Most startups don’t fail for lack of ideas, but because of myths that become operational truths. These are phrases that sound good, get repeated in conversations and, without realising it, guide decisions. The problem is that they tend to push teams to spend before the time is right, to hire poorly, or to chase metrics that don’t sustain a business. Revisiting the most common mistakes helps gain clarity and avoid stumbling where others already have.
Myth 1: “If the product is good, it will sell itself”
A good product helps, but without distribution there is no growth. Sales, channels and positioning are not a complement — they are part of the product. The typical mistake is spending months perfecting features without validating whether real demand exists and without building a minimal commercial process.
Myth 2: “More marketing will fix sales”
Marketing amplifies what already works, not what doesn’t exist. If the message isn’t clear or the proposition doesn’t convince, driving traffic only multiplies the noise. The most common mistake is spending on campaigns before understanding which segment buys and why. Without that, marketing becomes an invoice.
Myth 3: “Growing is the same as selling more”
Healthy growth means improving acquisition, activation, retention and expansion. If you only increase new sales but lose customers or reduce revenue from your existing base, you’re inflating a bucket full of holes.
Myth 4: “Hiring fast is professionalizing”
Premature hiring is one of the most expensive ways to burn cash. A senior role without context can generate more coordination than progress. The typical mistake is hiring to “solve everything” without clearly defining the problem, the objective and the process.
Myth 5: “The team needs more people, not more clarity”
Sometimes the problem isn’t capacity — it’s focus. Adding people to a confused system only multiplies the confusion. The frequent mistake is opening too many workstreams without a roadmap that prioritises by impact and opportunity cost.
Myth 6: “Cash flow can be managed once there’s revenue”
Cash flow is managed from day one. The recurring mistake is measuring success by “activity” rather than by runway, commitments and payment schedules.
Myths are countered with habits: measuring what matters, prioritising with focus, reviewing cash flow rigorously, and treating sales and distribution as part of the product. A startup doesn’t need heroics — it needs repeatable decisions that turn learning into progress.
Taking the next step is easier with specialised support. The Oficina Económica de Galicia is here to guide you with personalised advice and free resources to help your business grow.
