Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 24, 2018

In addition to obvious economic challenges, the emerging generation of customers is determined to radically change the rules for customer engagement. He makes a convincing argument that it’s time for every company to get prepared for the next customer generation, or your company is heading toward life support.

Demand 56

Demand Customer Custom Tips 56

socalTECH

JANUARY 12, 2010

Simi Valley-based Xavient Information Systems , a provider of IT outsourcing services, and Virginia-based Vision360 , a provider of custom software development, testing, and other services for the telecommunications industry, said today that they are in a definitive merger agreement, where Xavient will acquired Vision360.

Outsource Development 133

Outsource Development Outsource Custom Software Development Acquisition 133

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 14, 2021

Outsource services back to the customer. Pervasive access to the Internet and social media have allowed customers to take an active role in helping other customers, with customer support, requirements definition, and open source development. Force the innovator’s dilemma on competitors.

Entrepreneur 158

Entrepreneur Startup Outsource Development Design 158

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 17, 2022

In fact, I would broaden the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 154

Software Review CTO Hire Outsource Development Startup 154

SoCal CTO

APRIL 2, 2012

Hiring seems to be the preferred use of seed funds (by investors and founders), whereas I'd prefer a focus on customer acquisition. These companies are very early-stage and definitely have not shown product/market fit. The startup founder is definitely not ready to hire a CTO. Far from it. They are very early.

CTO Hire 205

CTO Hire Outsource Development CTO Coach Develop 205

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 20, 2010

The terms “CTO&# and “VP Engineering&# have such stigmas associated with what they are that I’m sure some people will feel uncomfortable with the definitions I’ve put forward. They care about the quality of what is build more than they care about end customers. I don’t believe it.

CTO Hire 400

CTO Hire Fractional VPE Startup Outsource Development 400

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 19, 2013

The most important way to sell a product for an early-stage business (or frankly any stage) is to have strong referenceable customers. How do you get referenceable customers? Your project is forked without a rollout organization, communications, measurement, integration and without turning sales into referenceable customers.

Startup 403

Startup Sales Software Review Technical Review 403

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 3, 2019

Outsource services back to the customer. Pervasive access to the Internet and social media have allowed customers to take an active role in helping other customers, with customer support, requirements definition, and open source development. Force the innovator’s dilemma on competitors.

Startup 105

Startup Outsource Development Entrepreneur Ideas 105

Tech Zulu Event

NOVEMBER 18, 2011

Having paying “Customers” is what makes the cash register roar. An entrepreneur having low self worth is the number one deterrent for a potential customer not buying into what you are selling. Using your service or owning your product isn’t why a person buys, it’s the experience your customer will have. Second, how to get leads.

Customer 85

Customer Custom Marketing SEO 85

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 15, 2019

In fact, I would broaden the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 88

Software Review CTO Hire Outsource Development Startup 88

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 27, 2014

It wasn’t so many years ago that starting a new e-commerce business on the Internet was a complex custom development project, usually costing a million dollars or more. You can now skip the mandatory office space rental, with secretary and bookkeeping staff, or outsourcing. Work out of your home, and keep your own books.

Entrepreneur 104

Entrepreneur Startup Social Media Commerce 104

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 20, 2013

The days are gone when a techie or a genius could build things in his garage and customers would find and buy the product, based purely on the “wow factor” of the technology. Thus customers and partners rely more and more on personal engagement with people. New technologies are everywhere today. Make it an enjoyable experience.

Entrepreneur 111

Entrepreneur Startup Content Media 111

socalTECH

MARCH 12, 2013

The company--which is in the business of operating a content delivery network (CDN) to accelerate the delivery of web graphics, multimedia, applications, and more to end users-- recently disclosed it more than doubled its revenues in 2012, and has grown to over 230 employees--all due to a huge amount of demand for CDN services by its customers.

CTO Hire 248

CTO Hire Content Networking Web 248

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2014

In this context, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 107

Software Review Entrepreneur CTO Hire Outsource Development 107

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2011

The days are gone when a techie or a genius could build things in his garage and customers would find and buy the product, based purely on the “wow factor” of the technology. Thus customers and partners rely more and more on personal engagement with people. New technologies are everywhere today. Make it an enjoyable experience.

Media 91

Media Startup Company Companies 91

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 31, 2012

It definitely works, but may be beyond your budget. Outsource your technical requirements. If you can clearly define the specifications for your technical project, and you are willing and able to manage the efforts closely, then outsourcing it to a local or remote technical group beats hiring technical employees.

Technical Review 92

Technical Review Technology Startup Outsource Development 92

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2013

In this context, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 103

Software Review Equity CTO Hire Outsource Development 103

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 16, 2017

In fact, I would broaden the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 56

Software Review CTO Hire Outsource Development CTO Coach 56

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 23, 2016

Outsource services back to the customer. Pervasive access to the Internet and social media have allowed customers to take an active role in helping other customers, with customer support, requirements definition, and open source development. Force the innovator’s dilemma on competitors.

Startup 57

Startup Outsource Development Entrepreneur Ideas 57

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 12, 2010

The actual investment professionals (partners) are too busy to call companies that they’re interested in so they basically outsource it. But how can you really outsource judgment to young, smart people who have often never worked in businesses?

