Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 24, 2022

As a business consultant and angel investor, I often ask for your own assessment of marketing ROI , or customer acquisition cost (CAC). Leaders and investors need to know if you have and are tapping into your key sources of relevant data, including web analytics, sales management data, and customer relationship management (CRM) software.

Customer 100

Customer Custom Acquisition Technical Review 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 21, 2013

Most leaders agree that poor customer service is a business killer today, in terms of lost customers, reduced profits, and low morale. Yet the average perception of customer experience continues to decline. You have to start with hiring only people who are willing and able to make serious customer service happen.

Customer 92

Customer Custom Startup Services 92

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Creating a new product in a relative vacuum is an exercise in complete trust that you know what’s best for the customer, perhaps even without interaction with such a customer. The first step : Involve potential customers early. The third step: Reiterate and return to customers for comments. Involve your customers early.

Product 156

Product Customer Custom Ideas 156

InfoChachkie

APRIL 30, 2012

One of the immersion techniques Guy promotes is to offer a hands-on trial, in which the prospective customer can touch, feel and experience your product before purchasing it. A/B testing requires marketers to leave their egos and emotions at the door and allow quantifiable metrics to drive their decisions.

Study 243

Study Advertising Research Customer 243

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 8, 2021

Most leaders agree that poor customer service is a business killer today, in terms of lost customers, reduced profits, and low morale. Yet the average perception of customer experience has not improved. You have to start with hiring only people who are willing and able to make serious customer service happen.

Startup 154

Startup Training Customer Custom 154

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 8, 2020

Risk level has always been directly correlated to the number of unknowns, so eliminating even one variable will improve your odds: Eliminate one aspect of research and development. According to a classic Harvard Research study, first inventors spend at least a third more on their initial technology than later innovators.

Startup 157

Startup Social Media Study Research 157

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 5, 2013

But very few are talking about how to measure your results, and the right metrics for optimizing your marketing environment. Jim Sterne, who has written many books on Internet advertising, marketing, and customer service, tackled this complex world of social media metrics in his book titled " Social Media Metrics."

Social Media 102

Social Media Media Entrepreneur Metrics 102

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 22, 2021

Proof of any business model starts with a finished product or solution, sold to a new customer for full price, with high satisfaction for the value received. Decide early where and when money will come from, set some milestones and metrics, and work to a plan, or be caught short. Customer support is more than handling exceptions.

Sales 165

Sales Customer Custom Social Media 165

InfoChachkie

MAY 22, 2012

One way to accelerate your research is to speak with other startup CEOs who recently closed fundraising rounds. Based on your research from Step 1, you should be able to communicate meaningful and insightful comments regarding the partners’ tweets, blog content, etc. Even the most jaded VC cannot resist authentic flattery.

Venture Capital 236

Venture Capital Capital Research Customer 236

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Obviously this definition is generic, so my first recommendation is that you take the lead in defining traction metrics for your startup, and then selling your results convincingly to investors. One customer is not traction, and beta tests with a thousand customers at no cost don’t count. Customer acquisition cost.

Startup 121

Startup Metrics Customer Custom 121

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 9, 2019

But very few are talking about how to measure your results and return on investment (ROI), and the right metrics for optimizing your marketing environment. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations. Measure customer response and action. Get the message from your customer.

Social Media 98

Social Media Media Metrics Satisfaction 98

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 5, 2020

What happens to careful planning, sure-fire metrics, quality test scenarios, market research, a good business plan – all in place before pulling the trigger of a new opportunity. On the other hand, if a new free app has bugs, they can be corrected in the next automatic update, and probably without much customer noise.

Artificial Inteligence 156

Artificial Inteligence Metrics Ideas Email 156

SoCal CTO

MARCH 12, 2007

I had to laugh when an analyst with Forrester said in the article - As impressive as these results may be, myShape’s approach will probably fail to gain a mass audience unless the company can somehow simplify the measuring process, said Sucharita Mulpuru, an analyst with Forrester Research.

MyShape 150

MyShape CTO Coach Southern California CTO Hire 150

SoCal CTO

MARCH 4, 2010

Some of the activities that are likely part of the mix where there might be need: Review and provide input on business plans Costs and time estimation Product prioritization Options analysis Systems analysis and design Technical risk analysis Technical research and evaluation Systems for accounting and reporting Metrics (see startup metrics ) Security (..)

Technical Review 170

Technical Review Technical Advisors CTO Coach Startup 170

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 2, 2013

You can jump into social media with a poor brand definition, poorly focused content, unrealistic expectations of customer service, or be killed by malware or viruses. For some customers and many investors, a heavy focus on social networks and viral marketing may be a negative, rather than a positive. Marty Zwilling.

Social Media 101

Social Media Media Entrepreneur Metrics 101

Berkonomics

JANUARY 16, 2014

Research and talk to existing and past customers. Clarify operation responsibilities and metrics used to measure performance. Review long term company debt, goals, objectives and financial projections. Review financial statements – up to 3 years if available. Review tax returns – up to 3 years if available.

Technical Review 204

Technical Review Startup Examples Metrics 204

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 2, 2018

In fact, the first challenge is to build a strategy, put together a budget, and define measurement metrics. Digital marketing is all about establishing a voice and sending a message that customers can relate too, and makes you stand out. Put your customer at the top, rather than technology.

Marketing 96

Marketing Metrics Social Media Content 96

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 15, 2022

You can jump into social media with a poor brand definition, poorly focused content, unrealistic expectations of customer service, or be killed by malware or viruses. For some customers and many investors, a heavy focus on social networks and viral marketing may be a negative, rather than a positive.

