Project Management For Startups

Most strategies fail before they even start. Because what people think strategy is... isn't what strategy actually is. I've watched brilliant founders create 100-slide decks filled with buzzwords and vision statements. They talk about "beating the competition" and "dominating the market." Then 6 months later? Nothing has changed. Here's the truth about real strategy: What Strategy ISN'T: ❌ A pretty deck that sits on a shelf ❌ Copying what your competitors do (but "better") ❌ Big goals without tough choices ❌ Trying to be everything to everyone What Strategy ACTUALLY IS: ✅ Choosing what NOT to do (this one hurts) ✅ Being different, not better ✅ Making trade-offs that make you sweat ✅ Solving problems others don't see yet The best strategy I ever saw? A founder who shut down 3 profitable product lines to focus on just one. His board thought he was crazy. His team was terrified. Even his wife questioned it. But he knew: Strategy is about putting all your chips on a few big bets. Not hedging. Not playing it safe. Going all in. 18 months later? That one product line did 10x the revenue of all 3 combined. Save this. Share it with your team. Use it in your next strategic planning session. Here's my test for a real strategy: → Can your newest employee explain it in 30 seconds? → Does it force you to say "no" to good opportunities? → Does it create rules your competition can't follow? If not, you don't have a strategy. You have a wish list. Most leaders want strategy to be comfortable. But real strategy should make you uncomfortable. It's not about having all the answers. It's about testing small, learning fast, then going all in when you find what works. Your turn: Agree? Disagree? What makes a great strategy? Want a PDF of my Strategy Iceberg cheat sheet? Get it free: https://lnkd.in/dCm4iErT ♻️ Repost to help someone in your network. And follow Eric Partaker for more on business strategy. — 📢 Want the secrets of top CEOs? I'm hosting a FREE TRAINING: "How to Successfully Scale Your Company  & Become a World-Class Leader" Thur, June 19th, 12 noon Eastern / 5pm UK time https://lnkd.in/dmq2spSB 📌 LAST FEW DAYS of Earlybird enrollment for the  next CEO Accelerator cohort, starting July 23rd. 20+ Founders & CEOs have secured their spot. Offer ENDS SOON. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/dXxZ8qtt

You're not born a natural problem-solver. It's a skill that needs developing with time: Especially if you want to build a successful digital business.  Most people don't realise it,  But a founder's job is mostly just problem solving on repeat...    Day in and day out.  Over the last few years, I’ve used different problem-solving models Depending on what needed my attention:  💸 Keeping revenue consistent and predictable. 🔧 Setting a strategy that’s clear and actionable. ⭐️ Building a culture people actually want to be part of.  ⚙️ Running smooth operations, even when I’m not in the room. As you can imagine, each one requires a completely different approach. These are the four models that I return to most often 👇 🔍 First Principles Thinking ↳ Strip everything back and start from zero. 1. What do I know for sure about this problem? 2. What’s just a habit or assumption — not a fact? 3. If I had to build a solution from zero, what would it look like? 4. What if I forgot how this is “usually done”? 5. What’s the simplest possible version of solving this? 🔄 Second-Order Thinking ↳ Zoom out and see the bigger picture. 1. If this works... what else does it trigger? 2. What does this look like in 6 months? 2 years? 3. Am I solving a short-term pain or creating a long-term problem? 4. What unintended consequences could show up later? 5. What would someone smarter than me worry about here? 🧠 Root Cause Analysis ↳ Fix an entire system, not just a symptom. 1. What exactly went wrong — and when? 2. What’s the first thing that caused this to break down? 3. If I asked “why?” five times… where would I end up? 4. Where have we solved this badly before? 5. What keeps making this problem reappear? ⚡️ The OODA Loop ↳ When you just need to take the leap. 1. What’s actually happening right now — no bias, just facts? 2. What do I need to unlearn before I can move forward? 3. Based on what I know, what’s the smartest next decision? 4. What small test can I run immediately? 5. What would I change if I had to act in the next 10 minutes? It's easy to panic when an issue arises,  But it will do nothing to actually solve the problem. To problem solve like the top 1%,  You need to stop reacting emotionally... And start responding strategically. If you want to stay sharp under pressure,  My weekly newsletter will help you solve real business problems. Join Step by Step and get actionable insights every Sunday.👇 https://lnkd.in/eXSNaDiu I have other important lessons and 30+ free learning resources for you. What major problem did you solve recently, and how? Share your story in the comments. ⬇️ ♻️ Repost to help your network become better problem-solvers.  And follow Chris Donnelly for more. 

