By Jessy Bains, Editor at LinkedIn News
A growing number of startups are shutting down or pivoting their businesses as venture capital funding and bank loans become increasingly expensive and harder to score. Pre-seed investment firm Hustle Fund tells The Wall Street Journal that only about 60 of the 101 original companies in its first fund are still in operation, adding that many of those startups would have failed sooner if not for the availability of cheap and easy capital early in the pandemic. The annual rate of return for venture firms was negative 7% in the third quarter of 2022, according to PitchBook Data. That’s the worst showing since 2009.
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Are you a #startup that’s struggling to find traction? You might be focusing on the wrong thing. Here are 5 common mistakes startups make and how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Building a #product without understanding the problem it solves.
→ Solution: Conduct #customer research to identify pain points and build a product that addresses those needs. Don’t assume you know what your customers want.
Mistake #2: Focusing on #features rather than benefits.
→ Solution: Focus on how your product solves your customer’s problem, not just its features. Highlight the benefits and outcomes of using your product.
Mistake #3: Ignoring customer #feedback.
→ Solution: Listen to your customers and act on their feedback. Use it to improve your product and identify new #opportunities.
Mistake #4: Trying to be everything to everyone.
→ Solution: Identify your target #market and focus on meeting their needs. Don’t try to appeal to everyone; it’s impossible.
Mistake #5: Neglecting marketing and distribution.
→ Solution: Build a marketing #strategy and distribution plan early on. Having a great product is not enough. You need to get it in front of the right people.
If you can avoid these common mistakes and focus on solving your customer’s problems, you’ll be well on your way to success.
Good luck on your startup journey. You got this! 💪