Venture Capital 294

Venture Capital Entrepreneur Email Equity 294

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 4, 2014

This will include the first version of many critical processes that can be split out later, including market opportunity, requirements, product definition, business model, sales process, and organization. If you are contracting or outsourcing, this is even more important. Customer service and support.

Startup 107

Startup Outsource Development Training Outsource 107

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 11, 2011

It definitely works, but may be beyond your budget. Outsource your technical requirements. If you can clearly define the specifications for your technical project, and you are willing and able to manage the efforts closely, then outsourcing it to a local or remote technical group beats hiring technical employees.

Technical Review 94

Technical Review Entrepreneur Outsource Development Outsource 94

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 20, 2012

It’s definitely positive to have a product plan. Enough detail is required so that someone else can build it without you (outsourcing). Because this document is “outward facing” the tone and level has to change to be understandable by customers and investors. Don’t get me wrong. Market research.

Product 92

Product Outsource Development Competition High Tech 92

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 29, 2011

In this context, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 96

Software Review CTO Hire Startup Outsource Development 96

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 29, 2011

It’s definitely positive to have a product plan. Enough detail is required so that someone else can build it without you (outsourcing). Because this document is “outward facing” the tone and level has to change to be understandable by customers and investors. Don’t get me wrong. Market research.

Product 93

Product Entrepreneur Outsource Development Competition 93

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2013

This will include the first version of many critical processes that can be split out later, including market opportunity, requirements, product definition, business model, sales process, and organization. If you are contracting or outsourcing, this is even more important. Customer service and support.

Outsource Development 92

Outsource Development Training Outsource Metrics 92

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 15, 2016

It’s definitely to everyone’s advantage to make them winners, or we will all be the losers. In a startup, you can’t afford to outsource too many functions. Many young entrepreneurs are naïve in assuming that doing good for society obviates the need to make money, and will motivate customers to pay premium prices.

Entrepreneur 60

Entrepreneur News Outsource Activity 60

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 24, 2010

In this article, I’m broadening the definition of partner from co-founder to “business partner.” If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term.

Software Review 92

Software Review CTO Hire Outsource Development Startup 92

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

This will include the first version of many critical processes that can be split out later, including market opportunity, requirements, product definition, business model, sales process, and organization. If you are contracting or outsourcing, this is even more important. Customer service and support.

Startup 102

Startup Outsource Development Writing Training 102

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 19, 2011

They outsource the critical negotiations and “trust their advisors to handle the details.&# You can’t outsource this to a recruiter. So while you definitely want their help in discussing price and getting you more information (they’re better at it than you), I want a seat at the table. Very customer focused.

Venture Capital 319

Venture Capital Pricing Startup Outsource 319

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 1, 2010

This will include the first version of many critical processes that can be split out later, including market opportunity, requirements, product definition, business model, sales process, and organization. If you are contracting or outsourcing, this is even more important. Customer service and support.

Startup 95

Startup Outsource Development Writing Training 95

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 11, 2010

But there are some things that DEFINITELY come with other people’s money. Moral: Before you decide that it’s absolutely necessary to take outside investment, explore all the possible ways you can partner, outsource, affiliate, collaborate, or…heaven forbid, get customers. All problems will go away.

Outsource Development 93

Outsource Development High Tech Outsource Startup 93

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 9, 2010

It’s definitely positive to have a product plan. Enough detail is required so that someone else can build it without you (outsourcing). Because this document is “outward facing” the tone and level has to change to be understandable by customers and investors. Don’t get me wrong. Market research.

Product 48

Product Outsource Development Competition High Tech 48

Jason Nazar

MAY 2, 2016

Choose an email system to connect with customers ( Constant Contact , MailChimp , Sendgrid ). Understand the definition of an “At Will” employee. Pick a Customer Relationships Management System (CRM). Make a Customer Service Plan to standardize procedures for complaints and refunds. Recommended.

Outsource Development 40

Outsource Development Startup Google Mentor 40

Tech Zulu Event

MARCH 2, 2012

What are your thoughts on outsourced design vs. having in house creatives to work on design elements of the app? It depends on what your definition of in-house versus out-sourced is. If outsource versus in-house means America rather than a foreign company, then the answer comes down to culture.

Design 94

Design Mobile Web Design Outsource Development 94

SoCal Delicious

FEBRUARY 24, 2010

It is generally a soft touch at the beginning of the development process, perhaps identifying 1-2 early alpha/beta customers to help flesh out use cases to be built upon over time. A full-time business partner is definitely not required at this point in the company's life.

CTO Coach 28

CTO Coach CTO Hire Outsource Development Mentor 28

Frank Addante

JANUARY 30, 2007

Outsourcing ► April (1) GoogleClick - Who owns your cash register? Under Process, Over Deliver By Frank Addante (Part 2 of a 5 part series: " So, you need to develop a product? ") Ive learned that more process doesnt necessarily equal higher quality and it definitely doesnt result in increased productivity. A BIG THANK YOU.

Startup 40

Startup Venture Capital Outsource Development Web 2.0 40