Friday, September 29 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
Elise is excited. Literally bouncing up and down as she walks, she turns to her mentor, Dave, and exclaims, “This is it! They are really going to give me the money I need to start.”
“Nope,” Dave states flatly without breaking stride.
“What do you mean, “nope”? You heard her. 25 grand is below even their average startup loan. My business plan is clean and my numbers are good. She said it was in the bag, just pending approval by the board.”
“I know what she said, kiddo. She lied. They are never going to give you 25 thousand dollars. I figure they are good for four to six grand, tops.”
This number deflated Elise’s excitement instantly. “I don’t understand.”
“Look, she is an advocate. It is her job to get excited about your project. It is her job to line up your information and tell them that you are a good risk, worth loaning money to. The board’s job is to take her argument and tear it apart, systematically reducing it to the bare bones reality of loan for collateral. You are allowing a lien against a few grand in collateral and your stock, which, while priceless to you, is worthless to them because they have no way to sell used clothes.”
“But…but they are supposed to be a non-profit. Their whole purpose for existing is to energize small local business by providing loans. How the hell are they any better than a bank if they still only think about their own bottom line?”
“They’re better than a bank because a bank would not even loan you that much, given your age and lack of credit. Look, their mission statement can wax poetic about the energy of young entrepreneurs, and “vision”, and trusting in the “character” of their applicants, but board that makes the decisions will never meet you. They don’t give a damn about your character. They are all old businessmen, used to thinking and making decisions like businessmen.”
“Why did you even take me to that place if they are going to be so tight-fisted?”
“Because in a few weeks they are going to call you and give you several thousand dollars, which will be several thousand dollars more than you would otherwise have. The interest rate is going to suck, but not nearly as much as the credit card debt that you will no doubt accumulate before this is all over.”
“But…this sucks. It took days to make the appointments, fill out the paperwork, and arrange that meeting. I just gave them rights to all my collateral. And for all that, I only managed to knock out, what, a sixth of my fundraising target?” Elise slowed to a stop, feeling a knot begin to form in her stomach. “Is this hopeless? Do I have any chance of putting together that much money?”
Dave stopped as well, turning back to face her. “You get discouraged way to easily,” he chided with a smile. “Yes, raising money is the hardest, most frustrating, most humiliating part a business start-up, but it is not impossible. Money attracts money. The more you have, the easier it gets to raise more. Stick with me, kiddo,” he insists, throwing his arm over her shoulders. “I’ll get you through this.”
Next week: Multitasking
Keep up with Elise and her story of becoming a successful entrepreneur:
Friday, September 29 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | Leave a Comment
How do you establish yourself as an expert in your field, marketing yourself as the person to turn to for expert advice and becoming the number one consumer’s choice? There are a great many ways to achieve this seemingly impossible task. Here are five suggestions to get you started:
1. Writing for publications and journals is a great way to become an expert in your field. You don’t need to be a novelist to write a top ten list of helpful hints. Pitch an article to a relevant trade magazine (there are plenty of books available on writing query letters). Even if your idea doesn’t make it to print, you may be called upon as an interviewee in an upcoming article.
2. Giving talks. There are plenty of training institutions that need advice from working professionals. Keep an eye out for relevant courses and offer your services. It will heighten your status as an expert and you may even find a future employee.
3. Having an information section on your website. I was once looking for house inspectors in New York and my research drove me to a site that had an article: ‘Things you should be looking for when getting a house inspection’. This unsolicited advice made me choose his website over others and put him in a good position for getting the job.
4. Attending trade shows is always a good way to make new contacts and establish yourself. Have at the ready, business cards and a quick minute pitch about what you do.
5. Join an online team. The internet is an information galaxy. If you can allot half an hour a day, try joining an online team much like mindpetals.com or other sites that establish you as an expert. Someone who is able to let others learn from their mistakes.
It doesn’t take much to become the leading expert in your field. In fact, time, knowledge and expertise are not the main ingredient. Learning how to help others, provide useful information and dedicate time to promoting yourself will let you leap frog the rest.
Friday, September 29 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
Guy’s viewpoint is not one shared by the majority of venture capitalists. Guy sees the best candidates for a successful start-up are young engineers with no business experience.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Friday, September 29 by David Askaripour in Life | 1 Comment
That’s a good question, eh? Are people natural born entrepreneurs or can entrepreneurship be taught? Personally, I am a proponent of the former. Entrepreneurship is something that lives deep down within us; something that someone either has or doesn’t; something that can’t be explained but only felt and lived out on a daily basis.
Look at all the leading entrepreneurs of our time: Gates, Branson, Buffet, Hughes, etc… all of these entrepreneurs were involved in entrepreneurial activities at a very young age. I believe that these men are living proof that entrepreneurs are born, not created.
Let’s face it, in life there are two groups of people: leaders and followers. Some people are born to lead. These leaders are the ones who aren’t scared to swim upstream when all their peers are swimming downstream, they are the ones taking the big risks when others are turning their backs on opportunities, and they are the ones breaking the status quo and disrupting the conformities of society every chance they get. The rebels, shakers, movers, and free thinkers. You know who you are.
On the other hand, we have the followers. These are the people who grow up playing it safe. They feel the need to be a part of the herd by following the paths that have been laid out for them. The status quo gives them safety and comfort; they know what to expect everyday and don’t embrace any sort of change whatsoever. In fact, at the sight of change, they panic and feel extremely vulnerable.
I believe that the natural entrepreneur is born a leader, not made into a leader. Leadership skills aren’t something that you can read out of a book and all of a sudden master; it has to come from within.
Entrepreneurship isn’t something that you can all of a sudden just get. It can never be as pragmatic as that. Entrepreneurship is a trait that one has from the beginning, not one that is picked up along the way.
Sure, someone who isn’t naturally entrepreneurial can indeed read books, watch movies, attend dozens of entrepreneurship classes, get an MBA, yadda..yadda..yadda… but their true colors as a person will always shine through no matter what. In time, their true character will prevail and in the end, they will concede to the fact that entrepreneurship is simply something that’s not within them.
I can already feel the blood boiling from all the business professors reading this article, but oh well. No matter how much training, how much practicing, how much reading, or how much involvement you have in the business world – if you just don’t have it, you just don’t have it.
In an attempt to put this debate to rest (that will never happen), Northeastern University’s School of Technological Entrepreneurship (STE) is currently conducting a survey to see if indeed entrepreneurs are born or bred. They are also providing a series of podcasts discussing the issue, so make sure to check that out.
What do you think: Born of Bred?
Friday, September 29 by Gina Laverde in Life | Leave a Comment
Perhaps the best thing we can do to improve ourselves is to give of ourselves. I’ve tutored and taught workshops since I was 17 years old, and I do believe my students have educated me just as well – if not better than my teachers. You hear people say stuff like this all the time, and quite often it seems pretty contrived.
First of all – volunteering is not supposed to be about us, but about them – the people in need, right? But, then again, not gaining from all of our experiences isn’t doing the world any favors. Clearing your mind of your own worries, and focusing on the needs of others for several hours a week will help round out your personality.
Let’s face it – working for ourselves affords us the immediate capability of becoming pretty selfish – if we allow it to. But there are so many people in need, and I know that you have little time to spare. So start small.
And where you start depends on where you live. Where I live, it’s a little too easy to spot people in need. But most libraries, park districts, churches, and even grocery stores and news papers have some sort of listings for needed volunteers. Also, groups like Americorps and Head Start programs accept volunteers that do not need to sign up for major commitment.
