Remove Competition Remove Mentor Remove Networking Remove Technology
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Make Yourself A Key Sustainable Competitive Advantage

Startup Professionals Musings

The only “sustainable competitive advantage” in business is self-awareness. I was struck by this assertion in a new book, “ The Messy Middle ,” by Scott Belsky, who has spent more than a decade leading in the worlds of technology, design, and startups. It’s a recipe for disaster. Understand your feelings to recognize what bothers you.

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8 Potential Entrepreneur Assists From Your Alma Mater

Startup Professionals Musings

These often lead to angel investors and venture capital investments later, or connections to local company venture funds for selected focus and technology areas. They have connections to industry associations and entrepreneur organizations that can kick-start your networking efforts, both locally and globally.

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6 Drivers For Aspiring Entrepreneurs To Finish School

Startup Professionals Musings

In fact, I think the evidence is clear that many entrepreneurs started their journey while still in college, and capitalized on all the resources there, before moving on: Extend your technology focus with business basics. Take advantage of free startup programs and mentors. Initiate networking to find peer partners and investors.

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5 Business Growth Drivers Facilitated By A Co-Founder

Startup Professionals Musings

Thus, in my mentoring of potential technical entrepreneurs who have a real passion for their technology, I often recommend that they find a co-founder who can manage the marketing and execution elements of the new venture. The competition will improve, the market will change, and your customers will demand more.

Mentor 133
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5 Unfair Advantages To Help You Succeed In Business

Startup Professionals Musings

One of the things I’ve learned over my years as a business mentor and investor is that life isn’t fair when it comes to succeeding in business. These authors speak from their own wealth of experience in creating and growing technology startups, marketing, and fundraising. Use friends and mentors with extensive experience to gauge both.

Help 130
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Local Universities Get $360K From DOE For Cleantech Entrepreneurship

socalTECH

Three local universities, plus a Pasadena-based startup, have received a $360,000 grant to promote student entrepreneurship in clean technology. Department of Energy to help foster student entrepreneurs via a business plan competition run by the group called First Look West. OnGreen said it is the commercial partner for the effort.

CalTech 165
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8 People And Process Skills Required In Any Business

Startup Professionals Musings

While these investors, and early customers, will always argue that they found you, I’m convinced that there is no substitute for aggressive networking on your part. Here is my list of key drivers that I find critical to thriving in big businesses, as well as startups: Networking to build and maintain key relationships.

Startup 113