There is no universal solution that will bring guaranteed success to every startup. Every project is different, has different goals, customers and needs to go through its own journey to reach the ultimate goal.

Experience is a priceless currency in this regard. However, no one says you only have to learn from your own. Let’s take a look at a few recommendations from startups who have worked their way up from zero to success of global proportions. What do they think is absolutely crucial in building a successful project?

Think like your customer

Startups all too often spend months developing a product without testing it in the market, which is a big mistake – says Étienne Mérineau, co-founder of Heyday.ai, a startup that focuses on automated communication with customers through AI chatbots.

Indeed, when they subsequently launch such a product, they often find that there is no one willing to pay for it. And what else is the sign of a successful business than a paying customer? It is the paying customer who is clear evidence that a startup delivers real value.

Execution always wins over strategy, which is why it’s important to focus on real customers from day one. The feedback you get after launching a product will either crush your original idea completely or force you to refine it to make it viable and profitable.

Don’t underestimate your team

The CEO and co-founder of CowryWise – Razaq Ahmed – would advise startups to focus on their team, specifically on making sure that each member is aligned with their vision. After all, it’s not just about building a brand, but something that will be around long after you’re gone. And that can never be achieved by just one person. Every member counts, and so the skills and experience of each should be able to ehnance your product.

But it’s not just about the team itself, it’s also about your support system. This can include not only the team itself, but also family and friends or early investors – in short, anyone who will support you when you’re trying your best to get your project out into the world and get it on the right track. When the times get difficult, you’ll be extremely grateful for these people.

Learn to recognize the important steps

As Austin Rief – Morning Brew’s COO – says, the key to a successful startup is the right amount of focus. Lack of experience can lead to getting swept up in various practices that look appealing but yield no real results. Therefore, you need to keep your eyes open and learn to recognize the right opportunities that will lead you to your goal.

Surround yourself with mentors

Michia Rohrssen, CEO of Prodigy, sees surrounding founders with mentors as one of the most important steps in building startups. He incorporated this step during building his startup also. Especially in the first year, one has to expect to face many challenges that one has never had to deal with before.

It is in situations like these that having several mentors around is invaluable. They will discuss your ideas and doubts with you and provide valuable feedback based on their own extensive experience. In many cases, it’s the presence of mentors that separates successful startups from those we never hear from again.

Don’t forget to relax

When you’re starting your own business, it’s clear that sometimes working late is unavoidable. Andrew Peterson, founder and CEO of Signal Sciences, confirms this. But he also sees quality and consistent sleep as one of the most important things that keep our minds clear and help us make quick and correct decisions. So, when you feel like you don’t know which way to go, try getting a few good nights’ sleep.