When I was 21, I was in charge of a youth program on the west side of Chicago – where 15 kids (ages 13-18) came to learn about art and community service. They came because their parents signed them up, and were un-interested (to say the least) in learning anything from me.
Half of them were taller than me – which did nothing for my authority. My initiation was a game called “Big Booty.” I was made to perform this song-dance “Big Booty” before they would even consider letting me into their circle.
The kids didn’t think I’d do it. And part of me just wanted to run out crying. I can’t sing worth a (you know what). But I“Big Bootyed” so loud and strong that they joined in. We laughed so hard that the hall security guard came into the room to check on me.
I was humbled but gained their respect at the same time. They taught me a lot about how to work with and communicate with people of different cultures, backgrounds and societies. We may have grown up in the same city and same school system – but our lives were worlds apart.
The kind of focus that they gave me has made its way into everything I do. As a writer – I cannot even explain how important it is to know my audience. And as someone who works in marketing – double important. We need to talk like our audience to get through to them.
And, the “Big Booty” language of that youth group helped break so many barriers for me.
Personal contact with those you are volunteering for is key. You’ll want to spend some time each week face to face with at least one “student.” There’s no need to immerse yourself in anything that feels uncomfortable. Do for them what you do best. Teach them what you know. Or just spend time listening.
Virtual volunteering – like e-mail communication is fine too. But, I find that it doesn’t do much for me. The computer is a great barrier that allows you retrain from becoming completely invested in the project.
Ask around and I’m sure you’ll find someone or some group who can use your assistance.
Thursday, September 28 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | Leave a Comment
There is a wonderful book by an Australian author called, Flying Solo (flyingsolo.com.au). I think it is particularly poignant for budding entrepreneurs and those already doing the solo thing. A memorable chapter for me was about building your support team, not an emotional one but a business one.
We can’t be everywhere at every moment nor should we want to. Building a team of reliable professionals is an important part of maintaining and managing your work load.
I don’t mean asking for freebies but enlisting the paid services of those you know are right for your business. I am constantly on the look out for people I think would be able to further my business, it is something I tell other freelancers and entrepreneurs to do.
In the feast and famine world of entrepreneurs, there will be a time when you need help. Trying to find it while you are already snowed under will only add to your anxiety. Do your research in your down time, so you are prepared for when the flood gates open.
All entrepreneurs should have at their fingertips professionals in the following areas. Agree on a set fee/structure prior to commencing work so you can concentrate on the tasks at hand and ensure you deliver quality service to your consumers regardless of volume.
Be on the look out for a good:
- Lawyer
- Accountant
- Computer tech
- Gofa – (go for this, go for that, person)
- Copywriter
- Printer
- Casual receptionist (who can answer phones, run errands, address emails when you can’t)
- A fellow professional who knows your area of expertise
Thursday, September 28 by David Askaripour in Life | Leave a Comment
It went something like this:
Joe: “Dave, remember I told you that I wanted to start a business?”
Dave: “Yeah dude, I remember.”
Joe: “Well I never got around to that, I’ve been slacking. But it doesn’t matter because I just ordered like 5 business books from Amazon and I’m going to catch up on everything in a few days.”
Dave: “Ahh… not too sure about that, dude.”
Joe: “Huh…what…ahh..?”
I can’t lie: it makes me angry when I hear other young entrepreneurs thinking that all it takes to build a successful business is to study a few dozen business books. They feel that it’s the key to making it big – just like that. 1, 2, 3. Piece of cake.
Ahhh… nope!
Don’t get me wrong, reading books (especially autobiographies of successful entrepreneurs) about entrepreneurship and business is great. No doubt. But it takes a lot more than reading to make it as a successful entrepreneur.
To think that books are going to be the fueling source of your business is to think that you’re going to become rich within hours of a great idea, just not going to happen. A lot of the confusion starts right in the classrooms believe it or not.
You have these “business” professors – many of which have never ran a business in their entire life – telling (preaching) students to read this or that book before jumping into a business. Blah…blah… So now you have a kid like Joe who feels the need to read a few accounting books, some finance books, and the three latest Donald Trump books before he starts developing his site.
This type of mentality is dangerous. The type of thinking that throws a wrench in the workings. You need to stop relying on books to get the ball rolling. The ball should already be rolling prior to your head being in books trying to teach yourself this or that. The fact of the matter is, you are going to learn more by doing, not solely read.
Sure, books are great tools to help advance your business acumen and improve aspects of your business. We should all be reading. But please, stop using them as a crutch to lean on. There comes a time when you have to take action and stop listening to the masses telling you to read another Rich Dad Poor Dad series.
So the next time someone tells you that you need to read a certain book before you can start a business, what are you going to say?
How about:
“Thanks dude, I may purchase that book if I have time… been so busy lately… first I need to make sure that I get my company’s latest website up and running, then take care of my clients, and attend some meetings… but thanks for the recommendation.”
Thursday, September 28 by Gina Laverde in Life | Leave a Comment
So it’s the beginning of your business venture and you need help from trustworthy people who believe in your cause – right? Oh, and lets not forget that these people probably need to be willing to work for peanuts – right?
Well, who would do that?
The obvious choices are the people who have been there for you all along. Friends and family. But should you ask them? How do you ask them? What if it doesn’t work out? I ask myself these questions every day.
I’d love to work with some of my family because I’d love for them to be involved in meaningful work that might turn a profit for them. I’d love to help them. And I did casually approach many of them earlier this year with ideas about how they can become involved.
Currently, none of my family members, with the exception of my husband, are directly involved in my business. Furthermore, none of my very talented best friends have a real interest in what I’m doing.
Deciding who can help build your business family is not an easy task, and you’ll probably make some mistakes. But, if the multi-tasker in you takes over – you will see that you can really build your business family as you promote your company and do a test-run on the relatives.
The scariest part about working with family is that if it doesn’t work out, you’ll still want to see them for Thanksgiving. You don’t want to ruin the relationship or feel as though you’ve wasted their time. So you kinda have to know your family before you decide to approach them. And, you have to go about it in a gentle manner.
Many family members say and mean that they will do anything for you. But, as human beings they can only do what is in their scope of reality. Your favorite aunt might love you to pieces, but does she have an entrepreneurial spirit? You and I are built for risk taking and those close to our business need to be on the same page.
It might not be that hard for you to find the entrepreneurs in your family – but these are the people who you should consider approaching first. But, remember to keep an open mind. Maybe the most they can offer you is advice. Everyone is so busy these days that we’re lucky to get free advice.
The law of averages works for me. In the beginning of my newest adventure I put the word out to everyone I know. I called and sent e-mails to friends, family, old teachers, and colleagues – explaining my commercial copywriting services and offering them free services. I also asked them to pass my word on to anyone they thought could benefit. And I mentioned that I’d appreciate if each person could distribute three of my business cards.
This original campaign put me in touch with well over 500 people. I’m sure we all know at least 500 people (think about it).
But, do you know how many people responded to me stating that they would have no idea about who could use my services?
Classmates from the Creative Writing department of my alma mater told me that they couldn’t fathom a friend or local business who was in need of ad copy, brochure writing, web copy, resume services, press releases etc. – for free. About six people said they’d pass out my cards.
About five weeks later I got a call from the manager of a local radio station who said hey… “I heard from…who heard from…. that you write… and I need you.” It worked. That client lead to more clients and my client list is growing.
