Here’s to all entrepreneurs and startups out there: we believe in you and your idea, and we’d love to see you realise your vision.

If you’re just starting a new business, we understand that it’s a journey, and can seem very uncertain at some points. But with the right type of knowledge, everything is possible.
With that said, we at 34ML have summarized a few points that we believe you need to get you started on the right path during this crucial phase.

We’ve also added a few of our favorite, start-up friendly, agencies that we’ve worked with and recommend, to help you in each step of the process. Those are listed below.

Now it’s time for you to dig in!

What’s your goal?
And how to have a sustainable business model?

• As said by Brian Tracy, “a sustainable business model is the process that you can use to generate profits”

• Always think big here; big yet achievable, no matter how far down the line you’ll be achieving it. You also might want to step outside your direct product to answer this.

• Your goal should be clear, yet also agile enough to adapt to any problems, changes, or opportunities.

The Importance of DEI in the Workplace

So why is DEI such a big deal? Well, it’s crucial for organizations that want to stay competitive in today’s global market. When you have a diverse and inclusive workforce, amazing things happen—like increased innovation, better decision-making, and higher employee engagement. Plus, organizations with strong cultural diversity are more likely to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits of DEI in the Workforce

• As said by Brian Tracy, “a sustainable business model is the process that you can use to generate profits”

• Always think big here; big yet achievable, no matter how far down the line you’ll be achieving it. You also might want to step outside your direct product to answer this.

• Your goal should be clear, yet also agile enough to adapt to any problems, changes, or opportunities.

  
  

What is effective branding, marketing and communication, and how to pick the best channels?

• Branding is the first step. You want to have a clear branding strategy that is based on your values, your USP, your strategic positioning, brand persona and your tonality.

• All the elements of your brand, from the name, the logo, the identity, the tagline should act as your brand ambassadors.

• Your brand persona should be able to smoothly travel all the way to your marketing and communication strategies with the same consistency and clarity.

• Think about the best and most effective channels to reach these customers, and the channels that are true to your brand persona and strategy.

  
  

What to spend on?
And how to manage your financials?

• How much money do you need to start?

• How much does it cost to produce this product or service?

• How much can you charge your customers for it?

• How much profit can you earn and how long will it take?

• Do you know your breakeven point?

• “The true measure of a runway is how many pivots a startup has left: the number of opportunities it has to make a fundamental change to its business strategy.” – Eric Reis.

  
  

What’s the importance of listening to your network,advisors, and investors? And how to have a killer pitch deck.

• Properly use your network to your advantage.

• Involve your advisors and investors from early on.

• The real purpose of your pitch deck is to open investors minds to your vision, and get them excited to know more

• It is also to show the true growth potential of your business, your vision, what makes you unique, and how your own formula can be a winning formula.

• Avoid having too much information, whether about the product of the financials, and avoid having information that you cannot back up with on-ground facts.

  
  

And finally,
how to understand yourself and your team.

• Know your strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your partners and team members

• Know how to allocate these strengths across all company’s tasks, and also don’t be afraid to shift around those roles if new strengths or weaknesses arise along the way.

• This does not just mean knowing how to manage your team, but also how to manage yourself and your expectations.

  
  

Here is a list of [34]ML recommended agencies that we’ve worked with, who can help start-ups find solid grounds when it comes to any of the above points:

Branding Plush Studios
Financial & Business Consultancy Stride
Accelerator Falak Startups – EFGEV
Grants EBRD
Training & Development ForwardCD