Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2021

If you sold your last startup for $800 million, you probably already know how to build a business, and even conservative investors won’t worry about the quality of your next business plan. There really is no excuse these days, with samples on the Internet, business-plan books in every bookstore, and dozens of apps to automate the process.

Sample 137

Sample Writing Mentor Content 137

TechCrunch LA

JUNE 3, 2022

On Lafayette Street in SoHo, young, fashionable women lined up around the block to enter a minimalist, millennial oasis, the most perfect Instagram feed brought to life. billion company in the brutally competitive beauty industry, especially one with such broad appeal. allocate 98% of their funding to startups helmed by men.

Startup 280

Startup Netflix Los Angeles Innocal 280

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2020

As an aspiring entrepreneur, one of the most important things you need is a memorable “ elevator pitch ,” to communicate your startup value proposition and leave a great first impression on friends, investors, employees, and future customers. It’s better to start with a hook than to assume that people will stay with you to hear it at the end.

Sample 127

Sample Summary Startup Slides 127

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 7, 2020

As a startup advisor and investor, I’ve met many aspiring entrepreneurs, and I often get asked the question, “I have a great idea for a startup – do you agree that it real potential?” If we build it, they will come” is not a viable startup strategy. A startup is no place for the Lone Ranger.

Startup 127

Startup Entrepreneur Ideas Sample 127

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2015

If you sold your last startup for $800 million, you probably already know how to build a business, and even conservative investors won’t worry about the quality of your next business plan. There really is no excuse these days, with samples on the Internet, business-plan books in every bookstore, and dozens of apps to automate the process.

Startup 109

Startup Writing Mentor Sample 109

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 6, 2020

Before you can experiment, you still need intuition and creativity to come up with innovations to test. The pace of change to stay competitive in business today continues to increase. Every organization needs to look ahead to keep up with Amazon and Booking.com, who are rolling out hundreds or thousands of changes each year.

Sample 124

Sample Customer Custom Tool 124

socalTECH

JULY 8, 2010

Here are three, Southern California startup firms--and their competitors--who are engaged in head to head battles to dominate their industry. Whoever wins, these are some of the local firms in interesting markets--and their tough, well-backed head-to-head competition--worth watching. DocStoc vs. Scribd. DocStoc - Profile.

Southern California 124

Southern California Rustic Canyon SoCal Startup 124

SoCal CTO

APRIL 8, 2010

If I Launched a Startup - The Startup Lawyer , March 17, 2010 Great advice on initial steps of setting up a Startup. Death By Competitive Analysis - Steve Blank , March 1, 2010 Trading emails with a startup CEO building an iPhone app, I asked him why potential customers would buy his product.

Startup 150

Startup Software Review Competition SoCal 150

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 19, 2020

A few years ago, I enjoyed one of Guy Kawasaki’s first books, “ Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition.” Here is a sampling of ten themes from the book that I think are just as relevant today as they were then: The reality of starting. The reality of working.

Entrepreneur 174

Entrepreneur Sample Guide Ideas 174

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 15, 2023

Here are eight key points that I believe should be taken from the show by every startup founder looking for investors in real life, across the range of venture capitalists, angel investors, or even friends and family: You will be judged first as a person, then by your idea. Personalize your presentation, if possible, for every investor.

Entrepreneur 111

Entrepreneur Sample Ideas Customer 111

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 8, 2010

Notice that I didn’t say anywhere that a good business plan has to be at least 20 pages, or have ten sections, or must start with an executive summary. I’ll even send you a free sample of my own business plan via email, if you drop me a note. No problem. Your idea may be right, but dead right is not very satisfying to anyone.

Startup 91

Startup Funding Sample Writing 91

Tech Zulu Event

MARCH 19, 2015

Computers and the Internet have now brought in a new era that relies on data to make profitable business decisions in the competitive environment. Below is a full explanation of how small businesses can leverage technology to earn a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Cloud Services. CRM Platforms. Images via Shutterstock.

