If you struggle with communication, find a partner who has strong social skills and can attend meetings and networking events on your behalf.

Communicate in written format where possible. This could be via emails. Ask someone to read over the conversation if you are unsure of hidden meanings so that you do not misinterpret a customer or client’s conversation.

Set alternative requirements for your business that you can draw upon if a partner does not agree with your vision. This could be asking for less money from an investor and having a different direction for the project also planned for this possibility. This should mean less stress if your project deviates from its original journey.

Hire people with good marketing skills to communicate what your product or service offers to ensure that it is as successful as it can be.

Do not neglect conducting research. Just because you believe in your product or service does not mean everyone does, or that it is needed.

Your business or start-up is likely to be focused around a special interest. This means you will have done a lot of research and know the area very well. Schedule check-ins with a mentor or business partner to ensure you are not spending time on a project or business long after it looks like it might fail.