Before You Launch: The 7 Essential Steps Every Startup Must Take

Startup Business 101

For your podcast episode titled “Before You Launch: The 7 Essential Steps Every Startup Must Take,” here are the seven critical steps every entrepreneur must complete before opening their doors for business. These are clear, actionable, and beginner-friendly—perfect for your Startup Business 101 audience.

1. Get Clear on the Problem You Solve

Before you spend a dollar on branding, websites, or business cards, you must be able to clearly articulate the problem your business exists to solve. This means getting specific: who has the problem, how often they experience it, and how your solution is different or better than existing options. Clarity at this stage prevents costly pivots later.

Why it matters: If you can’t explain your business in one sentence that makes someone say “Oh, I need that!”—you’re not ready.

2. Validate the Idea with Real People

Don’t assume that because you think it’s a good idea, others will too. You need real-world validation. Talk to potential customers, run pre-sales, offer beta versions, or set up test ads. The goal is to confirm that people want what you’re offering—and will pay for it.

Why it matters: Validation saves you from building something no one wants. It’s your first reality check, and one of the most important steps you can take.

3. Choose a Simple Business Structure

Now that you know your idea has legs, it’s time to get legal. Choose a business structure that matches your goals—sole proprietorship, LLC, S-corp, etc. Get your EIN, register your business name, and make sure you’re legally protected from day one.

Why it matters: Skipping this step can cost you later in taxes, liabilities, or missed opportunities. Get it done early and correctly.

4. Understand Your Numbers (Even If You’re Not a “Money Person”)

Before you launch, you need a basic understanding of your startup costs, pricing model, breakeven point, and financial runway. How much will it cost to open? How long can you survive without revenue? What will it take to become profitable?

Why it matters: Many startups fail not because of a bad idea—but because they run out of cash. Know your numbers, or find someone who does.

5. Build a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Don’t try to build the perfect version of your product or service. Instead, create the simplest version that solves the problem well enough to test in the market. Focus on getting feedback, not perfection.

Why it matters: MVPs help you start lean and learn fast. You don’t need a warehouse, a custom app, or 500 products to launch. You need one good solution that people can buy now.

6. Set Up Simple Systems

Before launch, map out basic systems for your operations, sales, customer service, and finances. Use tools that help you automate, delegate, and track performance—like accounting software, CRMs, scheduling apps, or inventory management tools.

Why it matters: Good systems reduce stress and increase consistency. You don’t want to be putting out fires the day you open.

7. Build a Launch Plan with Marketing Momentum

Your launch doesn’t start the day you open—it starts weeks (or months) before. Create hype, grow your email list, tease your product on social media, network locally, and get press. A successful launch depends on people already knowingyou’re coming.

Why it matters: You only get one chance to make a strong first impression. Plan your launch like it’s an event worth talking about.

Startup Business 101