Competition 40

Competition Technology Social Media Tips 40

Both Sides of the Table

FEBRUARY 14, 2010

of all statistics are made up. Here’s how I learned my lesson: I started my life as a consultant. One of our core tasks was “market analysis,&# which consistent of: market sizing, market forecasts, competitive analysis and then instructing customers on which direction to take. I say it deadpanned. It’s irony.

Statistics 415

Statistics Startup Report Research 415

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 11, 2020

Even though the color of their money is always green, all startup investors are not the same. Investor due diligence on a startup is not a mysterious black art, but is nothing more than a final integrity check on all aspects of your business model, team, product, customers, and plan. A sample of three views is adequate.

Technical Review 124

Technical Review Funding Innocal Offshore 124

Tech.Co

MARCH 1, 2018

And while that cliché has been said about everything in the Lone Star state for years, it rings particularly true for the hottest startups showcasing their big innovations at SXSW Startup Night 2018 presented by the Kauffman Foundation and TechCo. Beast Mode is taking on a new meaning in the startup world.

Startup 80

Startup Mentor Platform Help 80

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 19, 2013

Notice that I didn’t say anywhere that a good business plan has to be at least 20 pages, or have ten sections, or must start with an executive summary. I’ll even send you a free sample of my own business plan via email, if you drop me a note. entrepreneur startup business plan business' No problem. Marty Zwilling.

Sample 92

Sample Writing Startup Summary 92

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 21, 2012

Notice that I didn’t say anywhere that a good business plan has to be at least 20 pages, or have ten sections, or must start with an executive summary. I’ll even send you a free sample of my own business plan via email, if you drop me a note. No problem. Your idea may be right, but dead right is not very satisfying to anyone.

Sample 96

Sample Writing Summary Startup 96

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 14, 2020

Here are eight key points that I believe should be taken from the show by every startup founder looking for investors in real life, across the range of venture capitalists, angel investors, or even friends and family: You will be judged first as a person, then by your idea. Personalize your presentation, if possible, for every investor.

Entrepreneur 127

Entrepreneur Sample Ideas Customer 127

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 11, 2016

Here are eight key points that I believe should be taken from the show by every startup founder looking for investors in real life, across the range of venture capitalists, angel investors, or even friends and family: You will be judged first as a person, then by your idea. Personalize your presentation, if possible, for every investor.

Startup 57

Startup Entrepreneur Sample Ideas 57

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 3, 2010

In particular I tried to do most of the “entrepreneur advice on VC” up front so that if you don’t want to watch our views on the deals you don’t have to. I don’t do advertising on my blog, but I thought it was worth mentioning Ryan in particular because he has an alternate model for doing a startup. They sponsor TWiVC.

Venture Capital 214

Venture Capital Startup Design S3 214

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 25, 2011

One of the hot new approaches I have seen around the country for assisting startups looking for funding has been “crowd-sourcing” sites ( Kickstarter ) or “crowd-pitching” events ( Funding Universe ). These are variations on a “crowd-funding” theme to raise money for a startup through social networks and voting at public events.

Funding 92

Funding Startup Social Media Sample 92

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 15, 2011

It starts with a customer problem or need, and includes proving the technical concept, but starts earlier and goes much further, per the following key steps: Quantify problem cost-of-pain first. Start by testing the requirements on real customers, and providing “beta” versions to get real feedback. Prove the technical concept.

Startup 93

Startup Pricing Customer Custom 93

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 23, 2023

We all have our favorite metric and our passion, but keeping up with real-world changes and trends seems to be always just out of reach. Key strategic factors for every business should include profits, growth, and competition. The issues are people oriented, and require trust and teamwork.

Metrics 81

Metrics Demand Statistics Sample 81

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 18, 2016

As a startup advisor and investor, I’ve met many aspiring entrepreneurs, and I often get asked the question, “I have a great idea for a startup – do you agree that it real potential?” If we build it, they will come” is not a viable startup strategy. A startup is no place for the Lone Ranger.

Entrepreneur 67

Entrepreneur Startup Ideas Sample 67

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2011

Many years ago, I enjoyed one of Guy Kawasaki’s first books, “ Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition.” Here is a sampling of ten themes from the book that I think are just as relevant today as they were then: The reality of starting. The reality of working.

