What Do I Need to Start a Small Business | Startup Structure

The primary question we get at Brandings is, “what do I need to start a small business or launch my startup?”  Outside the actual product or service, you plan to offer, we always remind entrepreneurs to not ignore the structure of their business.  Clearly defining your startup Organizational Structure and Management structure at the very beginning is a key to a winning startup!

We always say, everyone needs to know who’s in charge and who needs to do what.  A clear structure saves time and the endless blame circle and gray areas.

How do I Organize the Structure and Management of my Startup or Small Business

This blog in the series will focus on one area Organization Structure & Management.  Remember when you were a kid and playing in your yard or out on the street?  Remember the fights over who would Captain the imaginary ship?  Or, remember who who decide what movie we would watch or who made the rules in the pool?

Inevitably fights would break out over who was in charge of the rules of the game.  We hate to say, but some things never change.

While the entrepreneur or founders may be the clear leaders how does the rest of the organization work?  A clear organization and management structure for your small business or startup at the beginning may make the difference between success and failure.  And, were not just talking about infighting and squabbling among team members here.  We’re talking about the “circle of blame” and important decisions being dropped and deadlines missed without a clear delineation of structure.

With that said, this is our Organization Structure & Management section of “What I need to Get My Startup Started” series, enjoy.

A. Startup Vision, Mission, Goals & Objectives         
B. Development & Structure
C. Market Analysis
D. Product & Service Offering
E. Competitive Environment
F. Strategic Planning
G. Marketing & Sales Planning
H. Organization Structure & Management
I. Operations Planning
J. Risk Analysis & Contingency Planning
K. Financial Plan

Following are a series of 5 questions that will help you create a successful organizational structure and manage your new venture.  This list of questions should trigger discussion and more questions. The time you spend now could make the difference between success and failure.

Questions to Help you Organize Your Structure and Management:

1. Organization Structure & Management Questions:
2. What are your anticipated key personnel requirements?
3. Describe the qualifications and responsibilities of management.
4. Who are the directors and advisers?
5. Who are your professional advisers?
6. Develop a sketch of your anticipated organizational structure

To sum up, these questions should be answered before you launch your startup or small business.  There should be a chart that’s available to everyone at your organization so there’s no ambiguity.  This chart can be amended, expanded and contracted as you’re business grows or streamlines.  Ultimately, everyone will succeed when they know what’s expected of them.

If you’re a growth-focused firm you’ll find Brandings integrated brand solutions to be an essential and economical resource. Since 1979 we’ve been assisting firms in exiting in nearly every marketplace.  For example, we’ve helped venture capital firms, pharmaceuticals, tech startups, retail businesses, biotech companies and other growth-driven enterprises.  Brandings has not only helped these startups succeed but thrive!