Per Jacob Solli

Before you can shape any strategy, you need to understand your deeper motivation. Many new founders jump in with excitement, only to realize their idea needs a more explicit purpose. Think about what you want your company to stand for and who you want to help. This is where your business strategy , market research , and brand direction start to take shape. When you identify the problems you want to solve, every other decision becomes easier. For example, a local bakery owner who focuses on serving health-conscious families will make very different choices than one targeting tourists looking for quick treats. Clarifying Who You Serve A plan becomes much stronger when you truly understand your audience. Instead of guessing, gather insights from real people. Visit online forums, talk to potential customers, or run quick surveys. These small steps give you valuable clues about preferences, purchasing habits, and pain points. When you take time to learn about your audience, your customer i...

Crafting a personal brand as an entrepreneur is more than a logo or catchy tagline—it’s about shaping how others experience and remember you. In today’s digital-first world, your reputation often precedes you, and the way you show up online can influence new opportunities, partnerships, and client relationships. A well-developed personal brand helps you differentiate in saturated markets, attract aligned customers, and build long-term trust. The process involves clarity about your message, consistency across platforms, and authentic engagement with your audience. From sharing valuable content to evolving with insights and feedback, personal branding is an ongoing commitment. Entrepreneurs who invest in this process often find themselves positioned as thought leaders, attracting not just attention but real connection and growth. 1. The Value of a Personal Brand for Entrepreneurs A strong personal brand helps entrepreneurs build trust and credibility in a competitive business environment...

Technology has become a fundamental force shaping the way modern entrepreneurs operate, compete, and grow. No longer constrained by traditional limitations such as location, capital, or infrastructure, today’s entrepreneurs leverage digital tools to bring their ideas to life in record time. From launching businesses on social media to using artificial intelligence to improve the customer experience, innovation is now the engine powering entrepreneurial success. This transformation has also redefined what it means to be an entrepreneur. It’s not just about starting a business—it’s about using technology to solve problems, reach people, and scale impact. In this new era, those who harness the power of tech are the ones driving industries forward and creating businesses that are more agile, inclusive, and resilient than ever before. Lowering Barriers to Entry One of the most groundbreaking shifts technology has brought is its ability to lower the barriers to starting a business. Previous...

Launching a startup is exciting, but the first year often brings challenges that test even the most prepared entrepreneurs. Budget limitations, shifting customer needs, unexpected operational issues, and the pressure to grow quickly can feel overwhelming. Still, these early struggles offer invaluable lessons that shape long-term success . Below are essential insights gained from common first-year startup hurdles. Embracing Uncertainty and Change The first year teaches founders that uncertainty is unavoidabl e . Even the most detailed business plan can’t predict every obstacle. Successful founders learn to remain flexible, adjust strategies quickly, and avoid becoming too attached to initial ideas. This adaptability often separates companies that survive from those that fail. When market feedback contradicts assumptions, the ability to pivot becomes a powerful advantage. Another crucial part of embracing uncertainty is the willingness to experiment. Startups that continually test new ...