You need a big idea that your customers can buy into. The goal is to create a movement for people to become part of...something they can get behind. This stage helps you evaluate your market and validate your idea before investing more into it.

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Define the reasons why are you are starting this business
• Outline who your customers are and what makes them tick
• Understand all of the costs, opportunities and challenges with your business
• Validate your idea by having conversations with potential customers

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage:

This is the time to get down and dirty with business details like legal contracts, expenses, costs and other not-so-fun formalities of starting a new venture. Get a grasp on this early and you will thank yourself later.

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Estimate your expenses and costs in order to understand your break-even
• Determine your pricing and start forecasting your future revenue
• Choose a legal entity and learn about certifications and filings
• Protect your business with insurance, contracts and agreements

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage:

The fun begins when you start mapping out the inner workings of your product or service, such as the unique features, packaging, suppliers and all other details that relate to the different items you will soon offer your customers.

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Create a “minimum viable product” or service to get out there at start selling
• Come up with ways to add value to your offerings and differentiate yourself
• Determine how your daily operations will take place and any software needed
• Define your customer service, packaging and delivery policies

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage:

Crafting your image is an enjoyable and creative experience that includes defining your personality, designing your logo, and developing your style, all to properly convey your story to the people you want to serve.

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Detail your target persona and communicate your brand personality
• Craft the tone of your messaging and create a brand promise
• Design your identity with a logo, brand elements and typefaces
• Determine the style of your brand with specific colors and photography

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage:

Your online presence is an important (and big!) step toward launching your business, so this critical stage will help you properly structure and design a website that rocks. Follow the right steps and you can build a site for less than you think.

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Research website platforms and choose the one that is right for you
• Get your hosting, domain, SSL certificates and anything else secured
• Design and develop your website with imagery, content and features
• Optimize your site with apps, analytics, and SEO

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage:

The final stage before your big launch day is all about setting the stage for ongoing exposure and creating a method to the marketing madness. You will evaluate all options and get a plan together for where to spend your time (and dollars).

Here are a few things to focus on this stage:

• Start to map out your social media content and schedule email automations
• Seek out ways to collaborate with complementary brands and bloggers
• Produce content in advance for your blog, opt-in freebies and explainer videos
• Look into advertising options and begin to map out a media plan

Here are a few helpful resources we suggest in this stage: