We're thrilled that Velocity Growth is an official sponsor for DC Startup & Tech Week next week! Mark your calendars, connect with industry leaders and learn from incredible experts. #ProudSponsor #DCStartupWeek #InnovationStartsHere

Amazing event happening in Washington DC this week. Check out DC Startup & Tech Week !

Reminder that it's 100% ok to monetize a service aspect of your startup, especially early on. Too much focus on product alone can sometimes lead you down the wrong path.

Don't focus on your competitors. If they start copying you - think of it as a win. You're on the right track.

Understanding the metrics that matter to your business is crucial. Knowing how to avoid the feel good vanity metrics is even more crucial.

If the content you create can inspire just one other person to make a change that positively impacts their business or experience around your problem/solution fit you are already winning on social media. Follower counts don't matter. It's all about the value.

You can't do it all on your own as a founder. Try to find repeatable tasks that you can outsource. Hire a VA if you can. Reprioritize your task list based on value created everyday. Small steps pay off.

For every 1 startup brag you see on Twitter, there are probably 100 other founders heads down doing the work. Don't sweat what everyone else is doing, just do the work.

Don't fall into the trap of building the perfect product. That's the fastest route to a failed start up.

Contextual marketing is so important. Being able to force your content in front of the right users right now is a key part of being able to target effectively. That's not going to be around forever. Are you able to bring your content to your audience without a targeting feature?

Helping people is one of the most underrated marketing tactics. Dig deep into the solution your business provides and give your customers all the essential information they need. Giving value makes people feel valued.

Running a startup is hard. Giving yourself a break can feel harder. What do you do to wind down?

Employees who are results driven rather than hours submitted to the company driven will always win when it comes to driving the business forward.

What niche does your startup cater to?

Reminder that it's 100% ok to monetize a service aspect of your startup, especially early on. Too much focus on product alone can sometimes lead you down the wrong path.

It's always going to be more cost-effective to keep a customer than find a new one. Retention matters and should be part of your marketing strategy. Stay top of mind even if you feel you've already won.

If the content you create can inspire just one other person to make a change that positively impacts their business or experience around your problem/solution fit you are already winning on social media. Follower counts don't matter. It's all about the value.

Stop thinking about your idea. Go test it. Set up a landing page. Create a short advert and direct the people you think fit the bill. Gauge a signal. Lean in or iterate.

Being an entrepreneur is tough. The market is always changing, the demands are always changing and the pressure of it all stays the same. What’s you favourite way to de-stress as a founder?

What are your favourite start ups right now that you think are going to be killing it in the next 12-18 months?