Launching a new business is exciting.
But it can also feel like you’re juggling everything at once… while trying to look confident at the same time.
The biggest shift is this:
You’re not just “doing a job” anymore.
You’re building a business that needs structure, customers, and momentum.
The good news? You don’t need everything perfect in week one.
You just need the essentials in place, one of these is to have contracts and policies in place from day one, so you don’t waste time fixing things later.
What to Focus On in Week 1
1) Get Clear on What You’re Building
Before you spend days on logos and websites, get clear on your offer.
In week one, success looks like:
- Knowing who you help
- Understanding the problem, you solve
- Explaining your offer clearly
- Setting early pricing (even if it evolves)
2) Pick 3 Priorities (Or You’ll Be Busy Without Progress)
Founders often mistake activity for progress.
In week one, keep it simple:
Your 3 priorities should be:
- Make it real (admin/legal basics)
- Make it visible (online presence)
- Make it sell (conversations + interest)
3) Get the Admin Basics in Place
You don’t need fancy systems.
But you do need a few essentials:
- Business email address
- Invoice template or invoicing tool
- Separate bank account (recommended)
- Simple income/expense tracking
- A tidy folder system for business documents
- An HR Management System to help deal with all HR issues
4) Start Customer Conversations Immediately
The fastest way to grow a new business is to start conversations.
In week one:
- Message your network
- Post an intro on LinkedIn
- Book 2–3 calls/meetings
- Ask for introductions
- Gather real customer pain points
5) Build a Routine That Prevents Burnout
Many small businesses don’t fail because the idea is bad.
They fail because the founder becomes exhausted.
Set a simple routine early:
- Daily sales time (even 30 mins)
- Weekly planning
- A set admin slot
- A clear finish time
Why HR Support Matters (Even in Week 1)
HR often feels like something for “later”.
But early HR support helps you avoid messy problems once you hire staff or use freelancers.
Even early on, it helps to have:
- simple contracts/agreements
- clear working expectations
- basic onboarding plans
- fewer “wing it as we go” decisions
Common Week 1 Mistakes to Avoid
- Spending too long on branding before selling
- Trying to do everything at once
- Avoiding pricing conversations
- Overbuilding a website instead of testing demand
- Ignoring admin and money tracking
Week 1 Checklist
✅ Define your offer clearly
✅ Pick 3 priorities
✅ Set up admin basics
✅ Reach out to 10 people
✅ Post your launch intro
✅ Book 2–3 calls
✅ Plan week 2
FAQ: New Business Starter Toolkit (Week 1)
What should I do first when starting a business?
Start by getting clear on what you sell, who it’s for, and what problem you solve. Then focus on actions that lead to income quickly — customer conversations, outreach, and visibility.
Do I need a website in my first week?
Not always. A simple landing page or LinkedIn profile explaining what you do is enough to start getting interest. The priority is speaking to potential customers, not building a perfect site.
How do I get my first customers quickly?
Start with your network. Reach out directly, explain your offer clearly, and ask for introductions. Posting on LinkedIn can help too, but direct messages and conversations usually work fastest.
What are the most common mistakes new business owners make in week 1?
Spending too long on branding, avoiding sales conversations, trying to do everything at once, and skipping admin basics like tracking income and expenses.
Do I need HR support when I’m not hiring yet?
It can still help. HR support is useful early for setting up contracts, working expectations, and basic foundations so you don’t scramble later when you take on freelancers or hire your first employee.
Call us on 07984 568523 to book your appointment.
