Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 22, 2021

As I talk to many of you in my role as business advisor, I still often hear the concern for maximum return to the business and stakeholders, more than a passion for sustainably enriching the lives of your customers and team. This applies to your own team, as well as customers. Make every customer experience memorable.

Customer 114

Customer Custom Satisfaction Metrics 114

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 19, 2022

With the power of the Internet, and the impact of the recent pandemic , the world of business services, such as accounting and marketing, have gone more and more remote. Yet the value of real relationships, as with consumer customers, has become critical to your business services growth and success.

Services 121

Services Technical Review Social Media Case Study 121

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 12, 2017

If you are an entrepreneur these days, or trying to grow an existing business, everyone is telling you that you need to use social media. There are many ‘experts’ out there telling you how to do it, or even offering their services. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations.

Social Media 69

Social Media Media Metrics Satisfaction 69

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 11, 2021

Photo by Vanna Phon on Unsplash Customer acquisition is the lifeblood of many startups from e-commerce to gaming to marketplace companies, among others. Most of these startups spend the lion’s share of their marketing budget in today’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Snap, TikTok and so on because?—?no

Product 424

Product Platform Advertising Acquisition 424

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 5, 2019

Too many business owners still think of “ customer support ” as an after-sale process to rectify customer problems with completed transactions. With the advent of instant communication and social media, customer service starts at the first hint of interest by you, and never ends for repeat customers.

Customer 84

Customer Custom Company Companies 84

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 18, 2022

Selling services has always been about relationships, but the challenges of building relationships with services clients have exploded. In addition, as every business becomes instantly global via the Internet, it’s virtually impossible for you to touch every customer personally. Relationships are a function of customer culture.

Social Media 98

Social Media Technical Review Media Services 98

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 5, 2013

If you are an entrepreneur these days, or trying to grow an existing business, everyone is telling you that you need to use social media. There are many ‘experts’ out there telling you how to do it, or even offering their services. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations.

Social Media 102

Social Media Media Entrepreneur Metrics 102

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 25, 2020

The world keeps changing, and visible business strategies that worked well in the past, including being the premium brand or low price producer, simply don’t get the customer loyalty they once did. Today, customers are looking for real relationships, a memorable shopping experience, and satisfaction of a higher purpose.

Customer 133

Customer Custom Satisfaction Examples 133

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 26, 2012

If you are an entrepreneur these days, or trying to grow an existing business, everyone is telling you that you need to use social media. There are many ‘experts’ out there telling you how to do it, or even offering their services. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations.

Social Media 98

Social Media Metrics Media Startup 98

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 2, 2013

When my friend’s small business was struggling a while back, I suggested he add some social media marketing initiatives, and his answer was that he was “too busy.” According to a study of 1700 CEOs last year, only 60% of companies today use social media for marketing, and only 12% of those feel that they are using it effectively.

Social Media 106

Social Media Media Startup Social Network 106

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 15, 2023

If you really want to start a business your way without a boss or professional investor hovering over you, then just fund it yourself or through friends and family, and grow it organically. Barter services for access to required resources. Keep expenses down, but keep customer visibility and sensitivity as a top priority.

Equity 139

Equity Social Media Startup Summary 139

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2022

There are already a variety of cloud computing solutions available for common business usage, including the following: Software as a Service (SaaS). Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). Platform as a Service (PaaS). Business Process as a Service (BPaaS). Social Media. Gamification.

Technology 133

Technology Cloud Computing Social Media Networking 133

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2022

You may feel good when that first burst of customers arrives, but don’t assume that “ word of mouth ” and those early adopters will grow your business to match your dreams of success. In these days of global competition via multiple channels, you need continuous marketing to find more customers. They won’t find you.

Technical Review 142

Technical Review Social Media Conference Customer 142

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 29, 2023

If your forte is a service, like consulting or web site design, it’s harder to find guidance on what will get you funded, and how you can scale your business. With services, scaling the business often implies cloning yourself, since you are the intellectual property and the competitive advantage. Capture your “secret sauce.”

Startup 111

Startup Training Services Writing 111

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

When my friend’s small business was struggling a while back, I suggested he add some social media marketing initiatives, and his answer was that he was “too busy.” They don’t know if they should move to social networks for lead generation, branding, customer loyalty, or for direct marketing and e-commerce.

Social Media 115

Social Media Media Startup Social Network 115

SoCal Tech Calendar

JUNE 19, 2009

Thursday, June 25, 2009 -- Using Social Media to Market Your Business. Resistance to social media is futile. Millions of people are creating content for the social Web. Your customers have been there for a long time. San Diego Venture Group. Special Keynote Headliner: Guy Kawasaki.

Social Media 100

Social Media Media Marketing San Diego 100

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 3, 2020

If your forte is a service, like consulting or web site design, it’s harder to find guidance on what will get you funded, and how you can scale your business. With services, scaling the business often implies cloning yourself, since you are the intellectual property and the competitive advantage. Capture your “secret sauce.”

Startup 174

Startup Training Services Writing 174

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 25, 2023

Should they focus on increasing revenues and profitability, or entice more and more users with “free” services, to increase their valuation. In my view, the pendulum is swinging back, with investors looking more for the traditional indications of business integrity, stability, and growth: Some element of organic growth is a good thing.

