The First 30 Days Matter Most
The gap between having an idea and taking action is where most businesses die. Not from competition. Not from lack of funding. But from the paralysis of not knowing where to start.
This guide breaks down your first month into actionable steps that build momentum.
Week 1: Validate Before You Build
Before investing time and money, confirm people actually want what you're offering:
- Day 1-2: Write down your idea in one sentence. If you can't explain it simply, refine it.
- Day 3-4: Identify 10 people who might need this. Not friends who'll be nice — real potential customers.
- Day 5-7: Talk to at least 5 of them. Ask about their problems, not your solution.
Week 2: Define Your Minimum Viable Offer
What's the smallest version of your service you can deliver?
- Day 8-10: List everything you could offer. Then cut it in half. Then cut it again.
- Day 11-12: Set a price. Start higher than feels comfortable — you can always adjust.
- Day 13-14: Create a simple way to accept payment. Don't overthink this.
Week 3: Get Your First Customer
Revenue validates faster than any survey:
- Day 15-17: Reach out to the people you interviewed. Offer your minimum viable service.
- Day 18-19: Follow up with anyone who showed interest.
- Day 20-21: Deliver exceptional value to your first customer. Their referral is your next sale.
Week 4: Build Systems for Repeating
One customer is luck. A system creates consistency:
- Day 22-24: Document what worked to get your first customer.
- Day 25-26: Set up basic tracking — who you've contacted, what they said, next steps.
- Day 27-30: Create a weekly rhythm. Same activities, same time, every week.
What Success Looks Like
After 30 days, you should have:
- Clarity on who your customer is (or isn't)
- At least one paying customer or clear feedback on why not
- A repeatable process you can follow next month
The goal isn't perfection. It's momentum. Day 31 starts a new cycle — with everything you learned from the first one.