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Key Takeaways Startups can succeed in economic downturns by solving urgent problems, as past successes like Airbnb and Uber demonstrate.
Internal issues, rather than economic conditions, are often the true challenges facing startups in tough economies.
Launching during a recession can provide unique advantages, such as less market clutter and cheaper advertising, potentially leading to a longer product lifespan.
“I’ll launch when the timing is better.”
“It’s just not the right economy for something new.”
“What if no one’s spending money right now?”
If you’ve ever thought this — or heard it from others — you’re not alone. In times of economic uncertainty, hesitation feels logical. It’s wise to be cautious, and besides, you want to give your startup the best possible chance of success. Waiting just makes sense.
Except that all of that is — excuse my language — total hooey.
If you’re building something people truly need, the timing doesn’t have to be perfect. Great startups don’t take off because the economy is booming — they take off because they solve real problems. And yes, that can happen even in a downturn. Here’s why.
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