Onward, ever onward: In the Hashtag interview, Dr. Bernd Storm van's Gravesande, co-founder of Bits & Pretzels and aboalarm, tips that he would have liked to have received before starting his first business.
#PackEsAn
Do you have an idea that you think has the potential to become big? Then go for it! Don't wait for the perfect moment; there usually isn't one. Planning is all well and good, but at some point you have to have the courage to implement your idea and get it out there. It can be helpful to start with a small version and then gradually expand it with features and additional products.
#GoesNotGiveUp
Not every idea has the potential to become a global star, and that's okay. Even if your first attempt doesn't succeed, you'll still have gained a lot of important experience along the way.
Unfortunately, in Germany, failure is still often seen as a reason to quit and return to a "safe" job. But just because an idea didn't work out doesn't mean you don't have what it takes to start a business.
Before aboalarm, I'd already had some failed ideas – but that wasn't a reason for me to give up. I took the experience with me and kept going. Courage and a bit of persistence often pay off.
#MoneyRulesTheWorld
Unfortunately, that's the way it is. All the daydreaming doesn't help; at the end of the day, the goal of a startup is usually to make money.
So think carefully about your business model and how you generate revenue. Because without profit, even the best idea will eventually run out of steam.
When Stefan and I founded aboalarm, this was one of our most important considerations. We had completely self-financed the company, and we simply couldn't afford not to make money. That's tough, but it helps to stay realistic.
#Vitamin B
Such a nasty word! But what I mean isn't nepotism, which lets even the most untalented person land a great job. What I mean here are good contacts. Because let's be honest: You need a network to get ahead. You need input; only through discussions does your idea become complete and mature, and above all, you need help in realizing your idea.
Startup fairs like Bits & Pretzels are perfect for getting others excited about your ideas. An event packed with founders and those interested in starting a business who are just as fascinated by the startup scene as you are. Ideally, you'll even meet an investor or two—your chance! Network as much as you can, spread the word about your startup, and convince everyone of your idea.
#YouCan'tDoEverything
Everyone always says it's so important to know your strengths. Of course it is! But it's just as important to know what you're not good at.
Because for everything you can't do yourself, you need highly trained people to support you.
When I founded aboalarm, it was clear: business administration and marketing—I could do those things. But programming and design—I had at best a vague idea of those things; there was no way I could take them on myself. However, I had a co-founder, Stefan, who covered exactly these two fields. So we complemented each other perfectly and knew we could rely on each other at all times.
#NextAlwaysNext
Once the idea is off the ground and launched, the real work begins. You must never stop refining your startup, developing and improving your products and services. Always think one to five steps ahead and don't be afraid to think big. If you don't believe in the big thing, who else will?
About the author
Dr. Bernd Storm van's Gravesande is co-founder and co-host of the startup event Bits & Pretzels as well as co-founder and managing director of Aboalarm GmbHThe consumer portal aboalarm was founded under this umbrella in 2008. With aboalarm, consumers can cancel, revoke, and manage their contracts quickly, easily, and legally. At Munich Startup, he shares tips he wished he had received before starting his first business.
More topics that startup founders should definitely know can be found again this year at Bits & Pretzels.
Read more: 6 marketing tips from Bits & Pretzels founder Andreas Bruckschlögl.
