out how to stretch every dollar without snapping it! 🤔 Will They Love It?: Validating if your product/service is solving the right problem. 🧑🤝🧑 Dream Team Hunt: Finding talented people who believe in your vision. 📣 Making Noise: Getting noticed in a sea of established brands. 🎯 Winning Customers: Turning “maybe” into “yes” from those first crucial clients. ⏰ Time Juggling: Managing priorities when every task feels urgent. 🔄 Roll With It: Adapting to changes faster than the market shifts. It's hard, but that's the point. What has been your biggest startup stumbling block? Let's share, everyone! #StartupJourney #EntrepreneurLife #StartupChallenges #BuildingDreams #Innovation #Teamwork #GrowthMindset

One thing you all should know if you are into business As I reflect into the journey of many startups, I'm reminded of something important that I recently came across: It's not just about what you do; it's who you work with. The right team is as crucial as the idea itself. Here's why: - A well-rounded team covers all your bases, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to the table. - Unity in vision and values steers your ship smoothly towards your goals. - In rapidly changing markets, a flexible team quickly adapts and thrives. - A motivated team can push your startup through tough times with resilience. - Creative solutions to problems can make or break your journey to success. The right team isn't just working for you; they are your startup's backbone. Choose wisely and nurture your group, as together you row towards success. Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that shared entrepreneurial passion and strategic vision are essential for superior team performance. Positive team dynamics lead to better collaboration, problem-solving, and increased morale. In the end, it's clear: the strength of a startup lies not just in its idea, but in the power of its people. As startups continue to grow, they're grateful for the excellent team working alongside them, turning their shared vision into reality. Follow Aman Verma for more such content. Feel free to connect and chat with me. #StartupTeam #Teamwork #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship #Leadership"

Social media makes starting and scaling a business look easy. I’ve built 2 startups: PURE Private Label LLC and RevMulti. And I can tell you → reality is far from what’s shown online. If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be this: 1) Not everything matters. Focus on the few things that drive growth and say no to anything that pulls you off track. 2) Your team is everything. Their growth, well-being, and trust are what will help your company thrive long-term. 3) It’s hard to let go, but you can’t do it all. Learn to trust your team, delegate clearly, and step back. 4) Plans rarely go the way you expect. Stay flexible, face challenges head-on, and pivot when needed. 5) Your values are your company’s backbone. When things get tough, a strong culture will hold everything together. Scaling a startup will push you to your limits. But overcoming challenges, seeing growth, and learning along the way is worth it. Stay focused on what matters most. Take care of your people. Learn from mistakes. And keep moving forward. *** What’s the best lesson you’ve learned while scaling a business? Let me know in the comments! #startup