Success Story – Dr. Mazlan Abbas

STARTUP STORIES

Stop being too hard on yourself; your startup journey is on the right track!

This article is a chance to pause and reflect. Take a deep breath and allow yourself a moment to appreciate your progress and what you’ve achieved in your startup so far.

Here are 19 indicators, some clear and others more subtle, that suggest you’re doing better than you might think:

You frequently second-guess decisions.
Doubt isn’t a sign of weakness; it indicates you’re open to growth and self-improvement. Reevaluating decisions means you’re thoughtful and forward-thinking.
You’ve secured some funding.
Whether it’s from savings, angel investors, or a venture capital round, securing funding means someone believes in your vision. Celebrate that vote of confidence.
Your team is growing.
Even if it’s just hiring your first employee or a co-founder joining you, growth in your team is a sure sign of startup success.
You’ve evolved from your original idea.
Pivoting doesn’t mean failure; it shows you’re learning from interactions with the market and adjusting accordingly. That’s innovation at work.
You’ve experienced failure.
Each failure is a lesson that refines your business model. If you’ve failed but kept going, you’re in the resilient minority.
You don’t worry about immediate shutdown.
Having enough runway to plan beyond the next few months is a small luxury in the startup world. If you’re not in survival mode every day, you’re doing something right.
You have loyal customers.
Even if it’s just a handful of loyal customers who love what you do, their continued support is a sign you’re adding real value.
You’ve received unsolicited customer feedback.
Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, feedback means customers care about your product enough to want to see it improve.
You’ve declined opportunities.
Saying no to wrong fits, whether potential clients, hires, or partnerships, means you’re focusing on what truly aligns with your mission.
Your product has iterated several times.
Each iteration means you’re closer to finding the best market fit. Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of successful startups.
You understand your market better than when you started Insight into your market is invaluable.
If you know your customer well, you’re leaps ahead of many startups.
You’ve survived more than one “make-or-break” scenario.
Getting through tough challenges means your startup has the resilience to face the ups and downs of the business world.
You have a dedicated workspace.
Having a specific place where your team can focus and collaborate is a sign of establishing a solid foundation.
You’ve let go of what doesn’t work.
Knowing when to cut losses is as important as knowing when to push forward. This ability to adapt is crucial for long-term success.
You’re excited by challenges.
Seeing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles is a sign of a positive mindset, crucial for entrepreneurial success.
You know how to manage stress
Balancing the high pressures of startup life is no small feat. If you’ve developed coping mechanisms, you’re setting yourself up for sustained effort.
You’re thinking about scaling.
Planning for growth, even if it’s just preliminary, means looking towards the future with optimism.
You’ve established a brand identity.
Having a clear brand identity helps in making your startup memorable and recognizable. This is key in crowded markets.
You’re still passionate.
Continuing to have passion for your venture is perhaps the most telling sign that you’re on the right path. Many lose this spark, but if you’ve still got it, you’re more than on track.