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6 Keys To Competitive Advantage By Memorable Service

Startup Professionals Musings

In this context, even “satisfied” is only a “meets-minimum,” and does not put you ahead of your competition. Your challenge is to excel in all elements of a customer interaction, from pre-sales to long-term advocacy and image. Start by hiring the right people, and providing the necessary training, coaching, and mentoring.

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Interview with Fariborz Maseeh, Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition

socalTECH

Last week, the University of Southern California 's Viterbi School of Engineering announced that it had established a new, business plan competition, the Maseeh Entrepreneurship Prize Competition ([link] specifically aimed at students in the engineering school. Why a business plan competition, and why in engineering school?

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Don’t Underrate The Value Of A Startup Plan Document

Startup Professionals Musings

Based on my experience as an investor and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, one of the quickest ways to kill your credibility and your startup is to offer a poorly written business plan, or none at all. An entrepreneur who can’t manage a plan, probably won’t be able to manage the new business.

Startup 102
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8 Strategies For Sustaining Momentum In Your Startup

Startup Professionals Musings

Your focus for momentum could be sales, profitability, or number of customers, but trying to keep all possible parameters growing is simply not practical. In most companies, maintaining momentum requires the right strategic partners and acquisitions, in lieu of short-term price adjustments and special sales.

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6 Lessons Most Entrepreneurs Only Learn On The Street

Startup Professionals Musings

In my role as a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, I find that most have the technical challenges well understood, but many are a bit short on some basic street smarts , or basic business realities. Intellectual property is required for a competitive edge. Even the best college degree is not a substitute. Neither is good.

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8 Reasons Why Great People Make Processes Repeatable

Startup Professionals Musings

In addition, today’s customers judge a company by perceived people relationships through social media, phone conversations, and sales experiences. In the end, engagement drives customer retention, sales, growth and profit. Priority is placed on employee mentoring and coaching. Leaders need direct and open team communication.

Coach 128
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8 Marketing Multipliers To Boost Your Business Growth

Startup Professionals Musings

Any increase in brand recognition, as well as personal connections, is a multiplier to your existing marketing and sales efforts. Seek mentoring from established industry leaders. The right mentors can give you timely and unbiased feedback on your business, industry trends, and emerging competitors.

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