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S
t
a
r
t
u
p
S
u
r
v
i
v
a
l
G
u
i
d
e
:
H
o
w
t
o
T
h
r
i
v
e
i
n
U
n
c
e
r
t
a
i
n
E
c
o
n
o
m
i
c
T
i
m
e
s

Let’s
face
it—economic
downturns
or
market
disruptions
are
inevitable.
But
while
some
startups
flounder,
others
thrive.
What’s
the
difference?
Those
who
succeed
know
how
to
navigate
uncertainty,
make
smart
decisions,
and
find
opportunities
even
in
the
toughest
of
times.
So,
whether
you’re
dealing
with
a
shaky
economy,
rising
costs,
or
market
instability,
here’s
a
survival
guide
for
keeping
your
startup
not
just
alive—but
thriving.

 

G
e
t
Y
o
u
r
F
i
n
a
n
c
i
a
l
H
o
u
s
e
i
n
O
r
d
e
r
💰

 

In
uncertain
times,
cash
flow
is
king.
To
survive,
you
need
to
be
brutally
honest
about
your
financial
situation
and
make
some
tough
decisions. 

Here’s
how
to
start:

  • Review Your Burn Rate: How quickly are you burning through cash? Calculate your runway—the number of months you can operate before running out of money—and aim to extend it.
  • Cut Unnecessary Costs: Now’s the time to tighten up. Review your expenses and cut what’s not essential. Can you renegotiate contracts? Move to a more affordable workspace? Every bit helps.
  • Revisit Pricing: If your product or service provides significant value, don’t be afraid to adjust your pricing. Higher margins can give you more flexibility during tough times.

 

Pro
Tip:
If
you
can,
build
up
a
financial
cushion.
Having
6
to
12
months
of
operating
expenses
saved
can
give
you
peace
of
mind
and
room
to
manoeuvre.

 

S
c
a
l
i
n
g
T
e
a
m
s
w
i
t
h
C
o
n
f
i
d
e
n
c
e
:
T
h
e
S
u
b
s
c
r
i
p
t
i
o
n
M
o
d
e
l
f
o
r
R
e
c
r
u
i
t
m
e
n
t
💼

 

When
scaling
a
startup,
one
of
the
biggest
challenges
is
balancing
the
need
to
grow
your
team
with
the
necessity
of
keeping
a
tight
grip
on
your
finances.
This
is
where
the
subscription
model
for
recruitment,
like
that
offered
by
OH
Nederlands,
comes
in
as
a
game-changer. 


Predictable
Costs,
Scalable
Growth

Unlike
traditional
recruitment
methods
that
hit
you
with
hefty
one-time
fees,
a
subscription
model
allows
you
to
manage
hiring
costs
in
a
more
predictable,
controlled
way.
By
spreading
out
the
cost
of
recruitment,
you
gain
the
flexibility
to
continue
scaling
your
team
without
the
financial
strain
of
large,
upfront
payments.

  • Cash Flow Clarity: With a subscription, you know exactly how much you're spending each month, allowing you to accurately forecast your cash flow and budget accordingly.
  • Continuous Recruitment Support: Instead of paying for recruitment on a per-hire basis, the subscription model gives you ongoing access to top talent sourcing and recruitment services, ensuring you're never scrambling when it's time to add to your team.
  • No Surprise Costs: When you're navigating economic uncertainty, the last thing you need are unexpected recruitment expenses. The subscription model helps you avoid those surprise bills, making it easier to manage both short-term and long-term hiring plans.


Hiring
to
Scale—Without
Losing
Control
of
Finances

 One
of
the
biggest
pitfalls
startups
face
during
periods
of
rapid
growth
is
over-hiring
or
not
timing
hires
strategically.
With
the
OH
Nederlands
subscription
model,
you’re
not
just
paying
for
recruitment—you’re
getting
strategic
insights
into
when
to
scale
your
team
based
on
your
financial
forecasts.

  • Know When to Hire: We help you align your hiring with your cash flow, so you’re bringing on new team members at just the right time—when your business can support it.
  • Flexible Scaling: Whether you need to fill one role or build an entire team, the subscription model allows you to scale your recruitment efforts up or down based on your current needs and budget, without locking you into long-term contracts.


