Adam Ryan
- Mar 11, 2020
- 2 min read

10 Things to do to Grow and 5 Risks to Mitigate

Growing a startup is extremely difficult as there are many factors to get right and risks to mitigate. Here are 10 key things for Founders to consider when scaling their business and 5 risks to think about mitigating. Remember, growing is not just about creating value; it is ensuring that value is not eroded or destroyed.

Things to do:

Define a clear value proposition: Understand what sets your product or service apart from competitors and communicate that to potential customers.
Identify your target market: Understand your ideal customer's demographics and pain points, and tailor your marketing and sales efforts accordingly.
Build a strong team: Hire individuals with diverse skill sets and a passion for the business to ensure that all aspects of the startup are covered.
Develop a robust marketing strategy: Use a variety of tactics, such as social media, content marketing, and PR, to generate leads and create a strong brand.
Focus on customer acquisition: Identify the most effective channels for acquiring new customers and allocate resources accordingly.
Optimize your product or service: Continuously gather customer feedback and use it to improve your offering.
Leverage technology: Take advantage of new technologies to automate processes, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge.
Establish partnerships and collaborations: Seek strategic partnerships and alliances to expand your reach and tap into new markets.
Monitor your finances: Keep a close eye on your cash flow and expenses to ensure you have enough resources to grow.
Measure and track progress: Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the progress of your startup and make data-driven decisions.

Risks to mitigate:

Competition risk: Keep an eye on the competition and be prepared to adapt your strategy as needed.
Regulatory risk: Stay informed about relevant laws and regulations that may impact your business.
Financial risk: Ensure that you have adequate funding to support your growth plans and a plan for managing cash flow.
Technology risk: Keep up-to-date with the latest technologies and be prepared for any changes that may impact your business.
Reputation risk: Protect your brand and reputation by being transparent and responsive to customer concerns.

Final Thoughts

Growing a business is exhilarating, fun, and rewarding but also exhausting and challenging. Having a clear understanding of the things that are making you and will make you successful is as important as the things that can erode or destroy the value you rapidly create.

About the Author

Adam Ryan is a Professor of Practice (Adjunct Professor) at Monash University and is a principal at Watkins Bay. Adam has over twenty years of start-up experience in Australia and the USA. An expert in Company Structuring for Innovation, Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Capital for early and growth-stage businesses.