Starting a business is exciting, but the road to success is far from easy. Regardless of whether you are starting a new venture or escalating an existing one, following the right steps can significantly increase your chances of success.

While every business journey is unique, there are four basic steps that all entrepreneurs should follow when building or growing a company.

Related: How to start a business in 8 easy steps

1. Validate your idea and become your first seller

Before you can grow your business, you need to know if there is a demand for what you are offering. The best way to do it prove your idea it's simple: go out and talk to people. Don't just ask if they like your product or service; ask if they will pay for it. This is the true litmus test for market demand.

Start by reaching out to your network – friends, family, colleagues and even acquaintances. You can also reach out directly to local businesses or potential customers. For example, if you are developing a new product, go to a neighborhood store and ask the owner if he will buy it. Be direct: “Will you pay for this?” If the answer is yes, ask them to commit, either with a pre-order or a deposit. The point is to measure genuine interest, not just polite encouragement.

After you've validated your idea, ask yourself, “Am I ready to be the number one seller?” In the beginning, no one will understand your product or service better than you. Securing those first 100 customers is crucial, and as a founder, you need to lead that charge. Even if you don't see yourself as a natural salesperson, this experience will teach you invaluable lessons about your target market. PRICE and customer needs.

If you don't feel comfortable in this role or find it too overwhelming, it may be time to consider bringing on a partner who excels in sales. But remember, in the early days, nothing replaces direct, hands-on experience selling your product.

2. Build a strong digital presence

Once you've validated your idea and started securing your first customers, it's time to create your own digital presence. In today's business world, your online footprint is often the first interaction people have with your brand. A strong digital presence gives your business credibility, attracts customers and helps you stand out from the competition.

Start by creating your website. It doesn't need to be overly complex at first – just make sure it's professional, easy to navigate and clearly communicates what you do. Next, create profiles on the social media platforms most relevant to your business. Be it LinkedIn, Instagram or TikTok, being active on these platforms is a must.

From here, start focusing search engine optimization (SEO) to make sure people can easily find your website. You may also want to explore online advertising options, such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads, to help drive traffic and generate results. Building a sustainable and professional digital presence from the start will give you a solid foundation as you grow.

Related: How to create an online presence with social media

3. Define your operations team

With a proven idea and an online presence, it's time to think about how your business will operate on a daily basis. Defining your core operations team early on is critical. Ask yourself, who will handle customer service? Who will manage inventory or fulfillment? Who will oversee sales?

If your business involves technology—whether it's software development, an online platform, or simply using technology to improve operations—you'll also need to strengthen product development team. This may be the point where you meet a co-founder or partner who complements your skills and brings expertise in areas such as technology, operations or product management.

Clear role definition is essential, even in the early stages, to ensure your business runs smoothly and can scale effectively.

4. Set up human resources and financial systems

Many startups overlook the importance of human resources (HR) and financial systems, often treating them as secondary concerns. However, failing to get HR and accounting right from the start can lead to big problems down the road.

HR may seem unnecessary when you only have a few employees, but creating basic structures for hiring, performance management, and building a strong company culture is critical as you scale. Similarly, creating a proper financial management system will help you keep track of cash flow, manage payroll and ensure long-term profitability. This includes placement accounting software and establishing accounting processes.

While these tasks may seem like an afterthought, having a strong foundation of human and financial resources will give you the stability you need to grow your business efficiently.

Related: 8 financial tips for entrepreneurs launching a startup

Starting or growing a business requires careful planning and execution. By validating your idea, becoming your first vendor, building a strong digital presence, defining your operations team, and putting in place key HR and financial systems, you're laying the groundwork for success. These four essential steps will help you get away from concept to executionensuring your business is built on a solid foundation.