Forecasting
for
Future
Growth
 

In
uncertain
times,
knowing
where
your
money
is
going
and
planning
ahead
is
crucial.
The
subscription
model
provides
the
financial
transparency
and
control
you
need
to
forecast
not
just
your
operational
costs,
but
your
recruitment
and
team
scaling
needs
as
well.
At
OH
Nederlands,
we
understand
that
cash
flow
is
the
lifeblood
of
any
startup.
Our
recruitment
subscription
model
helps
you
plan
your
team
growth
with
confidence,
while
keeping
your
financial
health
in
check—so
you
can
focus
on
scaling,
not
stressing.

 

F
o
c
u
s
o
n
C
o
r
e
B
u
s
i
n
e
s
s
:
D
o
M
o
r
e
w
i
t
h
L
e
s
s
⚙️

 

When
resources
are
tight,
focus
on
your
core
strengths.
Avoid
getting
distracted
by
side
projects
or
new
ventures
that
may
drain
your
limited
time
and
energy.

  • Prioritise Your Best Customers: Who are your most loyal customers? Focus your efforts on serving them better and deepening those relationships.
  • Streamline Operations: Simplify and optimize your processes. Automation and technology can help you maintain productivity without increasing costs.
  • Consolidate Your Offerings: If you offer too many products or services, consider narrowing your focus to the most profitable ones.

Pro
Tip: 
Use
this
as
a
chance
to
refine
your
product-market
fit.
What
does
your
core
audience
really
need
right
now?
Pivot
your
product
if
necessary
to
meet
the
changing
market
demand.


D
i
v
e
r
s
i
f
y
Y
o
u
r
R
e
v
e
n
u
e
S
t
r
e
a
m
s
📈

 Relying
on
a
single
revenue
stream
is
risky
during
an
economic
downturn.
Think
about
how
you
can
diversify
your
income
sources
to
weather
the
storm.

  • Introduce New Offerings: Could you offer a new product or service that aligns with your core business? Subscription models, digital products, or training services can help bring in steady income.
  • Explore Partnerships: Collaborate with other startups or companies. Strategic partnerships can create new opportunities for revenue and help you reach a broader audience.
  • Tap into New Markets: Are there other customer segments or geographical areas you haven’t explored yet? Entering new markets can open up fresh opportunities for growth.

 

C
o
m
m
u
n
i
c
a
t
e
T
r
a
n
s
p
a
r
e
n
t
l
y
:
K
e
e
p
Y
o
u
r
T
e
a
m
a
n
d
C
u
s
t
o
m
e
r
s
i
n
t
h
e
L
o
o
p
📣

 

Uncertainty
creates
fear.
The
more
open
and
transparent
you
are,
the
more
trust
you’ll
build
with
your
team
and
customers.

  • With Your Team: Keep your team informed about what’s happening in the business, even when the news isn’t good. Transparency fosters loyalty and helps everyone rally together to weather the storm.
  • With Your Customers: Let your customers know how you’re adapting to the current situation. If you’re making changes to pricing, delivery times, or services, communicate these early to maintain trust.

 Pro
Tip: 
Transparency
doesn’t
mean
panic.
Frame
your
communications
positively—let
people
know
how
you’re
tackling
the
challenges
head-on.

 

B
e
R
e
a
d
y
t
o
P
i
v
o
t
:
F
l
e
x
i
b
i
l
i
t
y
i
s
K
e
y
🔄

 

In
a
volatile
market,
the
ability
to
pivot
quickly
can
be
the
difference
between
survival
and
failure.

  • Adapt to Changing Customer Needs: Pay close attention to how customer behaviour is shifting. Are there new needs or pain points your business can address? Don’t be afraid to change direction.
  • Innovate with Limited Resources: Constraints often breed creativity. Now is the perfect time to experiment with new ideas, services, or products that align with current market conditions.
  • Look for New Growth Opportunities: Some of the biggest startup success stories (like Airbnb and Uber) were born during recessions. Keep an eye out for emerging opportunities or underserved markets.

 

Wrapping
Up:
Embrace
the
Challenge
🏆

 

Thriving
in
uncertain
times
requires
grit,
adaptability,
and
a
clear
focus
on
what
matters
most.
While
the
road
ahead
may
be
bumpy,
following
these
strategies
can
help
you
steer
your
startup
through
the
storm
and
come
out
stronger
on
the
other
side.
And
remember,
you
don’t
have
to
do
it
alone.
At
OH
Nederlands,
we’re
here
to
support
you
with
insights,
resources,
and
a
community
of
founders
facing
the
same
challenges.

Ready
to
thrive,
even
in
uncertainty?
Let’s
make
it
happen.

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W
i
l
l
A
l
d
r
e
d

4th
October

Netherlands
The
Dutch
Founders
Journal