Most startup advice is scattered, abstract, or written by people who have never had to survive the messy middle.
Over the years, I’ve written dozens of practical startup articles — not as theory, but as lived experience. This post organizes them into a step-by-step playbook you can follow from idea to scale.
Think of this as a book. Each section builds on the previous one. Don’t rush. Start where you are.
PART 1: THE FOUNDER’S MINDSET (Before the Idea)
Chapter 1: What You’re Really Signing Up For
- 11 Things You Must Consider Before Starting Your Startup
https://elidayjuma.com/11-things-you-must-consider-before-starting-your-startup/ - 19 Common Mistakes New Entrepreneurs Make and How to Avoid Them
https://elidayjuma.com/19-common-mistakes-new-entrepreneurs-make-and-how-to-avoid-them/ - Riding the Waves: Understanding the Startup Cycle
https://elidayjuma.com/riding-the-waves-understanding-the-startup-cycle-and-the-tools-that-shape-it/ - The Startup Skill Nobody Teaches: Detachment
https://elidayjuma.com/the-startup-skill-nobody-teaches-how-to-master-detachment-and-win-with-clarity/ - Overcoming Failure: Lessons from Failed Startups
https://elidayjuma.com/overcoming-failure-lessons-learned-from-failed-startups/
Chapter 2: Inspiration, Perspective & Learning
- Movies for Startup Founders
https://elidayjuma.com/movies-for-startup-founders/ - Top YouTube Channels for Startup Founders
https://elidayjuma.com/top-youtube-channels-for-startup-founders-to-follow/ - The Importance of Mentorship
https://elidayjuma.com/the-importance-of-mentorship-for-new-entrepreneurs/ - Startup Coach: Who They Are and Why You Need One
https://elidayjuma.com/startup-coach-who-they-are-and-why-you-need-one/
PART 2: IDEATION & OPPORTUNITY DISCOVERY
Chapter 3: Spotting Real Opportunities
- Top Startup Trends to Watch (2025)
https://elidayjuma.com/top-11-startup-trends-to-watch-in-2025/ - AI Trends to Watch in 2026
https://elidayjuma.com/8-ai-trends-to-watch-in-2026/ - AI Business Ideas for 2025
https://elidayjuma.com/ai-business-ideas-for-2025/ - The Role of Innovation in Startup Success
https://elidayjuma.com/the-role-of-innovation-in-startup-success-case-studies-and-examples/
Chapter 4: Shaping the Idea
- Startup Name Generator (Tool Idea)
https://elidayjuma.com/startup-name-generator-a-profitable-online-tool-idea/ - Lean Startup Methodology
https://elidayjuma.com/understanding-the-lean-startup-methodology-key-principles-and-strategies/ - Lean Startup Business Plan
https://elidayjuma.com/lean-startup-business-plan-the-ultimate-guide/
PART 3: MARKET RESEARCH & VALIDATION
Chapter 5: Understanding the Market
- Why Market Research Is the Backbone of a Startup
https://elidayjuma.com/why-market-research-is-the-backbone-of-a-successful-startup/ - The Importance of Market Research for Startup Success
https://elidayjuma.com/the-importance-of-market-research-for-startup-success/ - How to Identify Your Ideal Market
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-identify-your-ideal-market-a-guide-for-new-entrepreneurs/
Chapter 6: Validation Tactics
- Real-World Market Research Tactics
https://elidayjuma.com/real-world-market-research-tactics-to-validate-your-startup-idea/ - 5 Essential Tools for Market Research
https://elidayjuma.com/5-essential-tools-for-conducting-effective-startup-market-research/ - Common Market Research Mistakes
https://elidayjuma.com/common-market-research-mistakes-to-avoid-when-launching-your-startup/
PART 4: BUILDING THE PRODUCT
Chapter 7: From Idea to MVP
- Why Building an MVP Is the Smartest First Step
https://elidayjuma.com/why-building-an-mvp-is-the-smartest-first-step-for-your-startup/ - From Code to Commerce (Tech Build)
https://elidayjuma.com/from-code-to-commerce-bootstrapping-your-tech-startup-with-next-js-prisma-and-mariadb/ - Building Tech on a Budget
https://elidayjuma.com/building-tech-on-a-budget-smart-ways-to-leverage-technology-in-your-startup/
Chapter 8: Tech Stack & Execution
- How to Build the Right Tech Stack
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-build-the-right-tech-stack-for-your-startups-future-growth/ - How to Avoid Tech Debt
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-avoid-tech-debt-while-building-your-startups-platform/ - Biggest Tech Challenges Startups Face
https://elidayjuma.com/the-biggest-tech-challenges-startups-face-and-how-to-overcome-them/