So, get the word out to your friends and family, because at the very least they will listen and mention your name someday when something important might happen.
The best way to convince them that you’re serious is to show them something tangible… business plan, web site, photos, ads; tell them who else is involved, and specifically explain what their role would be in your eyes. Offer them free services so that you can build experience and they can realize your expertise. – this is also a good way for the both of you to transition if they need to refuse help.
An uncle who must refuse is far better than a friend with empty promises. Tell them that you only want them to commit what they truly have the time to offer. Tell them you are fine with a “no.” And, if an interested friend who sounds ultra enthusiastic about helping you, lets you down more than once in the beginning – let them go.
Remember, there really as to be something in it for them too. If they don’t NEED you too – you’ll probably be last on their list. And you cannot afford that.
Bottom line is that if we are lucky our family loves us. We’re practically floating on air if they understand us. And if they dig our business and can afford time to contribute to us – wow! But, entrepreneurs help entrepreneurs because we are on that same level.
Start with family, but build your network with people like you. Posting honest ads on Craig’s list and at local colleges has provided me with about 15 dedicated people who have truly made a difference in my business. When you ask an entrepreneur to help they will usually find a way.
Thursday, September 28 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
Often soul mates are found within your existing social network, but there is danger in that as well. Close relationships outside of a business environment can lead to promising more than can be delivered. Guy explains that it is a tricky process, and can be difficult if a soul mate is not fulfilling their duties.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Thursday, September 28 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | 1 Comment
Our plan was simple: open a school on Roatan Island in Honduras to teach music to children. My partner and I had 40 grand USD and fixed monthly income with which to build the school, support its activities, and live on the island. Out of that simple idea, from which we have never wavered, how could we predict where we are now?
My partner, not the school, wholly and personally owns the school site, providing it, the equipment, and her services to the school as a 1099 contractor. We are incorporated as a US 501(c)3 corporation in the state of Nevada (a state which neither of us has more than briefly visited). I am whole owner of the company (though I have invested not a penny into its formation) but that means little because the company has no assets. Every donation to the corporation goes into paying its monthly expenses, a variable amount always exactly equal to its income.
Does any of this sound strange to you? Does any of this sound convoluted, irrational, or contrived? Well, it is. Yet nothing here is illegal. Nothing here is shady, underhanded, or even unusual.
Everything above is a fiction, legal in nature and going to the purpose of preserving and maximized the company’s effectiveness. We have been forced to create these fictions due to many strange conflicts and convolutions that are created by the tri-fold interaction between international business law, non-profit activity rules, and practical reality. In truth, the business works exactly as you think it should. We work hard, we get a few donations, raise a little money with gigs, and then we cover the rest of the costs out of pocket. We teach children, march in parades, and play music.
It works. It is weird and counter-intuitive, but it is what we had to do to follow all the rules and keep everyone happy. Keep all this in mind when you are setting up your business. What is real and what is on paper do not always match up.
Wednesday, September 27 by David Askaripour in Start-Ups | 3 Comments
NoteMesh is definitely an interesting project. Think about it: you take notes in class and then you come back to your dorm, jump on the net, and you review, edit, adjust, and correct the notes with the rest of your classmates – pretty neat.
Essentially, NoteMesh is a wiki for class notes and I think that it has the potential to take off if it can build a critical mass of students at a particular school. However, it’s not going to be easy.
Actually getting students to type up their notes after sitting through the grueling hours of class isn’t exactly easy. From my experiences, students usually don’t want to take the extra step when it comes to adding additional work to their already busy and hectic school schedules.
Though the service makes perfect sense, it’s going to be a hard puppy to scale and gain critical mass. The college market is extremely fickle and not prone to continuing unnecessary school work outside of the classroom unless they have to –- heck, students already have a hard enough time getting homework done, let alone typing up their class notes.
I’m in NoteMesh’s corner and would love to see their project gain traction. If they can gain a few evangelists to get the ball rolling by actually typing their notes up, then I think they may have a chance.
Wednesday, September 27 by Gina Laverde in Life | Leave a Comment
Being a perfectionist doesn’t mean that I’m perfect at everything I do. Sometimes it just means that I devote hour after hour analyzing a project until it looks like perfection to me – in the hopes that my client will gush over its coolness and be so ultra thankful for hiring me.
I must say that, because of this, many of my lessons have come hard-learned. Yesterday I was informed that I majorly messed up on a very important assignment. Naturally, the perfectionist in me didn’t want to believe it at first. The screw up was completely unintentional. Nonetheless, I did drop the ball, and could not go back to correct the mistake.
For several years, I’ve been searching for challenging work, and I’ve finally found it. Running my magazine and writing stories really means I’m working for myself and have not been pushed to my creative potential. It also means that I haven’t been accustomed to paying for my mistakes. Now that I’ve found challenging work – my ball-dropping affects many people.
On the same token – I have learned more about myself, my business and my writing in the past six months than I think I did all through college. Yesterday’s mishap and the advice my client gave me has already made me better at what I do.
Lately, I’ve joked that this client (who as never complimented my work) was in fact giving me an ulcer. But, he was actually teaching me a needed lesson about toughening up, accepting criticism and cutting back on the perfectionist tendencies. Perfectionism might just be what disables many new business owners.
I’d felt lucky to get this demanding assignment and spent way more time “perfecting” it than I could really afford. I wanted to gain experience and expand my portfolio. I just didn’t intend for the “experience” to be a negative reaction to my work.
I’ve gained more from this than my client, and do feel kind of bad about that. But, I gained from it because I surrounded myself with people who are better at what I do than I am. People who could teach me. I’ve spent years with others who love me and my work, and I’ve been living on this stagnant line of un-improvement.
Everyone loves to be loved and told that they do great work. When you start a new business, it is necessary to form a good base of supporters in the very beginning. But, trust me, you’ll never improve until you surround yourself with people who are smarter than you.
It takes a lot of courage and confidence to enter a situation where you think you might fail. I didn’t think I would fail because I was trying so hard. Another lesson learned – I tried too hard. Had I spent less time on the project, I may have been able to learn lesson #1 a lot sooner, and actually correct the mistake.
Yeah, it’s important to produce quality work. But it’s also important to produce new work. I cannot produce new work if I’m mulling over the same assignment for too long. Each project is a step towards better paying/more important aspects of our businesses.
Nothing is perfect. It’s all a journey.
Wednesday, September 27 by David Askaripour in Video | 1 Comment
Guy’s golden touch - whatever is gold, Guy touches. If a product or services is worthwhile, then evangelists will come to you. If you are having a hard time finding someone to spread the message about your product, then you may need to re-evaluate your product or your goals. Build something great, and the evangelists will be there.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Wednesday, September 27 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | Leave a Comment
We all like to work with people we know. There is much less stress, much less room for error and over all, a much greater chance of you being able to do your work while they do theirs, as promised. It’s important therefore, to have your little spiel in tact to turn small talk into business.
There is nothing worse than those annoying business people, with the flashy smile, business card at the ready, their ulterior motive, insultingly obvious. These cards I normally throw away.
So how do you avoid cramming your information down other people’s throats? After all most of these meetings happen post work hours.
You approach it like a human being. When the opportunity arises, let people know what you do, if you are as passionate about it as a good entrepreneur should be, your enthusiasm will be infectious soliciting questions and requests for more information.
Stuttering a reply to ‘what do you do?’ is never a good first impression. Have your answer at the ready particularly if you do more than one thing.
