First Startup Checklist for New Founders
This first startup checklist turns a vague idea into one test you can run this week, in seven steps.
Short version: stop at the first step you cannot answer in one sentence. That step is your work for this week.
What are the 7 steps of the first startup checklist?
Work through them in order. Each step takes an hour to a few days.
Name the customer
Write one sentence that starts with "This is for". If the answer is "everyone", the idea is still too broad.
Name the problem
Write the problem the way your customer would say it out loud. A clear startup problem statement fits in one sentence.
Find the workaround
Write down what people do about the problem today. A workaround that costs time or money proves the problem is real.
Pick one signal
Choose the one result that would convince you: a reply, a sign-up, an interview request or a paid pre-order.
Choose simple tools
Pick the smallest stack that shows you that signal. A form and a page are enough; WordPress for startups comes later.
Write the experiment
Write the action, audience, time limit and pass mark before you start, such as "20 sign-ups from 200 visitors in 14 days".
Practise the decision
Rehearse the test in F/MS Startup Game with PlayPal, then run it for real with a clearer script.
What do you do after the checklist?
Run the experiment, write down the result and decide: continue, change the offer or change the customer. If the signal is weak, these validation red flags help you tell a slow start from a dead end. If it is strong, move to the next step of the startup learning path.