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53 Questions Developers Should Ask Innovators

TechEmpower

Even when they have talked to multiple developers or development firms, we’re often the first to ask basic questions like “Who are your customers?” Who are the customers? Can you provide specific examples of different types of customers, what they need, and what the system will do for them? will you leverage?

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Why Misunderstanding Startup Metrics Can Cost You Your Business

Both Sides of the Table

There has been a lot of public debate over the past several weeks about whether it’s a good thing to be “gross margin positive” or not and commentary always reminds me that some people at startups don’t quite understand financial metrics or even how to think about which ones are healthy. Customer acquisition cost. That bit is easy.

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7 Key Factors Obscure Your Customer Acquisition Costs

Startup Professionals Musings

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.

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6 Key Rules To Stay Competitive In The Digital World

Startup Professionals Musings

As a business advisor, I have to recommend even to established companies that they review and revamp their competitive strategy now, even if it appears to be working today. The Wal-Mart home page is customized for each shopper based on location, local weather, and the customer search and purchase history.

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Praying to the God of Valuation

Both Sides of the Table

There were startups and a software industry but barely. And then in the late 90’s money crept in, swept in to town by public markets, instant wealth and an absurd sky-rocketing of valuations based on no reasonable metrics. In those years I learned to properly build product, price products, sell products and serve customers.

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Building Your MVP as a Non-Technical Founder

SoCal CTO

Once you build it, they will now ask you about the key metrics that they need proven in order to see if you really are a good investment. The second bullet, getting feedback from customers is most often not valid either. The real reason to build an MVP is to do early tests of key Startup Metrics for the business.

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6 Keys to Marketing Customer Experience vs Products

Startup Professionals Musings

Not so long ago, every business assumed that the keys to success were the highest quality product, the best value for the buck, and the best customer service. Now all we hear about is providing the best “customer experience.” You have to hear your customer’s dreams, goals, passions, and aspirations.

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