6 myths about startups

Hello everybody,

after countless discussions, books and videos about startups I've made even bother to summarize the most common myths about startups. Thus, entrepreneurship cool as that sounds, so fast you will also be brought back to earth. Remember, only long-term motivation leads to success! But enough talk. The meistverbreitesten 6 myths about startups. Let's go!

1. It depends on the correct idea on mood

Many think to yourself, "I just need just the right idea." But you really think Facebook (founded in 2004) was the first social network? Do you think Whatsapp (founded in 2009) was the first Messenger? What, then, myspace (founded in 2003) or ICQ (founded in 1996)? That's exactly the point! The idea is decisive, but the key factor is the implementation. But what makes a good implementation of? What you need is your founder Spirit, the technical know-how and a good knowledge about the market. A good example of this is Rocket Internet: You were with their products never the first, but have the right know-how about marketing and the market. In addition, they also have the financial means. The Samwer guys have, for example, before the turn of the millennium eBay copied to Germany ported (Alando) and sold on eBay. Genial! So think of the correct implementation, the time and the market.

2. If the startup is large and successful, I let myself buy from a big company

Another myth is: "I am building my startup, put two years of my energy in and then let me buy a few million from a company". Do you think this works? If someone is working towards all the time on the exit? No, this is the wrong approach! You have to be clearly convinced of his idea. You have to survive the droughts in its startup. This makes your founder Spirit! The motivation to create a profitable exit as possible, is simply not enough. Best example: The Whatsappgründer Jan Koum had the mission to develop a simple, ad-free Messenger, which even could use his grandma. That was his whole motivation. He had received many millions of deals already, long before the big deal with Facebook. But he was just so convinced of his idea that he has kept his product. But when waved Facebook at 19 billion dollars, he could not say no to yourself. Of course. Funny fact: the contract clauses on the Facebook deal he made ​​in the building by that time he had taken with his mother food stamps to make ends meet.

3. Finding a good Founder is not difficult

Widespread belief: I go to network, pitche my idea from the people and then find a suitable already Co-Founder. Remember, if an idea is good or is well pitched, one is excited very quickly.In addition, you can quickly hinverleiten to say yes and you have the perfect alleged co-founder.But you really know the other person? Do you know if they can keep Langzeitmomentum? Is it also your company when it comes to you really dirty? Therefore it would be highly recommended a good friend to look as co-founder of whom you know: Ok, I have confidence in him, and I know he is on long-term a good worker. Better not a co-founder as a bad Co -Founder.

4. The perfect product is the key

One misconception in the scene is also that many people think that they would have to perfect their product outright and the launch was an instant success. All who believe that, they should maybe look at the lean startup idea. Get a lot of feedback from customers regularly to improve the product, rather an imperfect product as an unpopular. Imagine the following situation: You have five years developing a product, say an application. You make a product page with a download button where you can download it with one click. But the idea is so unconvincing that no one clicks this button, although you have plugged executed five years development. . That would be very bitter, because no one gets to see the product at all . How would it be if you release this product home after the first month, also with a download button but it does not download, but to a Page 2 where it says: Sorry The product is not finished yet, but please register before for our newsletter and stay up to date. So you see, at least if people would download the product at least potential.

5. The most important is marketing, programming work can be outsourced easy

I think the dream of many business students is to start a startup and realize there. With the motivation packed marketing, product management, sales, etc ... no problem. But what about the Progammierarbeit? "Yes that is easily outsourced, there are already a programmer in India for $ 5 / h". I think that's exactly the wrong approach. What about product improvements? Do you think the programmer is convinced of your idea so that it also includes you all vulnerabilities? Or it might be that he programmed down the app as efficiently and quickly to devote himself to the next job? That's precisely the point. Apart from the cost (an app can be up to 5000-10000 cost $) it would be very wise to make himself the programming hands dirty, or at least get a Technical Co-Founder on board. Many want to always establish only a start, but no one wants to program. If you believe in your idea since then the programming hurdle can be overcome!

6. The greater the potential market the better

Many think certainly the larger the market, the more customers, the more successful can market my product. But would not you say, when is there for the idea of such a large market, because not long ago Google, Facebook and co. work? This is exactly what will happen. The right approach is to look for a small niche to improve its product through constant feedback and perfect .Does the service or product in the small market successfully scale the whole thing and reach a larger market. This was precisely the approach of Facebook. The Social Network was originally built for Harvard students only, and then scaled to the whole world. Another example: The beloved Internet. Originally intended for military purposes and then scaled.

So I think I have encouraged you to think a bit. I look forward to a hot discussion, comments and suggestions. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule. However, you should note that this very rarely.

Credit: Gruender Spirit