For instance mine is always, “I am a singer by trade but I also produce TV shows, write books and am on the telly in Australia”, that way I’ve covered the bases I want covered.
It’s no use forgetting one thing then saying, “oh yeah, I do that too” when someone mentions a topic - you don’t look particularly credible.
It’s not hard to turn small talk into business. Be inquisitive, friendly and prepared.
Wednesday, September 27 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
There are two main types of entrepreneurs.
The first type is the Lifestyler. The Lifestyle entrepreneur opens his or her businesses because owning and operating that business is his or her dream. The Lifestyler wants to make money, sure, but more importantly the lifestyler wants to have fun, take it easy, explore new ideas, and live well. It is a good way to go into business. It leads to a cautious, enthusiastic management style and, assuming all goes well, leads to a great and fulfilling life.
The second type of entrepreneur is the Moneymaker. Moneymakers almost certainly have some interest, passion, or skill in his or her business’s product or service, but, in the end, the product is a detail. To the moneymaker video games, limousine service, or web design consultancy are interchangeable so long as the business model is sound and promises to create wealth. Most moneymakers have little interest in living out the rest of their lives at the head of the business they start now. They either hope to retire early, or sell their first business and use the capital to start bigger, more profitable businesses in the future.
There are certainly crossovers, half steps and subtle permutations, but these two main themes define the vast majority of entrepreneurs.
This is my recommendation, gentler readers: ask yourself which type you are, Lifestyler or Moneymaker. The answer is important. Knowing the answer will influence many of your decisions as well as defining the ultimate fate of your relationship with your business as it becomes successful.
Tuesday, September 26 by Gina Laverde in Life | Leave a Comment
Okay, so I got semi-addicted to Sex and the City last Thursday. And it’s just like me to get sucked into a show like that a zillion moons after the series ends. But, I’d had a difficult week full of serious decision making and harsh realizations. And to top it off – my two year old destroyed our two television/DVD players in as many days.
Left with no mind-numbing entertainment, sitcom connection or extra cash – I walked on over to my public library and picked up season six. I can watch DVDs on my laptop, but was left with the limited selection available on the “free” shelf. Besides, I considered, the main character is a writer and I’m a writer – how fun!?!?
Seven hours and 14 episodes I later – one thought kept ringing through my mind. There were way too many firsts on this show. This ultra popular chick-melodrama continuously banked on the same concept. I can hear the Carrie voice-over repeating stuff like for the first time… Charlotte, or today Miranda… for the first time…
Did these characters really come to such important realizations each day? Are we to believe that people can experience such life altering firsts EVERY DAY?
I know some people who learn important new things every day, but they’re all under the age of 10. Today, for example – my son discovered the “j” sound and used it about 763 times… in a row.
First, I decided that the whole show was disgustingly exaggerated and a weak portrayal of real life. Then I wondered if there is a season seven. Is there a season seven? So, last week for the first time, Gina learned that she is not above spending an entire night glued to a superficial sex series. Even if it is a couple years behind the rest of the world.
Then, it was as if I’d had some sort of epiphany. Friday morning, I woke up relaxed and with this burning desire to do my hair. And wear make-up. Soon I was counting my firsts. And, realizing that I do learn new things each day. Friday I finally learned that it’s completely necessary to put a “due date” on invoices. I know, I should’ve learned this long ago – but I just came to grips with it on Friday.
Saturday I learned some new HTML rules that make me feel less in the dark about running my web page. And Sunday, I finally learned how to juggle three bean bags – it was family day. I don’t know if I would’ve noticed that I was learning these new things if it wasn’t for Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. And, just so that I don’t forget that I am just as on top of things as they are – I’m forcing myself to seek out new info.
And so it is that I’ve been back to the library to get, um…books. Do most people get inspired to read after watching a show with the word “sex” in the title? Hmmm – either way, I assure you that I am not really that boring. I’ve checked out HTML books, The Canterbury Tales, grammar guides and some religion stuff. I also read the newspaper on Friday.
I know that it’s important to read the paper every day – hey I write for a paper. But sometimes, I’m just so surrounded by it that I don’t have time to pay attention.
People like us need to be on top of EVERYTHING, huh? And the days easily run together when you’re running a business. I haven’t used my library card since college (4 years ago), and I feel sort of dummed down. Sometimes, business is the only thing I can talk about. But there’s so much free knowledge out there in the libraries, free museums, and even just talking and observing others on the street.
It doesn’t take forever to discover a bit about what others are doing and what makes the non-entrepreneur tick. Read a tabloid in the grocery store check-out, rent a cheesy flick and take a long break. Take advantage of all the free entertainment your city has to offer – you’ll probably meet others like you there. I think the best new ideas come from surprise places.
Tuesday, September 26 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
Guy talks about two examples of early-stage funding, bootstrapping and venture capital, and the benefits and drawbacks of both. Ultimately, he believes that too much money is worse than not enough money, and that both methods can be successful of a smart approach is taken with the funds that are received.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Tuesday, September 26 by David Askaripour in Life | Leave a Comment
Entrepreneurs need a blazin’, super sexy, and really fast internet connection at all times. The dialup days should be over for entrepreneurs running a serious business on the net – just not worth it. There are many reasons why the entrepreneur, particularly the webpreneur, should be constantly coasting down the internet freeway with the petal to the metal. Here are a few:
VOIP Conference Calls >>
I recently was on a conference call with a client and design/programming team. My client had a horrible internet connection while we were using his Vonage 3-way calling option – it was a mess. His voice was coming in and out and echoing like no tomorrow.
Due to the latency issues, his words were never completed and it became very frustrating for my team to understand the client’s needs. The client also became frustrated as he constantly apologized for his weak connection.
The deal ended up falling through due to the frustration of the conference call. Had we had a fast enough connection, I seriously think the deal would have been closed…but it was too late and the confidence level was destroyed during that phone call with my client.
Updating Server >>
As webpreneurs, we are obviously running our businesses on servers and many of us actually maintain our own on a daily basis. Updating files on a slow server is akin to using a dull knife to cut meat – it’s just down right dangerous!
Without a fast connection while moving around files on your server, you can create much more damage than good. What if you were updating database files of your wordpress system and all of a sudden you lose connection? Well it’s possible that when you gain connection those files could be missing or even possibly saved in a state other than you wanted – I’ve had this happen to me and it wasn’t pretty.
Just as you wouldn’t drink and drive, don’t be dumb and jump on a server with a slow connection. It’s better to wait until you have a fast connection to get back on the server.
Reboot your system or disconnect your internet connection for a few minutes, but make sure to sign off and kill the connection until you can gain a better one. Update your server responsibly, lives are at stake (well, readers and clients…).
Instant Messaging >>
Ever have those business clients/partners of yours that are only accessible with Instant Messenger because they never check their emails… or just never respond. Grrr… Sure, you know who I’m talking about.
Well there may be times when you have set up meetings to chat with a client on IM and all of a sudden, halfway through the meeting, the connection gets super slow and it’s now taking 2 minutes to get your message across to your client as opposed to a tenth of a second.
Now what? Well now your client has to go because he has another meeting and you wasted the past hour explaining your plans on how you were going to improve your client’s site but now he’s not interested because how can he trust someone who doesn’t even have a decent internet connection to build an entire web application for him. Doesn’t add up, does it?
