If you do any serious thinking about startup companies, you’ll quickly recognize that they don’t consist of very much. In the beginning, there is only a group of people who may or may not have an idea they are looking to make a reality. So it’s the lucky group that’s got people, an idea, and maybe a nice pot of freshly brewed coffee and some day-old pizza.

Many first-time entrepreneurs make the mistake of thinking their idea is their asset, but the reality is that the team of people working on the idea better be more valuable than the idea, or they’re in trouble. The world is built on people, and ideas, although important, are secondary.

So how do you know you’ve got the right people and that they make a good team? Skillsets, intra-team communications, personal networks, personal desires, and many other factors play into the effectiveness of a team. Only time working together can tell you, and the right team in the beginning isn’t necessarily the right team later in a venture’s life.

Investing time in your team is the only way to make your venture successful and keep it that way. Don’t ignore your greatest asset.

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