Start-Up Guide
Standing still is not an option
Planning. Resilience. Perception.
Launching a business is a rollercoaster. Success requires belief in your idea, resilience when things get tough, and the focus to stay true to your vision.
Starting a new business?
In 2000, we were a start-up too (though back then, we simply called it a “new company”). Like every new business, we faced the daunting challenge of breaking into a crowded market, but we believed in what we had to offer: top-level experience, creativity, and a proven track record of delivering great marketing results for others. We wanted to do it under our own brand: Sambecketts.
Over the last 20+ years, we’ve not only grown Sambecketts into a respected marketing agency but have also built and sold companies valued in the millions. We know what it takes to start from scratch, scale successfully, and create real value. Along the way, we’ve learned the highs, the lows, and the lessons that only come from experience.
Truth and Resilience
Launching a business is a rollercoaster. Success requires belief in your idea, resilience when things get tough, and the focus to stay true to your vision. Nerves are natural, but clarity of purpose is vital and good planning at the outset provides the strongest foundation.
Planning: The Blueprint for Growth
We learned the hard way how crucial planning is. Today, our specialist team, with experience advising at the highest corporate levels, helps start-ups sense-check their vision and business plans.
We identify gaps, refine strategies, and set clear marketing direction for those critical early years, helping you avoid common pitfalls.
Perception: Building Trust Fast
One of the biggest hurdles for new businesses is a lack of track record. Customers don’t yet know or trust you. That’s where clever brand positioning comes in. As one of our mentors said: “The only way to build a brand is to eat into competitor share.”
In today’s digital world, competing can be bought, but most start-ups don’t have huge budgets. That’s why we teach businesses how to “box clever”: using smart strategies, targeted online marketing, and creativity to win market share efficiently.
Box Clever Marketing
Every successful start-up has a story, and while no two are the same, certain truths hold firm:
- Plan your strategy carefully and stick to it.
- Understand your competitors and learn how they operate.
- Focus relentlessly on customer experience and deliver what they really want.
- Use data and creativity together to find your entry point and grow.
Our proven approach helps businesses do just that and gives them the tools to stay nimble, adapt, and thrive.
Adopt the Product Company Mentality
standing still is not an option. Successful businesses continuously refine, improve, and add value. We call this the Product Company mentality – a mindset borrowed from Silicon Valley giants but equally powerful for smaller businesses.
Whether you’re launching an app or running a florist, this means evolving constantly to serve your customers better – refining your offer, making it easier to buy from you, personalising your service, and staying ahead of expectations. This cultural shift keeps you competitive and builds loyalty that lasts.
We’ve been where you are, and we know what works. If you want to learn from a team who’ve built, scaled, and sold multi-million-pound businesses, let’s talk about how we can help your start-up thrive.