So please, if you’re a webpreneur make sure to have a fast connection. It’ll save you countless hours of frustration, stress, and drama across your entire business. It’s really worth not having a connection that’s can potentially hurt the bottom-line of your company and more importantly, the confidence of your clients and partners who depend on you. In the end, you’ll lose money, possibly respect, and maybe even your sanity.
Surf responsibly and increase the speed!
Have any other reasons to share?
Tuesday, September 26 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
Have you ever heard the term “serial entrepreneur”?
Here’s a new one for you: “parallel entrepreneur”.
While the very wealthy have often held control of several interlinked corporations at one time, the information age and the economic powerhouse of the internet has given rise to several complicated but low-investment business models that revolve around the tandem incorporation of two, three, or more separate corporate entities.
If you are one of these unique and specialized entrepreneurs, I would like to direct your attention to the following website: bizfilings.com
For one low rate, Bizfilings offers complete filing, incorporation, and registered agent packages, scalable and customizable to your unique needs.
Their pricing amazed me. Doing everything personally and cutting costs at every turn, I still doubt that an entrepreneur could save more than a scant few dollars over Bizfilings’ package prices. If you are filing outside of your own state, than there is simply no way to do it cheaper than through this service.
Now, for a standard model entrepreneur opening your first business, I still recommend doing it yourself. The lessons you will learn about dealing with the state and federal government, about tax structures, articles of incorporation, and business accountancy are invaluable. Yet if you are a serial entrepreneur opening your second, third, or fourth business, or if you are assembling one of those clever webs of online enterprises, this service will save you many dollars and, more vital still, precious hours and days.
I will certainly be using the service from now on.
Tuesday, September 26 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | Leave a Comment
Dave Cool (that really is his name) a fellow entrepreneur and owner of Stand Alone Records, set out to dispel the myth with his independently released documentary, “What is Indie?” Here is more from a recent interview with him.
Catch up with Part 1.
> Did you stick to the budget?
I didn’t go over the maximum that I wanted to spend, but looking back I
probably could’ve saved some money in certain places, especially with travel
costs. New York City can be expensive!
> Did you seek outside funding? Why/Why not?
Surprisingly, no. Here in Canada there are actually a lot of grant programs
to get funding, but the project always seemed to fall through the cracks
with their criteria, so I just funded it all on my own credit. I had some
people offer to invest cash, but there’s always strings attached with that
and I wanted to retain complete control over the project.
> How have you been marketing it?
I formed a lot of strategic partnerships with companies in the indie music
industry, so those have been great for marketing the film, essentially
through contests, giveaways, special promotions etc.
Most of the marketing so far has been online through the film’s website and
MySpace, but the other aspect has been getting screenings at music
conferences and film festivals, as well as in bars and clubs around North
America.
> What has been your most successful tactic?
It’s a toss up between offering to giveaway the film on DVD each month to a
new mailing list subscriber (which has attracted hundreds of new
subscribers) and offering to let people host their own screenings of the
film, which has also done really well.
> If you could do it all again what would you change?
Ah yes, the hindsight question. Well, one thing I would’ve changed would be
to not tell anyone they were going to be in the film until after it was edited!
Cutting people out was by far the hardest part of the process.
Check out whatisindiemovie.com
Monday, September 25 by David Askaripour in Innovation | 2 Comments
Time and time again we hear the same words coming from our friends, peers, and acquaintances: “I’m going to start a business and become super rich and successful one day. I’m going to change the world, just watch!” It’s become ubiquitous in our society to hear such a statement of venturing out to start a business, but here’s the thing: 9 out of 10 of those people with high hopes and big dreams will never – ever, ever, ever — get past their words and have absolutely no follow-through.
It’s so easy to stay that you want to start a business, but actually starting one is a whole different story as many of us already know. It feels great to think about all the fortune, prosperity, and notoriety that may come from starting a business and turning it into something big – it really does feel great. But what leads many people to never actually starting a business is the pain.
What pain are you talking about? Well, let’s be honest, starting a business isn’t easy and in almost every entrepreneur’s life, success goes
hand-in-hand with pain, struggle, stress, and plenty of hardship.
Achilles – the great Greek warrior – knew that his fame went hand-in-hand with his doom, but the desire to be remembered for eternity lead him to take action and never stop fighting. Though it was painful, he’ll be remembered forever.
This is they type of pain that will cause many people who “speak” of becoming an entrepreneur to end up swallowing their words and never following through with their aspirations.
You need to understand that entrepreneurship is much more than ideas, dreams, and aspirations, it’s really about “actions.” It’s about waking up in the morning and not just thinking about creating a business, but actually taking steps to make your visions a reality.
Sure, it’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be very hard. But without taking action and following through on your visions to become successful, you’re simply never going to make anything happen and you’re dreams will never be materialized – I can promise you that.
There comes a point when you have to really ask yourself: “How come I can’t follow-through on any of my ideas or goals?” The answer may be that you’re not cut out for the life of an entrepreneur and your subconscious is at war with your conscious telling you: “This isn’t for you, buddy. So sit back and relax, grab some chips, and forget about doing any work today… Or better yet, just get a job and forget about this entrepreneurship mumbo jumbo”
For those of you who are really, really hungry to become a successful entrepreneur, you’ll understand that taking action is the most important thing that you can do to make things happen and change your life.
Many new entrepreneurs fall into the trap of thinking like this: “I have to consult with this or that person before I start anything. I have to read this book before I do this. I have to email these people and ask for their opinions before I move forward. I have to write this 30 page business plan first. I have to do tons of market research before I feel comfortable moving forward. I have to BLAH…BLAH…BLAH….”
Com’on guys, do you really think it makes sense to feel “comfortable” before starting anything in life. No. No. No. The truth of the matter is that it’s not going to be comfortable when starting a business so you may as well get at it NOW, and stop worrying about all the little angles that you think “must” be covered before you start anything. That’s not the right way to think and if you are thinking that way, you better take a rain-check on becoming an entrepreneur.
You need to jump into it now. Sure, you may not have all your bases covered initially, but that’s what entrepreneurship is about: learning as you go along, trial and error, experimentation.
In the game (art) of chess you have two classifications of moves: fast and slow. Fast moves are usually categorized as moves that are ambitious, bold, and aggressive. Fast moves usually throw your opponent off but at the same time are very risky. However, they can lead to huge advantages.
Slow moves, on the other hand, are extremely passive moves that are usually taken when a player over-thinks the situation and takes many steps back to “eventually” go many steps forward – in general, these passive moves turn into mistakes and are easily capitalized on by the bolder player who was willing to experiment and take a chance. This is how I used to beat expert chess players as a novice.
Point being, in business — like chess — there comes a point when you just have to go for it! When you just have to close the books, stop all the emails and phone calls, and just start doing it. Stop thinking and start doing.
Either follow-through or fall through.
Monday, September 25 by David Askaripour in Member's Stuff | Leave a Comment
Isn’t it great connecting to entrepreneurs from all over the world? As an entrepreneur you should always seek to learn about how others are creating businesses in different countries – you’ll become a worldly entrepreneur that way.
Steve Waters is a young serial entrepreneur from the UK who has been running various ecommerce sites for the past 3 years. Many of you entrepreneurs have your own online stores — My Business Week can be a great source of information for you.
Follow Steve as he brings you on a journey of running his startups to becoming a successful entrepreneur. You’ll appreciate the many tips that Steve includes in his articles.
Welcome, Steve.
