8/18/2005

How to Build a Successful Web Startup

Highlights from an excellent series of posts about building a web design startup in the UK from the BD4D blog:

"If you’re a Briton who wants to launch a web startup (or any kind of small business)...Be bold. Forget about what people say about you and what you should be doing with your life. If you’ve got a good idea, go for it....

Hiring Freelancers

1. If possible, hire someone you already know and trust...
2. The first thing to talk about: Money....
3. The second thing to talk about: Expectations...
4. If you don’t know them, get at least three references...
5. Allow yourself a LOT of time...
6. Find someone local...
7. Have an ‘escape route’...

10 Ways to Promote Yourself for Free

1. Start a Blog...
2. Promote a Cause...
3. Speak at an Event...
4. Attend Events...
5. Create Your Own Gallery...
6. Network...
7. Don’t forget your Signature...
8. Start a Community Web Site...
9. Have a Memorable Business Card...
10. Be Nice

5 Things Not to Do!

1. Don’t be Abrasive...
2. Don’t Let Your Web Site Get Out of Date...
3. Don’t be Idle...
4. Don’t Make it Hard to Be Contacted...
5. Don’t Stalk People..."