We don’t have a business plan. Not a formal, written one at least. But the number one question we get from people outside of our startup/tech network (aside from the opening “how’s the business going?”), is “do you have a business plan?” Hello professional services friends ;). There is often an awkward moment of baffled surprise that follows when I say no. From people in startups/ tech it’s more often “what have you learned so far?” The feeling of certainty and confidence a written plan mapping a pathway to success can bring is understandable. For that reason, we’re writing one today based on what we’ve learned so far, at the request of our sole investor. Estimated life of relevance: 3-6 months. It might be a mistake thinking about this like a tech-startup. After all, we are an aspirational small business not an aspirational unicorn. Our business model is fairly traditional; there’s not a lot of innovation so far. Maybe it will all play out exactly as we have it in the plan. But the second we learn something that shifts us in a new direction, the fact it wasn’t in the plan will be given 0 weight.
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A business should be profitable! It's not startup it's stay up! 🏇 People talks about startups scaling rapidly with hefty VC funding, burning through cash, all in the quest for profitability. I believe that a business should be profitable at Day 1. Profitability isn't a destination; it's a mindset, a practice that should begin from Day 1. For that we need to understand deep about capital, expenses and revenue. It's simple arithmetic, your revenue should exceeds your expenses. 💰 We are running a company of 6 people - Bytsolv, trying to survive by selling tech solutions / softwares. We prioritise profitability in our everyday operations. For me, it's the journey of slow, steady growth rather than a rapid VC-backed expansion. It's not about being anti-VC; it's about being careful with resources. Burning through cash isn't a strategy that resonates with our ethos. Let's try to focus on stay up because its easy to startup and hard to stay up!
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Here’s the brutal truth: 90% of startups fail. Why? Because most founders screw up in the same 3 ways: 1️⃣ Nobody actually wants what they’re selling – Just because YOU think it’s a great idea doesn’t mean the market agrees. Solve a problem people can’t ignore. 2️⃣ They run out of money – Dreams are great, but cash flow is king. If you don’t know how to generate and manage money, your idea’s dead on arrival. 3️⃣ The wrong team – Your business isn’t your baby; it’s a machine. And a machine only works if every part is firing at 100%. You NEED the right people. Most startups crash because they’re chasing small, niche ideas with no real growth potential. You can’t scale a pipe dream. Here’s how to win: 💡 Pick an idea that punches the market in the face. 💸 Learn how to bring in cash, and don’t blow it. 👊 Build a team that’s smarter, stronger, and hungrier than you. This isn’t easy. But if it were, everyone would do it. So tell me—what’s your idea? Let’s see if it’s got what it takes. Drop it below 👇🏼
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Ever thought about what it really means to start a business? Business is not just about creating something new—it's about identifying a problem and offering a solution. Smart Green Card was established keeping in mind the same exact motive- I saw immigrants suffering with their Green Card applications and because I had been through the same journey and experienced the process personally- I knew that I could provide a legitimate solution to it which would eventually make lives easier for people struggling with the issue. When you focus on solving a problem, you're addressing a real need in the market. That's where innovation thrives and businesses succeed. So, instead of just building a product, think about how your idea can make someone's life easier or better. If you're dreaming of starting your own startup, start by pinpointing a problem worth solving. That's the foundation of a successful venture. And remember to stay strong to your cause even when the going gets tough! #Startupfounder #founder #foundersjourney #SaimanShetty
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Had this question come up recently: do I focus on top line growth or profitability? Why not both? There's an oft overlooked "rule" (hate that term because there are no rules to startups) that encapsulates both. It's called the rule of 40, and it's the sum of your growth rate plus your net profit margin. Early on, when you're focused on sales, net profits will be negative, so to get to 40, you'll need to grow faster to accommodate. As the company matures, topline growth slows, but opportunities arise to start generating economies of scale or weeding out inefficient experiments. After all, you're building a business, so if there's one startup rule to follow, it's the one that naturally incorporates profit. https://lnkd.in/gv9FiuyD
