You have an idea of what you want your startup to be but you don’t know how make it happen, and even if you do, you have more than one idea. “I need funding, I don’t have someone to do a website, I don’t, I don’t…I need, I need, I need…” They’re the thoughts that go through all of our minds when we’re just starting our entrepreneurial endeavors.
You have an idea.
Now where to go? It’s time to invest.
The smartest thing you can do is to invest in your idea on your own or look for programs or individuals that may like your idea and fund you.
This doesn’t necessarily mean bootstrapping lakhs of rupees immediately, but instead, this means using your own time and resources to lunge your idea forward.
If you’re in college, you have an incredible advantage in terms of access to social and financial capital.
You have people around you who are looking to create and be a part of something greater than the tasks they have at hand; it’s a matter of finding the right individuals.
It doesn’t mean running around and sharing your ideas with everyone.
After the “Social Network” came out, there seems to be a fear among college students as to “who to trust with your idea.” You’re right in not trusting everyone but you’re also not taking full advantage of what you have if you’re not sharing.
We live in an age where everything we do is shared. Instead of looking it as a place where your ideas can be taken, think of it as a place where your ideas can be expanded.
But first — know your idea. Often, people pitch their product without having any substance to their ideas (a.k.a no execution plan). With the glorification of entrepreneurship among young people there comes a tremendous amount of ideas that haven’t been given the proper attention they need by the creator, first.
Yes, you have world changing, game-gearing ideas but don’t forget the idea at its core.
Seek people who you trust, first.
Reach out to people who may be interested and share the idea. If you’re looking for a partner in the venture or a developer seek people who you trust, first.
This is especially wise in the ideation stages because you can get honest feedback before you hit the big pitching stages.
As you continuously work it may not look like what you want it to look like but know that with the passing of each day you are so much closer than you were yesterday.
Even if it’s one small thing, continuously work and share. Sharing holds you accountable for what you’re doing and if you’re not pushing yourself perhaps the pressure felt around those you surround yourself is enough to get you started.
With feedback, your idea may change but don’t forget about the mission of your organization, project or product.
Focus on the core of your idea — what are you trying to solve? What are you building that makes things easier?
Work on that.
And if you first want to get a feel of how it is to work in a startup and what all you can learn – start here!
This article was first published on Monster.com.
