Ralitsa Ivanova

I've found that the best way to build and maintain a strong startup network is by actively participating in networking events and industry meetups. I make it a point to connect with others on social media platforms like LinkedIn and participate in online communities related to my field. It's also crucial to build relationships with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs. I believe in offering help and sharing knowledge as much as seeking it, and I always keep my communication regular and genuine. It's all about supporting each other and staying connected.

Collect feedback and data from user interviews, but be mindful when applying it. Focus on aspects that are relevant to your current startup stage and can provide quick wins. Sometimes, the feedback we receive is more applicable to a future stage of our startup. It's crucial to recognize this and avoid becoming sidetracked by it too soon.

The backbone of the startup journey is iteration and learning. This methodology should be incorporated into every step, process, and aspect of your business (from development to sales and marketing, etc.). Conducting small experiments and iterating based on the data gathered ensures you are moving in the right direction, or indicates if you need to pivot and explore alternatives. Both outcomes are beneficial as they increase the chances of success and lead to solving a meaningful problem.

To identify your growth channels, consider where your users spend their time. What books do they read? Do they engage with social media or consume blogs and newsletters (digital content)? Think about the places and activities they enjoy during their free time. This insight will provide ideas about which channels to explore. Begin with small tests to assess these channels, and if they bring in users, consider allocating more resources to them.

When you tell your personal story, you reveal how you think, how you behave, and what motivates you, giving others insight into your 'Why.' This personal connection resonates with people, allowing them to relate and understand you better.

Make sure you pick people ready for the startup journey and have a startup mentality. People with fancy CVs with lots of experience are not a guarantee for success. Always think about the next step for your startup and hire people who can execute for now and bring you there.