As we wrap up the year and plan for 2009, lets take a few minutes to look back at what 2008 was like for the NC Startup blog.   As regular readers know, the NC Startup blog is part of the Springstage project, a network of startup blogs founded by Alexander Muse and David Cohen.  Springstage is an ongoing project and if you think you could contribute, fill out an application here. The NC Startup Blog launched this past July and although its a part-time activity, we've slowly grown it to cover a variety of NC startup topics, from events to discussions to ideas to profiles of NC based startups.   As we move into 2009, we plan to continue all that, but to add some new stuff as well.   We'll do some live blogging of relevant events, do more interviews with founders and some follow-ups on startups we profiled previously to see how they have progressed.  We're also considering a live event in cooperation with www.linkingraleighnc.com. We'll also add more content to the site.  An event list with a calender, local links, a short-list of the start-up profiles we have run, possibly job postings (if we can do this without making it labor intensive) and the opportunity for local businesses to advertise. Meanwhile, Springstage will slowly continue to expand, with a bit af an unveiling early in 2009 of some new network features. So about that headline...  Yes, out with the new and in with the old.   The more you read about business, the more you realize that most "new" rules are just applications of the same old concepts.   Its not necessarily bad advice, but don't be fooled into thinking that 2009 is a whole new paradigm for startups.   We took that crazy roller-coaster ride in the late 90's that we now refer to as the "bubble" -- most of us have mixed feelings about it.  In the end, we realized that businesses need to generate a profit and throw off some cash (what a concept!). Here are some old ideas for the new year: 1. Focus on 1 idea.  The idea itself is less important than the execution. 2. Have a business plan.  Starting without a business plan is like driving fast with your eyes closed.  Sure, you may survive, but a startup is about maximizing the chances of success.  A business plan is not optional. 3. If you have partners, make sure somebody has enough control to make sure decisions are made. Not making a decision can be worse than making the wrong decison and fixing it later. 4. Expect to work hard -- for a long time.   If you love what you're doing, it won't feel like work. 5. Be flexible.  You will need to change your plan, refine your product, add or loose partners and do other things you never expected to be part of your new (ad)venture. So there are five rather "old" ideas that will serve you well in the new year.   Oh, and here is a bonus tip from David Cohen....  Start now (i.e. in 2009) and not sometime when you're "ready", when the economy is better, or when [insert excuse here] is better. Make 2009 your year!