Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 12, 2019

We all know the challenges involved in getting and protecting a patent, but patents are still strong evidence of a competitive advantage, generally sustainable for twenty years. Reducing margins to lower prices won’t help your case. Marty Zwilling First published on CayenneConsulting on 07/26/2019.

Competition 86

Competition Patents Startup Customer 86

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2019

I recommend a ten-slide pitch to start, reviewed by friends and advisors, to be expanded to a ten-to-twenty-page business plan with opportunity sizing, cost and price details, competitors, marketing and sales strategy, financial projections, and resources required. Marty Zwilling First published on Inc.com on 10/21/2019.

Ideas 94

Ideas Slides Technical Review Patents 94

InfoChachkie

MARCH 4, 2019

In 1888, at the age of 31, Martha abandoned her life as a maid and risked her life savings of $360 ($9,500, in 2019 dollars) to launch her revolutionary venture, a hair salon. She also priced her products and franchise fees to ensure that her franchisees generated adequate income to live independently and financially secure.

Entrepreneur 100

Entrepreneur Class Template Patents 100

InfoChachkie

MARCH 21, 2019

In 1917, Mary Phelps Jacobs was granted patent 1,115,674 , which states, “This invention relates to improvements in brassieres.” (sic). The campaign was so successful that it ran through the 1960’s and allowed Maidenform to sell their products at premium prices, well above those of their competition. Innovate Beyond Product Features.

Entrepreneur 100

Entrepreneur Design Customer Custom 100

Tech.Co

MARCH 1, 2018

Price: $1.99 Their four products include an e-commerce shop, social app, content and a multi-genre convention (QuickCon coming in Summer 2019). Their patented design also has the optional Wi-Fi access point so it’s always attached to your network and helps manage battery life of the lock. Quirktastic Media (Durham, NC).

Startup 79

Startup Mentor Platform Help 79

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 12, 2019

Traditionally, you just worried about the quality of the sales transaction (price, speed, service), but the “customer experience” now includes ease of pre-sale shopping, post-sale support, with a connected relationship throughout. Marty Zwilling First published on Inc.com on 05/28/2019. That’s a win-win we can all live with.

Customer 96

Customer Custom Coach Pricing 96