Starting a New Business – What's Important (and What's Not)

Starting a business is exciting. It can also feel like trying to do a thousand things at once with no clear place to start.

Let’s simplify.

You don’t need everything sorted from day one. But you do need the right foundations.

Here’s a checklist to help you focus on what matters most—and park the rest (for now).

The Important Stuff:

• Clarity on your offer

  
  

  What are you selling? Who is it for? Why does it matter? You’d be surprised how many people skip this part and jump straight to branding. Without clarity here, everything else becomes harder—your messaging, your content, your client process. Before you build a website, write a post or book a designer, get crystal clear on your core offer.

  
  

• Systems that make life easier

  
  

  You don’t need the flashiest tech stack. But you do need a few practical systems: a simple way to onboard clients, take payments, and manage your time. These small efficiencies add up quickly and stop your business from becoming a mess of sticky notes and DMs.

  
  

• Support (before you think you need it)

  
  

  Waiting until you’re drowning is too late. Whether it’s a VA to manage admin, a bookkeeper to keep finances tidy, or a coach to hold space and strategy—it’s worth investing early. Not everything needs to be DIY, and bringing someone in doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re building sustainably. And being practical.

  
  

• A brand that feels like you

  
  

  Forget the pressure of perfect logos or polished Instagram grids. Branding is about consistency and connection. If your content sounds like you, your process respects your clients, and your vibe matches your values—you’re doing great. People can see the fake.

The Not-So-Urgent Stuff:

• Social media perfection

  
  

  You don’t need a full-blown strategy or a month of scheduled posts. Start by showing up. Share what you do and how you help. Keep it honest and simple.

• Fancy tech setups

  
  

  Don’t get stuck in the “set up” stage forever. Use tools you already know. You can always upgrade as your business grows and as you learn. Tech should support your work, not distract you from it.

• Trying to do it all yourself

  
  

  Yes, you can learn how to do everything. No, you don’t have to. Focus your energy where it counts and get help with the rest. Growth comes from clarity and collaboration—not exhaustion.

How-To Tips:

• Start messy, but with intention. Clarity will come as you take action.

• Block time each week for CEO tasks. Even one hour makes a difference.

• Keep a "Not Now" list to park ideas that aren't urgent. Stay focused.

• Ask for help early. Support isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart move.

Done is better than perfect. And clarity will always beat complexity. You’ve got this.