Canny B2B Startup Growth Hacks: Making Waves in a Sea of Sameness

So, you've got a B2B startup. Congratulations! That’s crazy, brave, wonderful and so exciting. Now what? How do you navigate those treacherous early stages to set your business up to flourish and grow?

Because, there’s no sugar-coating startup challenges:

According to Forbes, 90% of startups fail. The harsh reality is that the odds are stacked against you from the get go. But with the right strategies and mindset you can beat them.

The Small Business Administration reports that 82% of startups fail due to cash flow problems. Money’s the heartbeat of any startup. Without it, even the most brilliant new ventures are destined to fail. Here's the kicker: cash flow problems are themselves typically symptomatic of deeper business issues.

So how do you defy the odds where so many others have failed? Here are a few canny tips:

Flip Failure Into Success

Failing is not the end; it's the start of something better. And with startups you’ll fail. A lot. For many, this will require some mindset rewiring. Instead of shying away from failure, embrace it, learn from it and use it as fuel to move you and your new business forward.

It’s Nicer to Be Niche

In the crowded B2B marketplace standing out is half the battle. It’s tempting to try to be everything to everyone. That’s what lots of others do after all. But then you’ll quickly drown in a sea of sameness and that will certainly be the kiss of death for your startup. Focus on more niche markets instead, as their go-to solution provider, with your own style and unique voice. That way you’re much more likely to stand-out as a bigger fish in a smaller pond and set your business onto a solid growth trajectory.

Partner Up

No one has to go it alone. Reach out to people you've worked with and other professional connections you've made on LinkedIn. Partnering with complementary businesses is a great way to scale your startup as you access additional expertise, resources and networks that would otherwise be out of reach - helping everyone win more opportunities. What’s not to love?

Make Customers Love Your Startup

Having a startup, with all its challenges and distractions is a tough gig, but if you drop the ball with your customers you'll be out of the game. Happy customers are your greatest advocates and a powerful driver of growth. Why? Because when you deliver great value and exceed their expectations they’ll reward you with their trust and loyalty and that equates to repeat business and referrals and that is gold dust startups.

The path to B2B startup success is anything but straightforward. It's fraught with challenges, setbacks and pitfalls. But with a positive (and frankly bloody minded) mindset, a willingness to embrace everything that will be thrown at you, together with a relentless drive to succeed, you’ll beat the odds and write your own success story.

Ready to make waves? I’d love to hear from you.