Think you know all the classic entrepreneur tricks? Think again! Even the best in the business have their secret sauce. Ready to discover the 10 entrepreneur tips even experts would nod along with? Get comfy—you’re about to embark on a no-nonsense, experience-based marathon toward business success (with enough optimism to power a small startup village).
Start Slow, Dream Big: Why Rushing is the First Trap
- Don’t charge in headfirst. The wise old saying, “Slow and steady wins the race,” rings especially true when building a startup.
- Take time to define your project—list your ambitions and your project’s key benefits and how it’s meant to work.
- Got a shiny idea? Great! But before building it, research: does your idea actually solve a pressing need?
Idris Salvi, co-founder of Shop Ta Place, insists: “If your product or service doesn’t answer a real consumer need, it just won’t take off.” He and his partner Charlotte Leygue only launched their last-minute theater ticket platform after confirming the need was real and urgent. Lesson? Don’t skip your market research!
Build on Rock, Not Sand: Business Plan & Support Networks
- You’ve got a promising idea—next comes shaping a sustainable business model. It’s not just paperwork; it’s your lifeline to actual revenue and a stable future.
- Charlotte and Idris didn’t just scribble a plan on the back of a napkin—they spent serious time crafting it, with help from experienced coaches and entrepreneurial mentors at their school’s incubator. This is how you lay a rock-solid foundation.
- Incubators and entrepreneurial support networks (like BPI France or NUMA) are more than buzzwords—they’re your ticket to advice, partnerships, and maybe even your future business soulmate.
Denis Gallot of NEOMA’s Rouen campus is crystal clear: “Startup survival rates shoot up for those sponsored by school or private incubators or networks like Réseau Entreprendre.” So don’t try to lone-wolf it all the way!
The Admin Abyss & Financial Fuel: Conquer, Don’t Fear
- No one loves admin, but to work legally and freely you’ll need to take the plunge—declare your company status (auto-entrepreneur or otherwise) and snag a SIRET registration number.
- Local Chambers of Commerce and Industry are handy allies, loaded with info on formalities and regulations.
- Some heroes (looking at you, Benjamin of Revali) found out the process is smoother than before, thanks to platforms like Legalplace or Legalstart to tackle the paperwork maze.
- The big hurdle is money. Thankfully, you no longer need a rich uncle named Biggus Bucks! Instead, explore:
- Crowdfunding and business angels
- Banks—just bring an unbreakable business case!
- Bootstrapping: start small, reinvest your own earnings, and only seek big investment if absolutely necessary (sometimes, a little frugality is genius … at least according to Denis Gallot).
No One Succeeds Alone: Gather Your Tribe & Enjoy the Ride
- Surround yourself well—choose partners with skills that complement yours, not just more clones of you. Bring different perspectives, shore up the team’s strengths, and buffer each other when the going gets tough.
- Before signing that partnership, make sure your visions for the company align—future disagreements are much easier to avoid when you’re all on the same road.
- Students: Ask your school if you can channel your final internship into launching your business—teachers’ advice and support are priceless!
- Don’t be shy—chat about your project with friends, family, and industry contacts. Seasoned advice, open forums, and peer critique can help you spot gaps or fine-tune your approach.
- Dare to compete! Contests for young entrepreneurs are everywhere. Enter them for publicity, constructive feedback, credibility—and sometimes a juicy cash prize or media buzz. Even if you don’t win, you’ll get tougher, savvier, and sharper.
And let’s not forget, as the classic says, “Life is like riding a bike: you have to keep moving to stay balanced.” Setbacks? Sure. Business is rarely a calm cruise. Stay upbeat, persist through the struggles, and see every experience as a building block—even if the result isn’t a unicorn exit. Idris Salvi sums it up: you’ll always gain something, whether it’s skills, contacts, or just stories to tell.
Most importantly: have fun along the way! If you’re not enjoying yourself, you’re probably missing the point. A happy founder creates energy and innovation, and that’s what really makes a company thrive. So, saddle up and pedal on—you might just surprise yourself… and the experts too.
