The First 30 Days in a Start-up

The first 30 days in a Start-Up:

Sometimes the hardest part about creating a start-up, is knowing where to start. Maybe you have the idea, a strong USP, but the technicalities have you stumped. That’s where the right environment makes all the difference; at BASE Bordon, we support founders through every stage of their journey, especially during those critical first 30 days. Here is a practical guide to launching your start-up, and how being based at our centre can help build momentum from day one.  

Week One: Building your Foundation 

In Week One you should be aiming to get operational quickly without over-engineering by establishing a strong foundation. This may include elements of business set up like registering your business and confirming the trading name, opening a business bank account, registering with HMRC, and setting up accounting software. It is also vital that within this period you find clarity on who your customer is, what problem you solve, how you differ from your competitors alongside setting clear working hours and routines to prevent long term burn out. Importantly, you need to identify your workspace essentials such as the right membership, desk, office, or virtual package. At BASE Bordon, we would love for you to introduce yourself to our centre team; we are connectors and can offer insight into your business development.

Week Two: Turning ideas into Sales 

In Week Two the aim should be to build a sellable offer, rather than a perfect one; turn your idea into something people will pay for by clarifying the value you add. Finalising your core product or service and defining your scope clearly are both beneficial tasks to complete early on. One hack is to use Co-Working conversations as informal market research, which can help inform price testing or possible questions potential customers may have. Leveraging your workspace at BASE Bordon is a great way to develop your business; talk to other founders about the tools they use, any mistakes they made early on, and suppliers they trust. It is beneficial to attend at least one networking or community event onsite at our centre.  

Week Three: Build Visibility and Credibility 

Part of developing your visibility and credibility includes being findable and legitimate without over-spending. One way to do this is to establish your online presence; launch a simple website or landing page with a clear headline, an explanation of what you offer, and a strong CTA (Call To Action). Another way to develop your visibility is by developing social media profiles consistent with your brand and creating 3-5 posts or articles that focus on what problem your business solves. Other important tasks may include setting up a Google Business Profile (if relevant), setting up a professional email and domain, or adding your workspace address correctly to the website so you’re easy to find. Having a professional business address is a key part of building credibility, at BASE Bordon you can use a recognised business address and professional environment to present your brand confidently from day one.

Week Four: Focusing on Systems, Cashflow, and Momentum 

In Week Four it’s worth focusing on systems, cash, and momentum. When it comes to cashflow, it’s key to track every expense, investigate your cashflow projections for the quarter, and understand your break-even point. Developing some simple systems will aid this, such as creating a basic CRM or lead tracker, documenting how enquiries come in, how you follow up, and how customers are onboarded. Setting realistic weekly goals can make long-term business growth feel attainable. Workspace optimisation is vital as you near the end of the first month; by this point you should be able to determine how to separate ‘work’ and home life effectively whilst identifying connections within BASE Bordon and the wider Oxford Innovations community that are worth building relationships with.  

Your first month can define your entire start up journey. Our workspaces are perfect for this as our built-in community means faster learning, a professional address means instant credibility, and the safety net of being able to scale without risk supports you through early growth. Whether you need a desk, a private office, meeting space or a virtual office address, being stationed at BASE Bordon ensures credibility and support whilst you build momentum in the critical period. Book a tour or make an enquiry today and see how the right workspace can set your start-up for success. 

 By Lorna McBain