Social Media 126

Social Media Media Startup Platform 126

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Obviously this definition is generic, so my first recommendation is that you take the lead in defining traction metrics for your startup, and then selling your results convincingly to investors. One customer is not traction, and beta tests with a thousand customers at no cost don’t count. Customer acquisition cost.

Startup 106

Startup Metrics Customer Custom 106

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 30, 2014

Risk level has always been directly correlated to the number of unknowns, so eliminating even one variable will improve your odds: Eliminate one aspect of research and development. According to a recent Harvard Research study, first-time inventors spend at least a third more on their initial technology than later innovators.

Technology 103

Technology Entrepreneur Study Research 103

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 31, 2022

It’s important to remember that your passion for a new idea needs to be supported by market research and customer feedback , before you will get the credibility and support you expect to work at this stage. Timing is important, and communication with your customer set is critical. Discernment: evaluate and refine the solution.

Activity 108

Activity Satisfaction Metrics Startup 108

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

Most leaders agree that poor customer service is a business killer today, in terms of lost customers, reduced profits, and low morale. Yet the average perception of customer experience has not improved. You have to start with hiring only people who are willing and able to make serious customer service happen.

Competition 99

Competition Services Startup Training 99

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 14, 2022

In his classic book, “ The Leadership Capital Index ,” Dave Ulrich, a best-selling author, business consultant, and business school professor, provides some real insights and metrics on what makes up the elements of goodwill in the minds of top valuation experts. I have paraphrased his key points here as follows: Leader personal impact.

Technical Review 129

Technical Review Funding Organization Coach 129

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 12, 2017

But very few are talking about how to measure your results and return on investment (ROI), and the right metrics for optimizing your marketing environment. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations. Measure customer response and action. Get the message from your customer.

Social Media 69

Social Media Media Metrics Satisfaction 69

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 20, 2015

Proof of any business model starts with a finished product or solution, sold to a new customer for full price, with high satisfaction for the value received. Decide early where and when money will come from, set some milestones and metrics, and work to a plan, or be caught short. Customer support is more than handling exceptions.

Startup 107

Startup Sales Customer Custom 107

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 15, 2020

In his classic book, “ The Leadership Capital Index ,” Dave Ulrich, a best-selling author, business consultant, and business school professor, provides some real insights and metrics on what makes up the elements of goodwill in the minds of top valuation experts. I have paraphrased his key points here as follows: Leader personal impact.

Technical Review 124

Technical Review Organization Coach Satisfaction 124

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2011

In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Terms like “every customer needs this” and “next generation platform” are far too soft, and should be avoided. Clearly define the customer, channel, and revenue model associated with this solution.

Competition 116

Competition Metrics Startup Sales 116

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 30, 2023

Risk level has always been directly correlated to the number of unknowns, so eliminating even one variable will improve your odds: Eliminate one aspect of research and development. According to a classic Harvard Research study, first inventors spend at least a third more on their initial technology than later innovators.

Social Media 92

Social Media Study Research Satisfaction 92

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 13, 2012

In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Terms like “every customer needs this” and “next generation platform” are far too soft, and should be avoided. Clearly define the customer, channel, and revenue model associated with this solution.

Competition 113

Competition Metrics Startup Invest 113

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 10, 2019

They don’t realize that they are missing out on a great opportunity for “free” promotion, as well as taking a great risk by not listening to what customers are saying, and not monitoring or responding to undeserved challenges to their reputation. Use business metrics and tools to tune your efforts. Do your homework before you begin.

Social Media 99

Social Media Media Tool Startup 99

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2020

The mindset you need for real communication must be focused on building relationships, surfacing ideas, generating trust, and building commitment, whether it be with your team, customers, or suppliers. You as the leader have a responsibility to define goals, strategy, and operational metrics.

Startup 124

Startup Ideas Examples Metrics 124

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 22, 2012

You can jump into social media with a poor brand definition, poorly focused content, unrealistic expectations of customer service, or be killed by malware or viruses. For some customers and many investors, a heavy focus on social networks and viral marketing may be a negative, rather than a positive.

Social Media 95

Social Media Media Startup Platform 95

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 18, 2011

You can jump into social media with a poor brand definition, poorly focused content, unrealistic expectations of customer service, or be killed by malware or viruses. For some customers and many investors, a heavy focus on social networks and viral marketing may be a negative, rather than a positive.

Social Media 93

Social Media Media Entrepreneur Platform 93

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 18, 2010

Implement metrics and analytics. You need to allocate a few minutes a day, or every week, to researching via blogs and websites like Tech News World the latest recommendations and reviews. The trick is to listen first, add something of value to the conversation, and pull the customers to you because they trust you and want more.

Social Media 95

Social Media Media Startup Blogging 95

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2015

In a new book, “ The Leadership Capital Index ,” Dave Ulrich, a best-selling author, business consultant, and business school professor, provides some real insights and metrics on what makes up the elements of goodwill in the minds of top valuation experts. I have paraphrased his key points here as follows: Leader personal impact.

Technical Review 100

Technical Review Organization Coach Satisfaction 100

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 6, 2011

That, plus I love the space of high-customer-service, focused eCommerce for moms worried about what their kids eat & wear.&#. She did a bunch of research on it and finally found a small number of safe brands. EcoMom’s metrics improved throughout this process and that’s when I decided to invest.

Startup 292

Startup Venture Capital Blogging Summary 292

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 14, 2016

These are the endless stream of email, phone calls, and daily crises which prevent really important accomplishments, like closing customers. Find time to research and install the latest tools to expedite repetitive tasks. Maximize your own productivity by listening more and talking less to your team and your customers.

Tips 100

Tips Activity Startup Product 100