Startup 97

Startup Sample Entrepreneur Guide 97

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 27, 2012

As a member of the local Angel group selection committee, I’ve seen a lot of startup presentations to investors, and I’ve never seen one that was too short - maybe short on content, but not short on pages! Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors.

Slides 99

Slides Competition Sample Sales 99

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014

Even though the color of their money is always green, all startup investors are not the same. Investor due diligence on a startup is not a mysterious black art, but is nothing more than a final integrity check on all aspects of your business model, team, product, customers, and plan. A sample of three views is adequate.

Technical Review 103

Technical Review Innocal Offshore Entrepreneur 103

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2018

In my work with small businesses and startups, I routinely find owners who rely on guessing at key customer drivers, and let their passion drive product focus, rather than data. No human or paper tracking systems are a competitive alternative. If your business is not powered by an algorithm, you don’t have a competitive business today.

Artificial Inteligence 84

Artificial Inteligence Metrics Commerce Software 84

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 10, 2014

Many entrepreneurs seems to be convinced that the “crowd” of regular people using the Internet will somehow solve their startup funding needs, when they sense a lack of interest from accredited investors. Crowd sample size and makeup not representative of market. Investors are not prepared for the high risk of startups.

Funding 101

Funding Equity Entrepreneur Invest 101

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 31, 2010

I’ll confess up front that I’m a big fan of Guy Kawasaki’s humor and writing style. Back when he was writing to entrepreneurs, he published the book “ Reality Check: The Irreverent Guide to Outsmarting, Outmanaging, and Outmarketing Your Competition.” Tags: entrepreneur startup reality check business. The reality of working.

Entrepreneur 92

Entrepreneur Startup Writing Sample 92

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 21, 2010

One of the hot new approaches I have seen around the country for assisting startups looking for funding has been “crowd-sourcing” tools ( ProFounder ) or “crowd-pitching” events ( Funding Universe ). These are variations on a “crowd-funding” theme to raise money for a startup through social networks and voting at public events.

Funding 59

Funding Startup Social Media Sample 59

socalTECH

MARCH 22, 2012

Earlier this month, Los Angeles startup Dollar Shave Club (www.dollarshaveclub.com) made a huge splash with its launch of a subscription, monthly delivery service for razor blades. What's your background, and how did the company start? You're going up against some giant companies, and marketing budgets.

Dollar Shave Club 210

Dollar Shave Club Startup Pricing Sample 210

Both Sides of the Table

FEBRUARY 28, 2018

It starts with a category being done poorly, reimagining the experience, creating distinctive products and then constantly messaging this to the market. What started as sheets now has dozens of SKU’s. where would you even start in terms of product selection? If you tried to shop Amazon for just one of these categories?—?where

Product 296

Product Course Customer Custom 296

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 9, 2012

Take a look at my website for the Sample Executive Summary , which shows what can be done in one page (both sides). Before you start, remember that the goal of the executive summary is to provide a printed version of your best elevator pitch, to provide a positive first impression to the reader. Your competitive advantage.

Summary 97

Summary Writing Competition Sample 97

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 4, 2013

It starts with a customer problem or need, and includes proving the technical concept, but starts earlier and goes much further, per the following key steps: Quantify problem cost-of-pain first. Start by testing the requirements on real customers, and providing “alpha” versions to get real feedback. Prove the technical concept.

Product 94

Product Pricing Customer Custom 94

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 10, 2011

As a member of the local Angel group selection committee, I’ve seen a lot of startup presentations to investors, and I’ve never seen one that was too short - maybe short on content, but not short on pages! Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors.

Slides 93

Slides Competition Sample Sales 93

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 10, 2015

Here are eight key points that I believe should be taken from the show by every startup founder looking for investors in real life, across the range of venture capitalists, angel investors, or even friends and family: You will be judged first as a person, then by your idea. Personalize your presentation, if possible, for every investor.

Entrepreneur 106

Entrepreneur Sample Ideas Customer 106