90% of startups don’t fail because of: Bad marketing, a weak team, or even a poor product. They fail because they lack a repeatable decision-making process. Here’s the framework I use to make better, faster decisions in business. I call it “The Iteration Loop.” It’s a structured way to identify what’s working, what’s broken, and what to do next, without getting stuck in endless guesswork. It gives you a systematic way to eliminate bottlenecks, optimize execution, and scale with clarity. Here are the 6 phases: 1. Bottleneck Identification 2. Clarifying the Goal 3. Solution Brainstorming 4. Focused Execution 5. Performance Review 6. Iterate & Improve 1️⃣ Bottleneck Identification Before you can fix anything, you need to identify the real problem. Most entrepreneurs spin their wheels solving the wrong issues because they never dig deep enough. To get clarity, ask: + What's the biggest constraint stopping growth right now? + What metric, if doubled, would create the biggest impact? + What’s preventing us from getting there? If you don’t identify the root problem, every solution you apply will be wasted effort. 2️⃣ Clarifying the Goal Once you know the problem, define the exact outcome you’re solving for. I use a simple Three-Part Goal Formula: 1. What are we trying to achieve? 2. By when? 3. What constraints do we have? Vague goals lead to vague actions. Precision forces progress. 3️⃣ Solution Brainstorming Now, generate every possible solution—without filtering. Most people limit themselves to their existing knowledge, which is why they get stuck. Instead, ask: “If there were no rules, what would I do?” This opens up better, faster, and often simpler solutions you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. 4️⃣ Focused Execution Don’t test everything at once—test one variable at a time. Most teams waste months by making too many changes at once, leading to messy, inconclusive results. Instead, break it down: 1. Test one key assumption. 2. Measure one KPI that proves or disproves it. 3. Execute for a set period, then review. 4. Speed matters. Complexity kills momentum. 5️⃣ Performance Review Your data isn’t just numbers—it’s feedback on your decision-making process. Your job is to analyze: + Did the solution work? + Why or why not? + What does this tell us about our business? Every test refines your ability to make better future decisions. 6️⃣ Iterate & Improve Most companies don’t fail from making the wrong move—they fail from making no moves at all. The only way to win long-term is to keep iterating. Instead of fearing failure, build a culture that rewards learning. Failure + Reflection = Progress. If you aren’t improving your decision-making process, your business will eventually hit a ceiling. That’s why I built The Iteration Loop—so every problem becomes an opportunity for better, faster execution. P.S. If you want the scaling roadmap I used to scale 3 businesses to $100M and beyond, you can get it for free from the link in my profile.

Please stop bringing your COMMs team into projects at the very last minute when you need them to "whip up a quick flyer" or "post this to social media"... 🙏🏾 A good communications strategy starts at the BEGINNING of a project, not the end. Bringing in your communications professional early in the process allows them to ask the right questions and build a thoughtful strategy: 👉🏽 Who’s involved in this project? Are there partners or stakeholders to consider? 👉🏽 What are we trying to accomplish? Awareness, engagement, attendance, or something else? 👉🏽 What’s the context of this project? Communications professionals need to understand the details and nuances of your work and the project - what matters, why it matters, and how to communicate it correctly and effectively. 👉🏽 What, if anything, has already been done? Knowing what’s in place prevents duplicating efforts, gives us an opportunity to identify any gaps that need filling, and ensure a consistent look and feel. When communications professionals are involved early, we can think strategically about the project instead of rushing to create something last minute. Not many people enjoy “building the plane while flying it.” That’s unnecessarily stressful. If you want the best possible marketing and Communications efforts, bring your comms to the table from the start. This helps everyone involved. Fellow communications professionals: How do you advocate for being involved early in the process? 🤔

My most valuable hire last year didn’t fit our company culture, and that’s exactly why we needed them. Here’s why: We often talk about "culture fit" in hiring. I used to think it meant finding people who perfectly matched our team's current dynamic. You know, the comfortable choice. But I was wrong. The real magic happens when you hire for "culture add" instead. Think about it - if everyone on your team thinks the same way, who's going to challenge your assumptions? Who's going to bring those fresh perspectives that make clients go "wow"? Some of our best innovations came from team members who didn't fit the traditional mold. Here's what I've learned about hiring for culture add: 1. Look for the gaps, not the mirrors. What perspectives are missing on your team? 2. When candidates make you slightly uncomfortable with their different viewpoints - that's often a good sign! It means they'll push your thinking. 3. "Different" doesn't mean "difficult." Some of our most collaborative team members are those who think differently from the rest of us. The best teams I've built don't look alike, think alike, or act alike. Instead, they evolve together, challenge each other, and create something greater than the sum of their parts. Remember: Diversity isn't just about checking boxes. It's about building a team that can see problems from every angle, find solutions others miss, and drive real innovation. What's your take on this? Have you ever hired someone who didn't "fit" the traditional mold but ended up transforming your team for the better? #hiring #leadership #teambuilding #diversity

