Idea to Execution

Starting a business doesn’t require perfection at the outset; it only demands that you begin. Could you create a thriving business in just 24 hours?

1. Seize opportunities, even if you only have 24 hours

Planning is important, but sometimes acting on an idea immediately can be the best strategy. The authors demonstrate how timing can be everything, particularly when opportunities arise unexpectedly.

In August 2015, a virtual assistant company named Zirtual suddenly halted operations, leaving thousands of clients and employees without options. Ari Meisel and Nick Sonnenberg saw this as a fleeting chance to create their start-up, Less Doing Virtual Assistants. They moved quickly, taking just 24 hours to outline their business structure, acquire clients, and hire displaced virtual assistants.

Acting swiftly allowed them to take advantage of minimal competition while gaining access to top-tier talent and an eager client base. They bypassed the fear of perfection and built on the principles of scalability and profitability from the outset, using free tools to get started without delay.

Examples

• A major competitor folding created an immediate gap in the market.
• In 24 hours, they set up a virtual assistant network using free apps and tools.
• Their quick actions earned them trust from both clients and skilled virtual assistants.

2. Differentiate your service to attract customers

Understanding flaws in competitors’ business models can be the springboard to a better approach. Instead of replicating an old system, Ari and Nick created something original by addressing unmet client needs.

Typical virtual assistant companies offered either on-demand assistants for simple tasks or dedicated assistants for complete task management. But both approaches had inefficiencies. Ari and Nick designed a hybrid model: instead of assigning one assistant to all tasks, clients would be matched with multiple specialized assistants through one manager, ensuring precision and versatility.

This unique structure provided tailored and flexible services for busy professionals, setting Less Doing apart from competitors. Clients could rely on their expertise while still enjoying a personal connection through a single point of contact.

Examples

• The hybrid system ensured specialized attention for each task.
• The introduction of team-based assistance improved service capacity.
• A dedicated manager streamlined communication and personalized client care.

3. Start small with free but effective tools

Starting a business doesn’t require expensive tools or high-tech infrastructure. Ari and Nick utilized free software to simplify operations and reduce costs as they launched their business rapidly.

They used Trello’s task management features to organize client requests and team assignments. Each client was given a customized Trello board, allowing assistants to view and update project statuses in real-time. This structure maintained clarity and transparency and eliminated the need for costly management software.

Their cost-saving measures didn’t diminish quality. Instead, they invested those savings into securing skilled assistants who delivered premium services, charging high fees to reflect the expertise provided.

Examples

• Trello boards with custom templates allowed efficient task tracking.
• High-value assistants were hired with above-average pay.
• Clients benefited from seamless services without any upfront infrastructure costs.

4. Master efficient hiring strategies

Finding the right employees can determine how well a business runs, especially in service-focused industries. Ari and Nick innovated their hiring process to quickly identify proactive, capable candidates.

Applicants were guided through a series of automated steps, starting with submitting an initial email. Candidates were instructed to send a short, creative video pitch. Those who failed to follow the instructions or demonstrated limited problem-solving skills were automatically filtered out.

This method saved time and highlighted candidates’ abilities without drawn-out interviews. They prioritized creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail, traits essential for delivering personalized client experiences.

Examples

• Applicants submitted two-minute YouTube videos to demonstrate their problem-solving skills.
• Only 20% of candidates passed the initial step, ensuring quality.
• Assistants used personalized gestures, such as sending favorite whiskey as gifts, to build client loyalty.

5. Use networking events to grow exponentially

Networking doesn’t merely spread awareness; it can supercharge business growth. Ari and Nick found a pivotal turning point for Less Doing at a Genius Network event, where they wowed an audience of industry leaders and entrepreneurs.

Even without a prepared presentation, their spontaneous three-hour talk detailed their task outsourcing system and its benefits. Questions from the audience allowed them to directly address potential clients’ pain points, showcasing the company’s superior response to challenges.

The event dramatically expanded their client base, attracting over 90% of attendees to sign up. Following through, they rapidly adapted their backend systems to manage the increased demand via scalable dashboards and team monitoring tools.

Examples

• An unscripted presentation at a Genius Network event won over skeptical entrepreneurs.
• Audience engagement resulted in on-the-spot client acquisition.
• Custom dashboards were built to handle a sudden influx of new customers.

6. Embrace feedback and optimize processes swiftly

Feedback reveals cracks in systems that can otherwise weaken a growing business. Initially, Less Doing faced complaints about its onboarding process, which frustrated clients and led to lost opportunities.

Ari and Nick addressed the issue by implementing the 5 Whys method, digging deeper into the root causes of customer complaints. Once identified, they simplified the company’s interface and created clearer instructions. To ensure constant improvement, they embraced the Kaizen method, encouraging every team member to submit one idea weekly to enhance operations.

Thanks to these solutions, Less Doing continuously refined its customer experience, turning dissatisfied clients into loyal users.

Examples

• The 5 Whys method uncovered inefficiencies in onboarding.
• Kaizen prompted assistants to flag unclear administrative policies.
• Simplified client interfaces improved service adoption rates.

7. Teach others to multiply income streams

Once you master a successful process, teaching those skills can open new revenue channels. Ari and Nick tested the waters for business coaching with a live boot camp and learned valuable lessons along the way.

Their first sessions overwhelmed participants with jargon-heavy presentations. Adapting, they shifted to online courses, where they converted insights into digestible, actionable modules. These changes maximized reach while minimizing the time investment.

By sharing expertise, they not only taught valuable lessons but also demonstrated Less Doing’s methodologies, indirectly attracting more clients to their core business.

Examples

• A poorly received live workshop informed better strategies for online coaching.
• Moving online reduced costs and attracted broader audiences.
• The coaching arm became a secondary profit stream aligned with their mission.

8. Engage clients actively to ensure retention

To maintain steady growth, businesses need loyal, engaged customers. Less Doing discovered that frequent check-ins could prevent churn, ensuring clients stayed with their services longer.

Using ChartMogul, they tracked usage patterns, spotting clients who used the service sporadically and were at risk of leaving. By reaching out within two weeks of inactivity, they reignited interest and resolved concerns.

These efforts reduced their dropout rate significantly and turned casual users into consistent customers, boosting long-term revenue.

Examples

• Personalized follow-ups improved long-term loyalty.
• Behavioral insights from ChartMogul identified at-risk clients.
• Training clients on better usage habits during onboarding maximized engagement.

9. Keep reinvesting and expanding your team

A business’s growth depends on steady investment into its people and processes. Once Ari and Nick had the right structures in place, they reinvested in team expansions and new technology.

Delegating administrative and financial tasks to top-performing assistants freed up their bandwidth for strategy. Offering equity to key team members further motivated the workforce while improving decision-making processes at higher levels.

These efforts paved the way for record-breaking revenue just a year after launching.

Examples

• Assistants promoted to managers streamlined workflows.
• Equity distribution incentivized leadership roles within the team.
• July 2016 marked their peak monthly revenue of $100,000.

Takeaways

1. Move fast when an opportunity arises—overthinking often leads to missed chances.
2. Build systems that can adapt to growth by using simple, scalable tools early on.
3. Engage with clients and employees consistently to foster loyalty and uncover areas for improvement.