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A thought for every founder out there: Startups are exciting—they’re fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of potential. But as someone who has seen the inside workings of many, I can tell you this: the real challenge isn’t just about building; it’s about balancing. 👉 Balancing growth with control. 👉 Ambition with resources. 👉 Vision with financial reality. Here’s something I’ve observed: The best founders don’t just focus on revenue or product innovation—they focus on understanding where every dollar is going and why. Here are three simple lessons I’ve learned from working closely with startups: 1️⃣ Cash flow is your lifeline. It sounds obvious, but it’s overlooked more often than you’d think. A solid handle on your cash flow isn’t just about knowing your runway—it’s about knowing when to pull back, when to push forward, and when to pivot. 2️⃣ Not every expense is an investment. Just because something looks good for the business doesn’t mean it is. I’ve seen startups overspend on things that bring short-term wins but drain long-term potential. 3️⃣ Prepare for tomorrow, today. Whether it’s a potential funding round, scaling operations, or navigating market changes—having the numbers and strategies in place early saves you from scrambling later. I’m sharing this because I’ve realized how often startups focus on product-market fit but forget about business-finance fit. And the ones that succeed long-term? They manage both. These aren’t just lessons I’ve picked up—they’re practices I’ve seen transform good ideas into great businesses. Curious to hear—what’s one financial challenge you’ve faced as a founder? Let’s talk in the comments. #StartupFinance #FounderTips #BusinessGrowth #CashFlowManagement #FinancialDiscipline #StartupLessons #ScalingSmart #EdTechInsights #VirtualCFO #StartupSuccess
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Scaling Too Early Can Kill Your Startup. Yesterday, I had an inspiring conversation with a startup founder. He just rejected a major investment. The catch? It was an opportunity to enter a new market. His reasoning blew my mind. Here’s what he said: “Scaling too soon is a death sentence.” And he’s right. Here’s why rushing to scale can be fatal: 1. Strain on Resources More customers. But can your infrastructure handle it? 2. Unproven Markets Jumping into unknown waters. Do you really know the demand and the competition? 3. Quality Sacrifices Growing too fast often means cutting corners. Your product suffers. 4. Cash Flow Crunch Scaling is expensive. Are you financially ready? 5. Team Burnout Rapid growth demands more from everyone. Is your team prepared for the pressure? This founder understood one thing: Patience is power. By saying “no” now, he’s protecting his business. He’s ensuring stability before expansion. And that’s a lesson every startup needs. Don’t let the allure of quick growth blind you. Solidify your foundation first. Then scale when you’re truly ready. Sometimes, the best move is to wait.
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Why does your startup struggle to gain real traction? It’s not because your product isn’t good enough. It’s not even because your market is too saturated. The truth is, fake engagement is fooling you. You might think those inflated likes, follows, and shares make your startup look successful. But here’s the hard reality: They’re only boosting your ego, not your business. Fake engagement is like eating junk food. It feels good at the moment, but it leaves you hungry for real growth. What your startup needs is genuine interest—real customers, real feedback, real growth. This is what I've learned from following Mark Donnigan. 🥰 So, ask yourself: Are you building something meaningful, or just building numbers that mean nothing? Let’s stop chasing vanity metrics and start building something that truly matters. Your startup deserves better.
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You're HIM/HER!!! Yes... That's Right! Why waste your 20s preparing for 30s? It is time you take a step further to put your skills to good use and finally start that business that's been sitting in your idea notebook rusting out. All great businessmen ventured out solo. As you grow and break new ground... Talented individuals will naturally join your setup. Just as honey bees flock around a beehive, your business will be the nest that homes great minds. So, take a leap of faith and put your inventive business idea out there in the digital space. Who knows, that simple idea could be the next big thing in your industry. TRUST YOUR INTUITION, AND YOU WILL BE REWARDED ✨ #motivation #startup #businessideas #digital #growth
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Bootstrapping vs. Funding: What Should Your Startup Choose? 💡 "Do you own your business, or does your business own you?" Every startup founder faces this pivotal question: Should you bootstrap your way to success or seek funding to scale fast? Both paths can lead to greatness, but the choice depends on your vision and your priorities. 🔑 Bootstrapping: You retain full ownership and control. Forces innovation and resourcefulness. But growth can be slower, and personal financial risk is higher. 🔑 Funding: Provides capital to scale quickly. Opens doors to mentorship and networks from investors. But comes with expectations, deadlines, and reduced control. 🚀 Personal Insight: I’ve seen bootstrapped startups grow sustainably and become profitable while funded startups capture markets at lightning speed. The key is understanding your business model and market timing. 📌 What’s your take? If you’re a founder, what route did you take, and why? If you’re planning to start, which one do you lean toward? Let’s discuss! 👇
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