Creating something from nothing is a bit of entrepreneurial magic. It's exciting and exhausting, but you'll learn so much and really develop yourself professionally and personally.

The majority of new businesses fail, though, and so it's important to avoid some of the common mistakes, and ensure you focus time on the things that will ensure survival.

Characteristics of the start-up stage

  • 0 to 10 people (10-ish depending on the culture and growth rate)
  • Feels like one team 'all in it together'
  • A bit ad-hoc and chaotic, but small enough that you are able to be across everything that is going on and act like a sheepdog, spotting anything that is straying off course and shepherding the whole team, the clients/prospects, and the projects in the right direction

Common mistakes at the start-up stage