Organization 94

Organization Invest Customer Custom 94

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 21, 2020

Should they focus on increasing revenues and profitability, or entice more and more users with “free” services, to increase their valuation. In my view, the pendulum is swinging back, with investors looking more for the traditional indications of business integrity, stability, and growth: Some element of organic growth is a good thing.

Organization 173

Organization Invest Customer Custom 173

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 16, 2023

Successful entrepreneurs often start with a “random” idea, but they quickly focus their efforts and follow a “system” to organize their startup and maximize the clout of their activities. Allocate some time to spend on social media. Social media is critical today to almost every business. Build a team.

Social Media 94

Social Media Media Ideas Writing 94

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 2, 2018

If your forte is a service, like consulting or web site design, it’s harder to find guidance on what will get you funded, and how you can scale your business. With services, scaling the business often implies cloning yourself, since you are the intellectual property and the competitive advantage. Capture your “secret sauce.”

Services 72

Services Startup Training Writing 72

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 18, 2020

If you really want to start a business your way without a boss or professional investor hovering over you, then just fund it yourself or through friends and family, and grow it organically. Barter services for access to required resources. Keep expenses down, but keep customer visibility and sensitivity as a top priority.

Social Media 169

Social Media Startup Equity Summary 169

Tech Zulu Event

SEPTEMBER 19, 2012

Social Media Week (SMW) helps organizations connect and share the latest social media findings through social, cultural and economic talks and workshops in major cities worldwide. This keeps the event organizers aware of capacity limitations. Social Media and Urban Development in Hollywood.

Social Media 92

Social Media Los Angeles Media Angel 92

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 11, 2010

If you are an entrepreneur these days, or trying to grow an existing business, everyone is telling you that you need to use social media. There are many ‘experts’ out there telling you how to do it, or even offering their services. Social media is the realm of public opinion and customer conversations.

Social Media 84

Social Media Metrics Media Satisfaction 84

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2011

I suggested that he add some social network marketing initiatives, and his answer was he is “too busy.” He is not alone, according to a recent study , which concludes that only 47% of companies use social media today for marketing, despite the fact that 78% of executives polled feel it’s critical for success. What’s the problem?

Social Media 104

Social Media Media Marketing Social Network 104

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 11, 2016

Selling services has always been about relationships, but the challenges of building relationships with services clients have exploded. In addition, as every business becomes instantly global via the Internet, it’s virtually impossible for you to touch every customer personally. Relationships are a function of customer culture.

Services 54

Services Social Media Technical Review Media 54

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 4, 2017

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.

Customer 85

Customer Custom Product Marketing 85

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 18, 2015

Be willing to work at all organization levels. Treat a startup as a customer, not a client. A client relationship suggests that the consultant is in charge, whereas the customer designation recognizes the more modern model of the customer in control. Be responsive to every customer communication.

Services 100

Services Startup Software Review Social Media 100

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 12, 2021

If customers don’t know you exist, you can’t solve their problem, they won’t buy. Getting customer attention often takes more innovation today than solving the tough technical problems. Talk to real live customers in addition to marketers. Network with local organizations and industry groups.

Technical Advisors 154

Technical Advisors Tips Marketing Case Study 154

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 7, 2021

Every entrepreneur’s first priority should be the alignment of interests across the range of constituents required for success – partners, investors, customers, vendors, and employees. That means keeping all the players and all the organizations centered on what matters amid the crosscurrents of change.

Social Media 143

Social Media Startup Framework Course 143

Tech.Co

JANUARY 10, 2018

“Focusing on emotion is key when communicating with female customers. Women tend to form lasting connections with products and services that created a positive feel for them. This is especially true when providing a product/service to children.” Connect With Your Customers.

Tips 71

Tips Customer Custom Dollar Shave Club 71

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 26, 2015

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.

Customer 100

Customer Custom .Net Competition 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 4, 2023

A UVP sells a product or service because it differentiates it from other products or services that are available. With social media, you can interact more precisely and create custom products and marketing to be almost all things to all people. Build word-of-mouth into your product or service.

Marketing 107

Marketing Technical Review Startup Innocal 107

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 27, 2014

If your forte is a service, like consulting or web site design, it’s harder to find guidance on what will get you funded, and how you can scale your business. With services, scaling the business often implies cloning yourself, since you are the intellectual property and the competitive advantage. Capture your “secret sauce.”

Services 105

Services Startup Training Writing 105

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 11, 2014

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.

Customer 98

Customer Custom .Net Competition 98

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 4, 2010

I suggested that he add some social network marketing initiatives, and his answer was he is “too busy.” According to this study from last year, over 65% of existing small businesses still ignore social media for marketing, so he is still the rule rather than the exception. Develop a marketing strategy specific to this media.

Social Media 88

Social Media Media Marketing Startup 88

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 7, 2023

With the availability of high-speed Internet and social media access around the world, it’s easy for entrepreneurs to assume that the world is just one big homogeneous market, and project their business will scale accordingly. Factor in basic infrastructure quality and services. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Outsource Development 110

Outsource Development Social Media Entrepreneur Summary 110