Creating a startup business from scratch takes a lot of time and energy. No doubt it’s a daunting process. But with consistent effort, it can be done — and the countless new startups that find success every year are a testament to this.

Of course, it can be hard to know exactly where to start. With so much to think about, what should you focus on, and what pitfalls should you avoid?

There is no guide for successfully creating startups, but there are good rules of thumb to be followed. Read on to learn a little more about what can make a startup successful.

1. Good Planning

The best businesses are almost always well-planned. This is true whether you are referring to the time before opening or daily operations once the company is established.

Help yourself out at the outset by working hard to plan your business well. Make detailed financial projections, carefully assess your needs, solicit input, and more. Also, be sure to stay organized: having all the necessary information in front of you every day can help to keep you on track. Good planning is a good way to start as you work to build a startup.

2. Seek the Right Help

You may be a creative entrepreneur — but that doesn’t mean you will be successful if you wholly go it alone. While some serious decisions will undoubtedly fall to you, it is important to seek help as you go about the startup creation process.

Experienced business owners can be a great resource to help guide you, as their experience with startups can inform yours. But looking for the right staff is valuable too and being careful and creative in hiring decisions is of the utmost importance.

3. Take Time When You Need It

There is always going to be a ton to do when building a startup, and it might never feel like there is time for a break. Accordingly, you must make the time. Though it may seem like it’s a waste, time off is essential to keeping you motivated, focused, and creative as you work to build a startup. Being sure to attend to your needs is crucial when creating a startup.

These tips may be general, but they can come in handy. Building a startup is hard, but these points can suggest ways to make the process a little smoother.