Your First 90 Days as a CEO | Roadmap for Success
You’ve filed the paperwork, picked a name, and maybe even told a few people about your new business.
Now what?
Those first 90 days can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff — you’re excited, terrified, and have no idea whether to leap, crawl, or build a bridge before you take a single step.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to have it all figured out. In fact, most successful business owners spend their first few months experimenting, refining, and learning on the fly. The key is to focus on what actually matters in the beginning instead of trying to do everything all at once.
🎧 Want to hear me talk through this in real time?
Check out my podcast episode: What to Do in Your First 90 Days of Business (Even If You’re Making It Up) → [LINK TO EPISODE]
This roadmap will help you spend your time and energy where it counts so you can start building momentum from day one — without burning out or spinning your wheels.
Month 1: Foundation
Your first month is about building a solid base so you can grow without constant chaos. Think of this as pouring the concrete before you frame the house.
1. Get your business setup in order
Choose your business structure (LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.) and register it in your state.
Open a business bank account to separate your personal and business finances (this matters for taxes and credibility).
Set up basic bookkeeping — even a simple spreadsheet is better than nothing.
Get a business email address (not your personal Gmail).
2. Get crystal clear on your offer
Ask yourself:
What problem am I solving?
Who am I solving it for?
How can I explain it in one simple sentence?
A confused audience doesn’t buy. Clarity is your best marketing tool in the early days.
3. Start researching your audience
Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn communities, or forums where your ideal customers hang out.
Watch what they post about, what questions they ask, and what they complain about.
Keep a “Voice of Customer” document where you store exact phrases they use — these are marketing gold later.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t waste your first month agonizing over your logo, colors, or a perfect website. A simple, functional presence is enough while you focus on understanding your audience and proving your offer.
Month 2: Visibility
Once your foundation is in place, it’s time to let people know you exist. Visibility doesn’t mean being on every platform — it means showing up where it counts.
1. Start creating content
Choose 1–2 platforms where your audience is most active.
Share a mix of:
Educational content (tips, how-tos)
Personal stories (why you started, lessons learned)
Behind the scenes (what you’re working on)
Consistency matters more than perfection. Even one quality post a week can start building recognition.
2. Network intentionally
Reach out to other business owners for virtual coffee chats.
Attend local events, workshops, or co-working days.
Comment thoughtfully on posts from peers and potential clients.
Relationships in business are like compound interest — the earlier you invest, the more they pay off later.
3. Soft launch your offer
Announce to your network that you’re open for business.
Consider offering a limited-time bonus or beta rate to get your first clients in the door.
Ask for feedback and testimonials to refine your process.
📌 Quick Win: Create a simple landing page or one-page PDF that explains your offer. Send it to anyone who asks “What do you do?”
Month 3: Systems
By now, you’ve likely had your first clients, sales, or collaborations. This is the perfect time to start thinking about efficiency so you’re not reinventing the wheel every day.
1. Automate the repetitive stuff
Use a scheduling tool (like Calendly or Acuity) for booking calls.
Create canned email responses for FAQs.
Automate invoices, reminders, and payment confirmations.
2. Refine your workflows
Write out the step-by-step process for delivering your service or product.
Identify bottlenecks — could you template, batch, or delegate them?
Document your process so it’s easier to hand off later.
3. Review and adjust your offer
Look at your feedback: What’s working? What’s not?
Adjust pricing, scope, or delivery methods if needed.
Start thinking about what you want the next 90 days to look like.
💡 If you want a simple way to organize your weekly schedule, pricing, and startup checklist, my free CEO Starter Kit has templates that can help. It’s a practical companion to these first 90 days. → [LINK]
Mindset Shifts for New CEOs
The first 90 days aren’t just about tasks — they’re about learning to think and act like a CEO.
Progress over perfection: Done is better than perfect. You can refine as you go.
Your pace is your pace: Don’t compare your start to someone else’s middle.
Boundaries matter early: If you say yes to everything now, you’ll set the expectation that you’re always available.
One of the best habits you can build early is regular reflection. At the end of each week, ask yourself:
What worked well?
What didn’t?
What can I improve next week?
Common Early-Stage Mistakes to Avoid
Spreading yourself too thin: Trying to master every platform or offer multiple services before you’ve validated one.
Underpricing yourself: Low prices can make you resent your work and attract the wrong clients.
Neglecting finances: Even small revenue should be tracked from day one.
Avoiding visibility: If people don’t know you exist, they can’t hire you.
The Bottom Line: Keep Iterating
Your first 90 days are just the beginning. You’ll make mistakes, learn lessons, and shift directions — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to go.
Don’t wait for perfect conditions or a flawless plan. Take consistent action, keep listening to your audience, and refine as you go.
Because the truth is, no one’s really “making it up” — we’re all just figuring it out one step at a time.