PART 5: LEGAL, STRUCTURE & FINANCE
Chapter 9: Incorporation & Compliance
- Incorporation 101
https://elidayjuma.com/incorporation-101-what-every-startup-founder-needs-to-know/ - LLC vs C-Corp vs S-Corp
https://elidayjuma.com/llc-c-corp-or-s-corp-choosing-the-right-structure-for-your-startup/ - Legal Compliance for Startups
https://elidayjuma.com/legal-compliance-for-startups-stay-on-the-right-side-of-the-law/ - Navigating Legal Challenges
https://elidayjuma.com/navigating-legal-challenges-as-a-startup-founder-what-you-need-to-know/
Chapter 10: Financial Foundations
- Bulletproof Financial Structure
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-create-a-bulletproof-financial-structure-for-your-startup/ - Structuring Startup Finances
https://elidayjuma.com/a-step-by-step-guide-to-structuring-your-startup-finances-for-growth/ - Cash Flow Is King
https://elidayjuma.com/why-cash-flow-is-king-the-key-to-financial-success-in-new-businesses/ - Common Financial Pitfalls
https://elidayjuma.com/common-financial-pitfalls-when-building-a-startup/ - Reading Financial Statements
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-read-and-interpret-financial-statements-as-a-startup-founder/
PART 6: GO-TO-MARKET & SALES
Chapter 11: Market Entry
- From Concept to Customer
https://elidayjuma.com/from-concept-to-customer-crafting-a-startup-go-to-market-roadmap/ - How to Build a Winning GTM Strategy
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-build-a-winning-go-to-market-strategy-for-your-startup/ - GTM Mistakes That Cost Startups
https://elidayjuma.com/the-go-to-market-mistakes-that-could-cost-your-startup-big/ - Market Entry Tactics
https://elidayjuma.com/master-the-art-of-market-entry-tactics-for-startups-to-gain-traction-fast/
Chapter 12: Marketing & Growth
- Marketing Strategies for Startups
https://elidayjuma.com/marketing-strategies-for-startups/ - Digital Marketing Impact
https://elidayjuma.com/the-impact-of-digital-marketing-on-startup-growth/ - Growth Hacking: Worth the Hype?
https://elidayjuma.com/growth-hacking-strategies-is-it-worth-the-hype/ - Email Marketing Tips
https://elidayjuma.com/amazing-email-marketing-tips-that-will-boost-your-startup/ - Measuring Marketing ROI
https://elidayjuma.com/how-to-measure-roi-for-digital-marketing-campaigns/
PART 7: TOOLS, TEAM & OPERATIONS
Chapter 13: Tools & Productivity
- Workflow Automation Tools
https://elidayjuma.com/11-best-workflow-automation-tools-for-startups/ - Project Management Tools
https://elidayjuma.com/the-top-10-project-management-tools-every-startup-needs-to-succeed/ - CRM for Startups
https://elidayjuma.com/10-best-crm-for-startups-free-and-paid/ - Free Business Tools
https://elidayjuma.com/15-free-business-tools-for-startups/
Chapter 14: Building the Team
- Building a Startup Team
https://elidayjuma.com/building-a-startup-team-that-gets-the-job-done/ - Company Organogram
https://elidayjuma.com/startup-company-organogram-why-you-need-one-and-how-to-make-one/ - Culture & Leadership
https://elidayjuma.com/building-a-strong-company-culture-strategies-for-startup-leaders/ - Teamwork & Accountability
https://elidayjuma.com/teamwork-accountability-and-collaboration-startups/
PART 8: FUNDING, SCALING & LEADERSHIP
Chapter 15: Funding Decisions
- What Is Startup Funding?
https://elidayjuma.com/what-is-startup-funding-how-it-works/ - Bootstrapping vs VC
https://elidayjuma.com/the-pros-and-cons-of-bootstrapping-vs-seeking-venture-capital/ - When to Raise Capital
https://elidayjuma.com/when-to-raise-capital-smart-financial-structuring-for-sustainable-growth/ - Startup Valuation
https://elidayjuma.com/how-do-you-do-your-startup-valuation/ - Bridge Funding
https://elidayjuma.com/what-is-bridge-funding-do-you-need-one/
Chapter 16: Scaling & Becoming a CEO
- Scaling Your Startup
https://elidayjuma.com/scaling-your-startup-challenges-and-opportunities/ - Transitioning from Founder to CEO
https://elidayjuma.com/what-it-really-takes-to-transition-from-entrepreneur-to-ceo/ - Startup CEO Job Description
https://elidayjuma.com/startup-ceo-job-description-responsibilities-and-compensation/ - Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs
https://elidayjuma.com/personal-branding-for-entrepreneurs/ - Networking for Startup Success
https://elidayjuma.com/the-role-of-networking-in-building-a-successful-startup/
