Startups
Hyve Resources
IDEATION
Hyve Ideation Worksheet (Free PDF)
- Download this worksheet and print it out.
- Brainstorm about the problem you’d like to solve. Always go back to this point and specify / improve.
- Find different solutions that solve the same problem in 20 different ways. Be creative. Some solutions can include using existing technologies and platforms.
- Describe your advantage. Why do you feel called to solve this pressing problem?
Every successful business & ministry is solving a problem or desire. As you’re thinking about starting something, don’t think too much about the idea you have. We all have great ideas. But an idea isn’t worth anything if it’s not solving a pressing problem. Complete this worksheet and brainstorm about the one problem you would like to solve. That one desire your idea can fulfill.
PERSONA
Who is the person you would like to serve? The better you understand your ideal customer, the easier you can reach him later. This step is closely related to the ideation one, and it’s usually good to do them together. As you think about the problem you’re trying to solve, think about the person who has that problem.
Hyve Persona Spreadsheet (.xlsx)
- Download this worksheet and print it out.
THE $0 STARTUP
Many people think that starting a business only works if you have some big investors backing your idea and thousands of dollars in your bank account. But that’s a common misconception. Even today’s biggest companies started small. Learn more about the “lean startup approach” here by watching this training video:
TALKING TO USERS
How do you know if the product you’re building is really needed out there? Some founders out there emphasize we should be using 50% of your time to talk to your users. Whether you actually spend half your day doing that or not, you should always remember that it’s crucial for your startup growth to include your users. Let’s learn how you can talk to them and get tangible results for your business & ministry.
Talking to Users Summary Sheet (PDF)
- Download this worksheet.
- Think about how and where to reach potential and existing customers.
- Talk to them, if possible. Ask if you can call them. The more personal, the better.
- Purchase “The Mom Test” if you’re interested in a more in-depth analysis of this topic. You can also reach out to us.
Hyve does not get compensated for any external referrals. Please see our Terms of Use for more details on how to use external links.
COMPETITORS
No matter how good your idea is, you always have competitors. One common mistake at the beginning is to think the product or solution is so unique and great that there is no competition. But if you’re building something, there are high chances someone else has thought about the same or a similar problem before.
Hyve Competitors Spreadsheet (.xlsx)
- Download this worksheet and print it out.
- Conduct research online and offline to find your competitors in the market.
- Specify how big each competitor is, and what their focus is.
- While you’re filling out the spreadsheet, think about how your solution can be totally different from what’s already being offered.
MARKET POSITIONING
Our goal is that your startup will achieve “Product Market Fit” (PMF). You’ve obtained PMF once you’re known for your specific solution, you’re the expert in your field and customers are running to you from all over the place.
The first step towards PMF is to position yourself correctly in the market. This worksheet will help you with that. Make sure to do a competitor analysis first before you fill out this one here.
Hyve Market Positioning Worksheet (PDF)
- Download this worksheet and print it out.
- Go through the example slide on the automobile industry.
- Decide on key parameters (left/right, top/bottom) and insert your competitors.
- Look for a space that’s “free.” Where can you position your startup?
How to pitch
How do you present your startup to an investor? You do it by using a so-called “pitch deck.” It’s a slide deck that summarizes every core aspect of your organization just with a few words, graphics and numbers. Hyve cofounder Markus is sharing in this video how to do it:
To save you the work of creating each slide yourself, we’ve prepared a sample slide deck for you. Feel free to use and edit it, according to your needs.
Hyve Pitch Template (.pptx)
- Download this presentation and take out the slides that are irrelevant for your organization.
- Gather all information you need to fill the slides with content.
- Work on your pitch deck as you’re establishing your startup.
- Don’t show the first version of your pitch deck to dozens of investors. Take your time to work on your startup and get tangible results before asking for (more) money.
THE BUSINESS CHASSIS
Every single ministry & business works on the same parameters. We call that the “business chassis.” Learn more about this important topic in this presentation by Adventist business consultant Lorand Soares. He is one of the most successful business coaches in Europe and shares 5 ways how you can slowly but steadily increase your sales.
PRICING
82% of startups fail because of poor cash flow management skills. Dealing with money is a big topic, but pricing plays a role for every entrepreneur and often we don’t know how much to charge for our products and services. Is it too much? Will my customers run away? Or is it too little so that our startup will go broke soon?
Go through this slide deck on pricing and learn how you can find the perfect price point for your products.
Hyve Pricing Presentation (PDF)
- Download this worksheet and print it out.
- Conduct research online and offline to find your competitors in the market.
- Specify how big each competitor is, and what their focus is.
- While you’re filling out the spreadsheet, think about how your solution can be totally different from what’s already being offered.
STORYTELLING
We are drawn to stories. Have you ever wondered why a good story fascinates us so much? It is mainly because of our relationship to God and the greatest story that was ever told: the story of salvation. Our creator implanted this desire in us, to hear stories, be part of them and write our own personal story. Storytelling is therefore also an important aspect of marketing, and no matter how far you are with your startup, you should always include it in your business plan and strategy. People don’t buy stuff, they buy experiences. Stories. Feelings.
Learn how you can share your personal story, your company’s story and your customer’s story in a powerful way: