How to start 🏁
Last time, I asked about the topics you’d like to see more of in this newsletter.
From now on, I’ll focus on startup-building insights and recommendations, while also sharing more from my personal startup journey.
Let’s dive in!
First, I’m creating a mini-series on “How to Start.”
Starting my company has been the most difficult and frightening part of the journey so far, and it is for most people.
In this series, we’ll dive into how to start a startup and my approach to it - what worked and what did not.
How to start 🏁
What motivates you?
Your initial motivation doesn’t need to be grand.
Some people start to solve a problem, others for financial goals, curiosity, or the thrill of trying something new. All reasons are valid, but be honest about yours.
Motivations evolve. For me, it was about taking ownership, making a real impact, gaining freedom, taking bigger risks for bigger rewards.
Some of my own motivating moments with atlaseek, our travel influencer marketplace, was seeing creators help reshape how and where people travel.
For instance, two Western creators visited Iraq to promote a local tour company, experienced Arbaeen, met locals, and had an incredible time. Their content reached well over 15 million people, showing a different side of a country that’s still shown as a dangerous war zone in mainstream media (not true).
What’s the worst case scenario?
Ask yourself: Can you handle the downside? Will you lose income, career momentum, or savings?
If you have a family or hold a senior position, the stakes are higher.
Plan carefully. Have at least a year’s worth of savings to sustain yourself while your startup gains traction. And remember, worst case, this becomes your most expensive development course, and you can always return to employment. Companies value entrepreneurial experience.
Don’t go 0 to 100, go 0 to 10
Don’t quit your job without validation that your idea has potential.
Build an MVP during evenings or weekends, talk to customers, and research your market. Only leave your job when someone is ready to pay for your idea.
In the meantime, prepare yourself by:
1. Working at a Startup: Corporate jobs won’t really prepare you for entrepreneurship.
2. Building Your Network: Connect with other builders for support and inspiration.
3. Experimenting with Side Projects: Start small with an MVP or micro SaaS.
4. Learning to Build: Develop technical skills to become more independent.
Taking the leap
How do you know it’s time to go all in?
If your side project energizes you while your day job drains you, it’s a sign.
That was my case. I spent 2–3 months validating atlaseek before committing fully. Although we pivoted later (my initial validation wasn’t perfect), it helped me mentally and sped up our launch, ultimately extending our runway.
Startups aren’t for everyone.
Don’t feel pressured to start if your current job brings you joy and you need stability.
But if it doesn’t, consider giving it a try.
Minimize risks, prepare financially, and start small.
Next up, I’ll be writing about:
• How to choose the right idea
• How to set up your business and where
• How to select a co-founder
• Techniques to get your first 100 customers
I’ll include examples from my startups atlaseek and qasima, along with key moments (both good and bad) from my personal journey.
If you haven’t already, subscribe to continue this “starting mini-series” with me.
See you next week!
Kristina
🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn - Kristina Melsova.
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