Unpopular Opinion: Regulations doesn’t kill Innovation in Fintech and Payments. Fear of Them Does. When innovation meets regulations, it’s not about pushing through—it’s about finding a way together. I was in charge of a high-stakes initiative a few years ago to introduce a payments solution in a new market—a product that would revolutionise convenience for millions. It was bold and innovative, and we were confident of the market opportunity. Internal stakeholders had high expectations, the window of opportunity was small. It was a "now or never" moment—a high-risk project with no past precedent of succeeding. However, the project encountered a significant obstacle as momentum started to grow: regulatory compliance. The Problem The solution required setting up a local legal entity, creating settlement systems, and managing data under strict oversight from a disciplined regulator. Nevertheless, licenses for these financial products were not covered by our existing licenses. Questions came fast and hard: > "Are we certain that our current business won't face compliance risks as a result of this?" > "How can we simultaneously build and manage licensing approvals?" > "What happens if regulators halt us mid-flight?" Every delay risked us losing to competition, and time was of the essence. In one of the most strictly regulated markets, I wondered, how can we proceed quickly without risking compliance? The Battle: The tug-of-war between speed and compliance was real. Proceeding without regulatory approval was not an option, but delaying product build waiting would mean lost opportunity- to be the first mover in the market. We required responsible innovation. > A cross functional task force (engineers, product managers, and legal specialists) was set up > User flows are being redesigned to allow for modular features that may be turned on/off to meet approval deadlines. > Creating a reporting framework for existing and proposed systems. > Creating backup plans to reduce risks and protect operations. However, Redefining regulators as innovation partners was the true game-changer. The Revolution Rather than waiting for a final product to be approved, we engaged authorities early on. By establishing confidence through the sharing of our vision and safeguards, the project was transformed from a risk to an innovative opportunity. The development of a "compliance layer," a flexible feature that turned into a competitive differentiator, was crucial. The solution went live in a controlled setting in a matter of months. Although it wasn't a public launch, the regulator trusted it since it showed dedication and discipline. The Lesson: Speed and safety are not mutually exclusive in the world of fintech and payments. Innovation happens when stakeholders work together to build bridges rather than take shortcuts. For my network: Have you ever had to balance prudence with speed? Please share your experiences in the comments!

I always look at these 4 metrics to find potential winners: 👇 (Especially true for B2B startups) 1️⃣ Chunky ACV (Annual Contract Value) 5-6 figures per contract. Long duration, like 2-3 years. This means significant growth per client over time and a high chance of attractive payback in < 1 year. 2️⃣ Shorter Sales Cycles Ideally less than 4 months. Swift deal closures—less time, more action. 3️⃣ High Margins Think 85% gross margins. More top-line reaching the bottom line, and profitability becomes inevitable with well-managed expenses. 4️⃣ Low Churn Less churn = steady recurring revenue Less time and money are needed to snag new clients. For B2B Enterprise monthly user churn: 🔸 <0.5% is great. 🔸 1-2% is good. These are gears working to create strong economics. They stack up, generate internal capital, and catalyse scale. We use these key numbers as a litmus test to find resilient businesses. When done right, B2B tech offers investors attractive returns adjusted to risk. P.S. These metrics are usually present in the post-seed stage. If you're in the super early investing game, they might not be fully available yet.

I have hired around 50 team members in 24 months for my startup and my secret sauce for developing top talents comes down to 3 ingredients 1. Frequent Feedback - Especially in an early-stage environment, constant communication is key. - For the first few months, I have very hands-on check-ins with new hires. Getting them up to speed on vision and strategy is crucial since they're accustomed to different methodologies. - An open dialog demystifies expectations on both sides. I encourage questions and make myself readily available. Once we build rapport and alignment, it gets much easier. 2. Seamless Integration - Beyond individual growth, it's critical that employees mesh well with the broader team. - Synergies between skill sets amplify collective output. So I proactively resolve any interpersonal challenges that threaten unity. - I dig into root causes of conflicts to nurture a collaborative culture. Protecting positive energy makes the environment that much more supportive for professional development. 3. Investing in Upskilling - I fundamentally believe in enriching employees' expertise - whether refining existing capabilities or building new ones. - We happily fund any learning opportunities to make our people the best versions of themselves. I reinforce that growth extends beyond our four walls out into the greater ecosystem. Lifting up individual employees ultimately lifts up the business. The common ingredient? Customization. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to nurturing talent.  It requires digging into what motivates and frustrates each person, then delivering tailored support. But that individualized attention pays dividends in loyalty, innovation and results. The fruit of this 3-part formula is an unstoppable team ready to take on the world! What other ingredients do you think lead to employee growth? #employeegrowth #teambuilding

