Ep. 39 Starting Strong: The First Steps to Building a Successful Business in 2025
1/21/25
Welcome to the DO GOOD X podcast, your go-to resource for insights and inspiration on building impactful businesses! Hosted by Kimberly Daniel and Stephen Lewis, this episode dives into one of the most asked questions by aspiring entrepreneurs: How do you start a business? If you’re ready to step into the entrepreneurial world, starting on solid ground is crucial. Kimberly and Stephen walk you through three essential steps that can set you up for success, especially because nine out of ten businesses typically fail. Before you build a website, develop a product or service, or register your business as a legal entity, note these foundational steps to ensure your venture begins with purpose and clarity. Building a business takes time, effort, and strategy, but it can be a rewarding journey with the right tools and community. Tune in to learn more and find support within the DO GOOD X community as you take your first steps toward creating a stronger, more sustainable business.
In This Episode
- [2:01] How can an aspiring entrepreneur start a business
- [3:46] Step One: Identify the problem, not your idea
- [9:26] Step Two: Identify your paying customer
- [14:31] Step Three: Test drive your prototype
- [19:06] Building a business takes time
- [20:03] Find tools to assist in starting a business in the DO GOOD X Community
Key Takeaways
Start by identifying and researching the problem before diving into building a business. Focus on understanding the problem you aim to solve. This involves creating a clear problem statement, conducting research to validate the problem’s significance, and understanding how the problem is currently being addressed. Ensuring the problem is both substantial and solvable increases the likelihood of creating a viable business.
Define your ideal paying customer because it’s essential to know not just your target customer but your paying customer—the individuals or entities who will benefit from your solution and are willing to pay for it. Engaging in customer discovery, which involves direct conversations and feedback from potential customers, helps refine your business idea and confirms market demand.
Build and test a prototype to transform your idea into a tangible form, like a prototype or small-scale experiment, to test its viability with potential customers. A prototype helps gather real-world feedback on what works, what needs improvement, and whether customers are willing to pay for your solution. Keep it simple and cost-effective to allow for iterations based on feedback.
About The Hosts
Kimberly R. Daniel
Kimberly R. Daniel catalyzes entrepreneurs and organizations to do good. She is co-founder and project director of DO GOOD X, a community that provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.
Kimberly also helps purpose-driven organizations clarify and design compelling brand and communication strategies. With over 15 years of experience developing and leading communications efforts, she is committed to producing effective processes and creating authentic, “sticky” brands that are community-centered.
In addition, Kimberly has nearly ten years of experience as a certified life coach. She has facilitated workshops, spoken to communities, and written about innovation and entrepreneurship centered on social impact. She co-authored A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
She is deeply passionate about purpose, meaning, and the common good in any aspect of her work.
Social Media to Connect:
Stephen Lewis
Stephen Lewis is the president of the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE) and the creator and co-founder of DO GOOD X. This community provides programs and support for faith-driven social entrepreneurs whose businesses focus on positive change.
He is an organizational change strategies and leadership development specialist focused on inspiring the next generation of faith-inspired leaders and entrepreneurs to live and work purposefully. Stephen co-authors Another Way: Living and Leading Change on Purpose (2020) and A Way Out of No Way: An Approach to Christian Innovation (2021).
Social Media to Connect: