Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 26, 2021

With some coaching and mentoring from other leaders, I was able to do it myself, so I know you can do it too, by committing to the following strategies: Train yourself to always look for positives, not negatives. Write down your top 5 core values and review them often. Take satisfaction from wins to balance against setbacks.

Coach 137

Coach Training Satisfaction Mentor 137

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Startup 82

Startup Mentor Satisfaction Writing 82

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 6, 2015

Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. If you can explain the problem to a mentor, or even write it down, you will more likely get to the root cause quickly, and avoid emotional and blame-infused responses. Explore solutions, outcomes, and options calmly.

Mentor 105

Mentor Entrepreneur Technical Review Satisfaction 105

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 27, 2019

Today, customers and future managers put a higher value on relationships, and expect to know you from industry conferences, social media, or recommendations from peers. Use blogging, outside publication, and speaking or mentoring opportunities to establish credibility and stand out above peers. Walk away from a bad role or customer.

Startup 98

Startup Outsource Development Competition Social Media 98

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 28, 2014

Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. If you can explain the problem to a mentor, or even write it down, you will more likely get to the root cause quickly, and avoid emotional and blame-infused responses. Explore solutions, outcomes, and options calmly.

Entrepreneur 102

Entrepreneur Mentor Technical Review Satisfaction 102

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 10, 2017

In my role as a mentor to entrepreneurs, I often recommend attacking bad habits and efforts to improve using the six basic strategies outlined by the authors. Be honest with yourself about small habits you have which may irritate your direct reports, coworkers, or customers. The little satisfactions can sometimes mean a lot.

Writing 84

Writing Startup Satisfaction Entrepreneur 84

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 17, 2017

Based on my current role as a mentor to entrepreneurs, I will paraphrase and recommend Whiddon’s top techniques in business terms: Build an image of likability and rapport. In today’s customer context, you can foster rapport by dressing like them, making every effort to look attractive, offering compliments, and listening intensely.

Social Media 58

Social Media Customer Custom Entrepreneur 58

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 10, 2017

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Startup 61

Startup Product Mentor Satisfaction 61

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 2, 2015

Bring in expert advisors and mentors to set initial goals, and build recovery plans. Write every check personally, rather than relying on a bookkeeper or administrative help. Don’t wait for your worst case scenario where no customers show up, and expect that slashing the price will solve the problem.

Startup 105

Startup Entrepreneur Marketing Satisfaction 105

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 10, 2013

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Startup 101

Startup Mentor Satisfaction Writing 101

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

It’s easier to use screen-captures and notes on existing processes, rather than write detailed manuals. Use mentoring to help people develop as your business develops. Focus on satisfying your ideal and best customers. Adjust roles and shift resources for optimal performance. Some are just stuck.

Resource 60

Resource Examples Design Entrepreneur 60

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 7, 2012

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Entrepreneur 97

Entrepreneur Startup Mentor Satisfaction 97

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 2, 2011

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Startup 84

Startup Mentor Satisfaction Writing 84

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 2, 2010

Ask a mentor for support. Choose a friend or mentor (not your spouse) whom you trust to tell you the truth, and ask for help. Let me assure you, every startup faces more challenges than any other business – unproven product, new processes, new management, and unpredictable customers. Start a log on your efforts and progress.

Startup 48

Startup Mentor Satisfaction Writing 48