Monday, September 25 by Gina Laverde in Life | 2 Comments
Waking up on this Monday morning after my first weekend off in well over a year – I have to say I feel really refreshed and relaxed. I’m glad I decided to take my own advice and focus on something other than work for a few days.
But I’ve been away from my laptop for more than 30 hours and, I almost don’t know where to start. I know what I’m dreading the most, though. The phone. Why is it that EVERYONE has to call on a Monday? And why is it that it seems I have to make so many calls today? I’m not sure if I hate the phone because of my two years as a telephone representative, or if it’s the mere fact that I can’t muster up a unique conversation for the 13 people on my call list.
I’ve got my list of people to phone and of course I know why I’m calling. Yet, I’m either completely uninterested in making the calls or simply overwhelmed at the amount I have to make. I know that the best thing I can do is just start. But, have you ever just blindly started making phone calls and had someone keep you on the line for countless wasted minutes?
My solution: never make business calls on a Monday unless you have a confirmed phone appointment. Most people take the weekend off and spend their first day back in the office catching up. Monday phone calls will usually send you to voice mail, or catch your contact so off guard that she’ll wind up discussing her amazing weekend or asking you to call back.
Many of my copywriting clients are restaurant owners and small practice physicians who either close on Monday or use it as a late start day. If I want to be sent to voice mail – then this is a great time to call. Maybe I have a message to send that will sound better on their answering machine that it will through e-mail. Otherwise I save the down to business calls for Tuesday.
My phone will ring today, hopefully. Regardless of my phone standards — people will still call me to find out how close I am to finishing this or that. Or perhaps, I’ll even get a “good news” call. Your phone will ring too and you’d better answer it. We’re entrepreneurs and we’ve gotta take all the calls we possibly be can – until we retire (which is rare for the entrepreneurial at heart).
Just remember that when your phone rings today – you are in control. The guy on the other line is still reminiscing about his Saturday nap or Sunday Football game. Be kind and to the point and you’ll be able to get him off the phone in a fraction of his Tuesday time. He might be dreading the call too. But he called for a reason. Ask him what you can help him with today. I often tell people who ramble that I don’t want to keep them (even if they called me).
I try to get people off the phone in under 10 minutes. Positive action verbs actually help here too – thank you English 101. For example don’t say: oh um I was going to… say: I am … By saying I am, you eliminate the possibility that you are doubting yourself, and you eliminate the possibility of discussion. I’m not suggesting that you need to act as though you know everything. But you’re obviously quite good at what you do, right? Make them believe that.
Mondays are hard for us all — the guy on the other end of the line wants to get back to his work just as much as you do.
Monday, September 25 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | 1 Comment
What is Indie? It’s a question many artists, fans and musicians are constantly trying to answer - one person’s definition is rarely the same as another’s.
Dave Cool (that really is his name) a fellow entrepreneur and owner of Stand Alone Records, set out to dispel the myth with his independently released documentary, “What is Indie?”
Featuring interviews from Panos Panay (Founder of Sonicbids), Derek Sivers (Founder of CD Baby) and Suzanne Glass (Founder of Indie-Music.com), as well as 20 artists including Ember Swift and Paul Cargnello, it was filmed throughout the US and Canada and explores the theme of what it means to be an Indie artist.
To be an Indie artist requires a performer to take over aspects of show business once only handled by major labels, things such as marketing, distribution and promotion.
This documentary is not only informative and enlightening as a retrospective look at an evolving market place but it is also a great example of how multi-media can raise your business’ profile.
Dave was kind enough to answer a few questions for us, the interview will be posted in its entirety over the next few days. Till then check out www.whatisindiemovie.com
> Any tips for people wanting to make a documentary about their industry?
I would just say that there are a ton of people out there willing to work on
DIY projects just for the experience, so take advantage. But before you
start your film, my best advice would be to PLAN. Plan everything ahead of
time, believe me, it’s going to save you a lot of headaches down the road!
> Did you do an initial budget for the DVD?
Kind of, but not really! The film actually started out as being just a short
10-minute thing we were going to throw onto a compilation CD as a
multi-media file, but then it grew into a full-blown documentary film. So I
basically just kept putting money into it as long I could do so, but I knew
that I didn’t want to surpass a certain limit.
> Were you surprised or horrified at the potential costs?
I was surprised in the end how little we actually spent compared to most
productions, but that was mainly due to the fact that my cameraman and
editor worked for a fraction of their usual fees because they were really
into the project. However I did give them some revenue-sharing in the
project for their kindness 
Tune in tomorrow for more…………..
Monday, September 25 by Lema Khorshid in Operations | 4 Comments
Sometimes, I am stunned at how many entrepreneurs underestimate the value of competent legal counsel. They seem to do some sort of “weird math” that justifies subtracting legal fees only to add more money to the decorating budget.
That is when I find myself asking if the expensive art deco lamp in the corner back office (that no one really sees) is more valuable, for example, than hiring an attorney to draft their contracts. Time and time again, the lamp always seems to win out. It seems “art deco” must be more palatable than incurring legal fees. Who would have ever envisioned that to be the case?
All pun aside . . . let’s face it. In the long run, legal fees do add up. But, having competent legal counsel will save you money. I like to think of it as an expenditure with a concrete return on your investment.
For example, your lawyer will help you to negotiate favorable terms in your contracts; draft contracts that clearly reflect the terms of your business deal; and he/she can ensure that your contracts contain provisions that safeguard your revenue stream. In addition, your lawyer can apprise you of new developments in the law that can affect the operations and profitability of your business. I can’t make the same argument for the art deco lamp. . .
So the next time you sit down to budget for your business, it might be best to leave the expensive art deco lamp at the furniture store and opt to hire an attorney instead.
Monday, September 25 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
Guy shares some of the qualities that he believes entrepreneurs, and everyone else, should have. In order to be a mensch, a person who is widely respected and trusted, one should help those who cannot be helpful in return, do the right thing in the right way, and pay back to society.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Monday, September 25 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
All banana republic jokes aside, Honduras’ government is not really all that different from the USAs. The politicians go by their first names because too many of them share the same last names, but that is only a matter of scale.
Any business owner of any size will eventually meet a local politician. There is no need to seek them out; they will come to you. The will show up at your site or you will meet them on the street or happen into them at a party. The first thing they will do is offer to help you out.
On the small island community here on Roatan, we managed to meet all three of the major elected executives within a week. Oh, the things they promised…road improvements, telephone service (there was none), a water cistern (also non-existent in our area) to name but a few.
We have been operating for one year as of the end of this month. Thus far, we have received the road improvement (as of three months ago.) That we received, not due to the politician himself, but as the result of a long conversation between my partner and the politician in question’s wife (never doubt the power of that particular play.)
Now, to be honest, we didn’t exactly bank on seeing these promised infrastructure improvement materialize, but it is easy to be taken in by the enthusiasm, excitement, and seeming sincerity that politicians inevitably seem to bring into every conversation. There is no sinister intent here, no cruelty, it is just that politicians live and die on other people’s opinions, and there is no faster way to improve another person’s opinion of you than promising him something he wants.
Sunday, September 24 by David Askaripour in Member's Stuff | 2 Comments
It wasn’t too long ago that I was sitting 2 feet away from a white wall in an employee cage (re: cubicle). And I have to tell you, it truly was hell. Heck, if they are going to put you in a cube at your job, they can at least provide a nearby window to view the scenery while you continue to make your employers and company founders richer by the day.