Early-stage founders often treat finance and legal compliances as afterthoughts and consider them relevant only for late-stage companies. Compliance and fiduciary discipline should be ingrained in the startup's DNA right from the beginning. In this article, we highlight 7 common mistakes made by founders: 1. Not reconciling cash with P&L: Cash is the ultimate truth. While different business models require revenue recognition differently, cash is what decides the runway. Reconciling bank statements with cash balances indicated in financial statements is a fundamental control check that should never be overlooked. 2. Treating Compliance as a one time process: Compliance controls should not be reserved only for fundraising events. Founders must work on compliance every month at the minimum, or run the risk of too little too late. 3. Not balancing outsourcing and in-house capabilities: While it is acceptable to outsource compliance functions to external parties initially, it is essential to build these capabilities in-house as the company scales. Over-reliance on external parties can become a bottleneck in the long run, hindering agility and responsiveness to changing compliance requirements. 4. Not considering long-term impacts of ignoring compliance: Focusing solely on short-term cash flow optimisation without considering long-term impacts can be harmful. Ignoring long-term consequences may lead to lower employee morale and confidence in the startup. 5. Not factoring in the true cost of non-compliance: Compliance is often seen as a low-cost item, but the consequences of non-compliance can be significantly high once a breach occurs. Founders should be transparent with investors and advisors about compliance efforts and challenges. Treating compliance as a critical Board agenda item allows experienced Board members to guide and provide alternatives for prompt course correction. 6. Not staying informed on regulatory changes: The regulatory environment constantly evolves, and founders must remain aware of the latest updates. Being well-informed about regulatory changes can turn challenges into opportunities, such as accessing government subsidies, tax breaks, or lower tax rates. Proactive awareness of regulatory changes can give the startup a competitive edge. 7. Not driving improvement of reporting quality: Quality reporting is an ongoing journey for startups. Founders should understand that reporting is not a one-time task; it requires constant improvement. In the fast-paced and ever-evolving startup ecosystem, finance and legal compliances are crucial in ensuring a company's success and growth. By incorporating best practices and avoiding common compliance mistakes, founders can position their startups for sustainable growth and build a strong foundation for success. Shashank Singh Divij Gupta, CFA Nikhil Patil #compliance #financialdiscipline #earlystagestartups #earlystageinvesting

Ah, the intoxicating allure of a new startup idea. It whispers promises of fortune and fame, but before you quit your day job and order a fleet of Teslas, hold on, cowboy! The first step on your founder's journey is validation, and let's face it, throwing spaghetti at the wall (metaphorical spaghetti, of course) and hoping it sticks isn't exactly a winning strategy. This guide is your roadmap to navigating the treacherous terrain from brainstorm to MVP, packed with practical tips, techniques, and tools to ensure your idea isn't just a flash in the pan, but a bona fide market darling. 1. Know Your Why (and Who): Don't fall victim to "shiny object syndrome." Before diving headfirst, define your problem clearly. What pain point are you solving? Who's your target audience? Be specific, delve deep, and remember, a well-defined problem leads to a well-defined solution (and ultimately, paying customers). 2. Research Like a Bloodhound: Don't reinvent the wheel. Scour the market for existing solutions, identify competitors, and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Is there a gap you can fill? Are you bringing something truly unique to the table? Remember, research isn't just about competition, it's about understanding your target audience and their needs. 3. Talk It Out, Loud and Proud: Don't be afraid to share your idea!** Talk to potential customers, industry experts, even your grandma (her feedback might be brutal, but hey, honesty is key). Conduct interviews, surveys, and focus groups to gauge interest, gather feedback, and refine your concept based on real-world insights. 4. Get Lean and Mean: Skip the grand vision for now. Focus on building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) – the simplest version of your solution that demonstrates core functionality and value. Think scrappy, think efficient, think "can this be built in a weekend?". 5. Leverage the Power of Prototyping: Don't wait for the "perfect" product. Build low-fidelity prototypes – think paper sketches, wireframes, even mockups made of Legos (hey, if it works, it works!). Test them with real users, iterate based on their feedback, and remember, every iteration brings you closer to a product that resonates with your audience. Tools like InVision, Figma, or even good old-fashioned pen and paper are your allies here. ..... read the article for the rest. By following these tips and employing the right tools, you can navigate the exciting, and sometimes intimidating, journey from brainstorm to MVP. Remember, validation is an ongoing process, but with a clear focus, a scrappy spirit, and a willingness to learn and adapt, you can transform your idea into a reality that resonates with the market and sets you #FoundersJourney #IdeaValidation #MVPBuilding #MarketResearch #CustomerFeedback #DataDrivenDecisions #PrototypeIteration #PivotLikeAPro #CelebrateWins #ValueIsKey #StartupLife #ScrappySpirit