You haven’t signed a customer yet. Is your startup on the right track…or heading off a cliff?

Here are 5 signs you’re building a startup the right way, even if you haven’t made a dime yet.

1. You’re Building Product. This is the most important factor.

You don’t need a CS degree. But you do need to learn to build software, and it’s never been easier with AI.

If you and your co-founders are all building, awesome! But if you’re surrounded by a bunch of “idea guys,” you’re in trouble.

2. You’re Talking to Potential Customers. Say you’re thinking of making SaaS for architects. Have you talked to a bunch of architects?

Maybe you don’t have a product built yet. Maybe your company has never made a dime.

You still should be having these conversations. This way, you’ll build something they actually want!

Once your product is live, they can be your first customers. 

If you’re talking to potential customers every week, you’re on the right track. If you’re holed up in your bedroom and never speak to another soul, you’ve got problems. 

3. You’re Sharing Your Idea With Everyone. Talk to as many smart people as you can about your startup idea. 

If you’re learning from others, you’re winning. But if you hide what you’re working on because you’re afraid someone will “steal your idea,” you’re not going to make it. 

4. You’re Keeping Expenses Down. This is important even for the biggest companies. John D. Rockefeller used to count the number of drops of solder on each barrel of oil.

If the richest man on the planet needs to watch his expenses, so do you!

Especially early on, expenses should be cut to the bone. 

No fancy office. No expensive events. 

Talk to customers, build, ship. Anything else is a waste of time and money. 

5. You’re Incorporated Properly. If you’re planning on raising money, you need to be a Delaware C Corp. 

That doesn’t have to happen on the first day. But you do need to get this squared away before you raise money. 

I wrote a whole article on why startups need to be Delaware C Corps, which you can read here. 

Wrap-Up

The best part? Every single thing on this list is within your control.

You can start building software today. You can contact 10 potential customers, even if you don’t have any money.

Stay focused on what matters: team, product, customers. If you can do that, the revenue will come.

More on tech: 

You Finally Closed Your Funding Round — Time to Panic?

Why Some Founders Raise Millions with a Text — And Others Can’t Get a Single Check: Traction vs. Track Record

From Cold DM to Wire in 5 Days: Why I Move Fast on Great Startups

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