Are you ready to flee the cube? Are you ready to quit your job and become a full-time entrepreneur? I don’t know, but you do. For many, living a “safe” life of steady paychecks and predictable days is the only thing that you will ever know.
But let’s be real: is a “job” really that safe in this day and age when layoffs and company acquisitions have become commonplace.
The self-employed entrepreneur is turning out to be living the “safer” life as he/she is in control of their destiny. Sure, the tradeoff of a steady check for the cyclical financial waves of the entrepreneur can be scary, indeed.
But the chance to have everything that you’ve ever wanted, to help millions of people, and to change the world is worth all the risk in the world – wouldn’t you say?
Flee the Cube, written by Cesar Gonzalez, is a blog that was created after Ceasar fled his cube for a life of entrepreneurship. Follow him as he chronicles his life from employee to employer.
Welcome, Cesar.
Friday, September 22 by David Askaripour in Communities | Leave a Comment
As promised in this mornings post, I’m back with some cool shots and commentary from the One Web Day event that took place at Battery Park here in Manhattan.
The weather was great – not too hot, not too chilly – and the energy coming off of all the net lovers was definitely felt.
Though the turnout was on the small side, founder of One Web Day (Susan Crawford ) stated that the event was an “experiment” and expected the holiday to grow with supporters every year.
She was absolutely right. We’re only scratching the surface with the web and we still have a long, long way to go until more people become as enthusiastic about the web as us “nerds and geeks.” It’s happening.
Here’s a shot of law professor and founder of One Web Day, Susan Crawford:
The first ever global icon for wireless hotspots was presented at the event. Keep an eye out for this icon. Looks a bit like the RSS icon, eh.
Here’s a shot of Craig Newmark – founder of Craigslist – and some corresponding clips of a short movie that was played, explaining the brilliance of craigslist:
Here’s a shot of Scott Heiferman of Meetup:
Oh.. and last but not least, here’s shot of some big balls from the Wall Street Bull up the street. For all of those risk-adverse people out there, this graphic image may help encourage you to start making things happen! LOL…
Overall, it was a great event. Celebrating One Web Day really felt good and I hope that this holiday continues. Actually, it will continue! And the web will grow! At this point, it’s unstoppable and we’re lovin’ it babe!
Friday, September 22 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
How Much?
As near as Elise and her mentor can figure, Elise needs $25,000 to start her business. Roughly, this breaks down as follows:
$2,000 for filing, licensing, and accounting fees
$6,000 for the security deposit plus first three months rent on her storefront
$3,000 for furniture and interior decorations
$1,000 for signage and storefront decorations
$3,000 for advertising over the course of the first three months
$1,000 for a new sewing machine and various sewing implements to go in the back room
$5,000 for additional stock (the number is only so low because Elise has an overflowing personal closet to contribute directly to starting inventory, representing a lifetime’s accumulation)
Of the final $4,000 dollars, some has been set aside for miscellany such as office supplies, and the rest is reserved as an emergency cushion.
“And even if I get it all as a zero interest loan, this sheet says it will take me almost three years to pay it all off.”
“You didn’t think this was going to be easy, did you?”
“No,” Elise admits, petulantly, “I guess not.” Actually, she did, but that is neither here nor there.
“Look, we are going to do what we can to whittle this number down, while, at the same time, trying to raise the money in chunks. For example, you should take a crack at trying to get a used sewing machine, rather than a new one. My mom does a lot of sewing, and she insists that a twenty-five year old Elna is just as good as the shiniest new sewing machine on the market.”
“Guess I can sell my car,” Elise shrugs.
“No way,” David exclaims instantly. “Not a chance. Your car is far more valuable to you as collateral. You sell that heap you may get a few hundred dollars. As collateral for a loan it will net you bluebook, two grand at least.”
“But it’s not worth bluebook. Not even close. My transmission is shot, and I am not even sure if there is a muffler under there anymore.”
“Doesn’t matter. Whoever lends on it will never even see it. You will fill out the collateral sheet with make and model, and then write in the bluebook value. They will never send anyone around to look at the car; they will make their decision based on what’s on the paperwork in front of them.”
“That sounds a little shady.”
“Not at all. You disclose the requested data, they act on it with as much information as they choose to gather. You’re working on a shoestring, kiddo. Take what you can get.”
“Besides,” David adds after a moment, “You are not dealing with idiots. In their mind, the risk involved in not assessing your vehicle personally is outweighed by the costs they would incur by retaining an assessor. And if they have, for some reason, failed to follow through on such a calculation, that is their problem, not yours. Their bottom line is their problem; your bottom line is yours.”
“That seems awfully cold-blooded,” Elise chides.
“Not really, at least, not in business. You are going to have to get used to thinking this way if you want this to work.”
Next Week: Beg, Borrow, or Steal
Keep up with Elise and her story of becoming a successful entrepreneur:
Friday, September 22 by Gina Laverde in Life | 1 Comment
Recently, I was the victim of a four hour meeting. And to make matters worse – it was a Sunday morning four hour meeting. A meeting that still feels unfinished. The plan was to sit down with this sorta seasoned business guy I know, and go over the current media kit for theyellowzine.com, my zine.
Seasoned Business Dude is a lawyer with plenty of seasoned business advice to give, and I entered the meeting with gratitude for his offering. I also entered the meeting with hopes to “finally” get down to business. I was meeting with him in order to get the contract he promised to draw up for our potential sponsors. The contract that would help us lock-in that sponsorship. Then, I’d hoped maybe to be able to eat breakfast with my family, or something Sundayish.
There was no contract. Seasoned Dude had a problemo with my media kit. He considered it small–minded. But, he didn’t say that. Instead he pitched his own idea. A good one. I listened for a long time. I began to understand that he did not understand where I was coming from. I began to get discouraged about breakfast.
My stomach made embarrassing growling noises as I tried to explain my motto of focusing on my audience. His ideas were very broad and could be used for my company IF they were to be tweaked and given focus. He wasn’t hearing it. And one thing lead to another and he couldn’t draw up the contract because the media kits did not reflect his ideas.
The bottom line is that he had his own agenda. And, it’s probable that he intended on helping me. But, I wasted a Sunday morning with somebody who refused to listen. Somebody who refused to put small differences behind and actually come up with a contract that could help my company seal some money making deals.
We’ve really got to learn to read people well enough that we don’t allow ourselves to be involved in un-productive scenarios. At least not for four hours. We cannot please everybody, and everyone isn’t going to love our ideas. Mr. Seasoned actually believes that I cannot SEE the big picture on things, simply because I choose to focus on my goals step by step.
Mr. Season doesn’t even realize that I’m running with his great idea. And simultaneously running with my own. Starting a business is about making connections, living your dreams, organizing your ideas, and selling yourself. It is about selling your self and your ideas. And, if it’s a huge struggle to make your point – or if you feel forced to defend your ideas with associates – perhaps they are not such great associates.
Friday, September 22 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | 1 Comment
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein.
In today’s working world, never has this quotation been more appropriate. In our over cluttered environment; billboards, pop-ups, even toilet advertising, we need to be inventive to get noticed.
From unique resumes to crazy marketing strategies, a fearless imagination is needed, by that, I mean having the courage to voice your crazy ideas. Here are five ways to encourage your imaginative thinking and stop that nasty voice within that says it is far fetched:
- Practice your pitch again and again till you say it confidently and concisely
- Have a friend you can confide in, who thinks as big as you, that you can bounce ideas off of
- Write all the benefits of this scheme, counter all the negatives before anyone else can
- Think globally
- Look at advertising that works on you and ask yourself why. How will your scheme be just as, if not more, effective
Friday, September 22 by David Askaripour in Communities | 1 Comment
Guess what everybody? Today is officially the first One Web Day. Started by law professor Susan Crawford, One Web Day was crated as a way to celebrate the importance of the web and how each person benefits from the net in their own unique way – think of Earth Day, but swap “Earth” with “Web” and you’ll get the idea.
Today I’ll be attending the main event here in New York City, but countless celebrations will be going on throughout the entire world. In London the man himself, Tim Berners-Lee, will be making a speech in the Royal Exchange Grand Cafe & Bar at Bank starting at 2pm.
One Web Day is really about soaking up everything the internet has to offer. We’ve come such a long way over the past 15 years. Today is a day to go outside and start a blog, write a program, make some comments on sites, read an ebook, connect to friends across the world, start a internet service, share photos, make a few dozen Skype calls etc… just make sure to do something on the web and also help someone learn more about this amazing medium of communication.
Stay tuned, I’ll be updating this entry with images and commentary from the event. Craig Newmark of Craigslist, Scott Heiferman of Meetup, will both be giving presentations here in Manhattan’s Battery Park. Today is going to be a great day and I hope that you all will participate in One Web Day and help spread the powers of the net.
Friday, September 22 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
There are typical ways to approach sales, but Guy has three other ideas. These include the unintended users, allowing test drives, and the suck down theory - chances are the CEO is not going to be the one buying your product, but rather the people at lower levels.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Thursday, September 21 by David Askaripour in Life | 4 Comments
I guess I never really fully understood when entrepreneurs say “I can’t listen to music and work.” It makes sense, but personally, music is a big part of my entrepreneurial life. It really helps me keep a good spirit throughout the day.
Loud speaking, noise from the television, and other awkward noises do indeed disrupt me and throw me off my flow while working on my business. But when it comes to music that I really love, it’s absolutely great and makes for a pleasant working environment.
I’m not sure what it is, but music just turns something on inside. It inspires, invigorates, and coaxes me to become even more creative in many instances. Music can be a very resourceful tool for many entrepreneurs.
In the most recent addition of Business 2.0 Magazine I learned about The Hype Machine, a music blog network created by 20 year-old Anthony Volodkin. It’s a great service that aggregates songs from various music blogs and allows for you to listen (and purchase) to songs right on the network.
For those of you who are looking for great music and supporting content for your favorite tracks, then The Hype Machine is a great spot. Additionally, you’ll be able to give music a shot and see if it improves your workday as an entrepreneur. Make an experiment out of it.
Sometimes when all the stress builds up, everything seems to be going wrong, and you have the weight of the world on your shoulders… just playing a good song can go a long way to bring you back down to sanity and peace. Give it a shot.
Thursday, September 21 by Gina Laverde in Life | 3 Comments
I’ve started every new venture with virtually no cash to back it up. Wait, what am I talking about? I’ve started EVERY new venture with absolutely no money in the bank. Perhaps, this can be perceived as un-smart, to say the least. But what’s a broke, ambitious, entrepreneur with an idea to do?
Having less money forces us to be more resourceful. And, I think that it’s often the dividing line between a true entrepreneur and a regular business guru.
You know that you’re offering a quality unique product that people need. And if you can get those people to realize they need it – you’re golden, right? So, it’s a given that we all need to properly market ourselves in order to get those clients/ customers. And, I would assume that many of you would agree that spending time and money on marketing is very necessary for a start-up.
Yes, spending money on promoting your new business will probably gain customers at a faster rate. But, if you surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals and even students of your profession, and swap services – you can grow your business and your connections for free.
My business is writing. I do commercial copywriting. I run two magazines. I freelance fiction, reporting and editorial. It would seem that a writing business should have little to no start-up costs. But, with thousands of other writers out there trying to do the same thing, it’s very easy to get lost in the mix. I have no inventory and am able to work from home, but need to put forth great efforts to get noticed.
My magazine thrives on advertisers and my copywriting business thrives on commercial clients. I’ve done countless small favors for small clients who have opened the door to larger opportunities. I’m currently working on a marketing campaign for a great neighborhood restaurant who just cannot afford to pay me.
In exchange for my web-copy, newsletters, brochures etc., she will advertise my zine, sponsor a literary reading, and pay me in gumbo – not bad. I’ve also made a long-term business connection who will be able to provide catering, location, and sponsorship for future events related to my magazine. Not to mention that the copywriting work I’m doing for her will enhance my portfolio.
I work with student designers, volunteer marketing consultants and a number of generous, smart, savvy bartering companions who have helped me create a business family. Working together really furthers all of our careers, and forges stronger contacts for the future.
Thursday, September 21 by David Askaripour in Video | Leave a Comment
A successful product is easy for everyone to use, immediately. Flatten the learning curve, never ask someone to do something you would not, and recruit evangelists to spread your message.
Please visit the Stanford Technology Venture Program’s Educator’s Corner for more clips.
Thursday, September 21 by Angela Gilltrap in Marketing | Leave a Comment
Recently a fellow entrepreneur asked a great question about brand naming (ask an entrepreneur column), basically how do you go about it. To define the actual steps you go through when thinking of a name for your brand can be quite difficult so I let the question hang around in the recesses of my mind.
Through subconscious research I came across some material I think might be helpful to us all, I was flicking through a magazine and came across a new make up brand called - Photo Finish. What a perfect brand name.
It’s billed as a make up primer, no doubt it’s just a bit of vaseline mixed with something else but the brand name, personified everything that a woman buying make up wants: to look like the models in magazines as they do in their photo shoots.
Those two words, Photo Finish, elicit an emotional reaction in consumers who are looking for ways for their skin to appear more polished, airbrushed even.
So I think if you can keep in mind what your target audience is ultimately after and personify that in a brand name you are set.
Think of Sarah Jessica Parker’s perfume ‘Lovely’, which I might add has done double the original quota pulling in around $60 million. Are consumers buying the scent of an actor who was once on a TV show? No they are buying what her most famous character, Carrie, personified - independence, fun and glamour.
Now this is easier said than done I realize, but not difficult when you sit down and really focus on what your consumers want. You may need to do some in depth research but that can only add to your overall success.
Thursday, September 21 by Evan Prieskop in Start-Ups | Leave a Comment
From George Carlin to Florence King, my favorite humorists have always been the misanthropes and the cynics. Though a great fan of the human race as a whole, I just cannot stand most folks.
I am however, no dope. Every business needs people. Not just employees and customers but clients, suppliers, neighbors, communities, supporters, mentors, and friends. That is why, without exception, when I start a venture I look for an extroverted partner. Not only in business, but for any project of any size or complexity, I begin with a quite, extended search for that perfect, cheery co-conspirator; he or she must be a natural people person—someone who takes real delight in meeting, greeting, and befriending everyone they meet.
My system works. I like numbers, money, balance, and form. Inevitably, my partners are happy to pass off the abstract and airy details of accounting and law to me, freeing them up for what they like: the relationships, conversations, and networking.
I hesitate to site any one story or anecdote to support the wisdom of this tactic, for that would only belittle the hundreds of other examples that support my point. I must submit, instead, my whole entrepreneurial history. Whether any given venture I have undertaken succeeded or failed, it was never due bad relationships. My partners were always there to be the face of the busi