SoCal CTO

MARCH 11, 2013

Yesterday, I was talking to a startup founder about their MVP and they said something that finally got me to write this post: "I have a few investors interested but they want to see a product." If you do build the MVP and show it to them, they will ask you about your metrics. They really want metrics, not a product.

Metrics 264

Metrics Venture Capital News Product 264

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 1, 2019

With the real data from that surge, you need to take a hard look at business model realities, cost of customer acquisition, inventory costs, and other key metrics. Control costs and adjust prices to maintain your margin. Document processes and metrics for economies of scale.

Metrics 86

Metrics Startup Training Customer 86

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 10, 2022

For example, I’m an introverted product guy who doesn’t care so much about building the personnel relationships needed to keep a motivated team. A strong vision and deep insight may get your business off the ground, but long-term success requires constant data analysis, metrics, and attention to your customer feedback.

Mentor 133

Mentor Startup Customer Custom 133

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2021

I recommend a trial run with an experiment or MVP (minimum viable product), at full price and cost, before the big bang launch, risking your investment money and a major time commitment. You need the funding and support, but venture capitalists can be very demanding, and set high targets. Needed help can be your biggest burden.

Technical Review 131

Technical Review Case Study Mentor Software Review 131

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 5, 2011

2 preamble issues having read the comments on TC today: 1: I know that the prices of startup companies is much great in Silicon Valley than in smaller towns / less tech focused areas in the US and the US prices higher than many foreign markets. You can be pissed off, but I don’t set prices. That’s stupid.

Startup 336

Startup Pricing Technical Review Marketing 336

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

There is excitement about the possibilities of real change and an infectious “naive optimism” about how everything is possible. As companies get this initial customer feedback on their product they start to have to ask harder questions about unit economics: How much does it cost us to acquire a new customer?

Startup 286

Startup Technical Review Customer Custom 286

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 7, 2020

In the short term you need customers to find you at any price, and in the longer term you need revenue, profit, and return loyalty. In a larger public company, it’s all about making your quarterly numbers, versus investing in strategic growth alternatives that may not pay off until several quarters later.

Technical Review 124

Technical Review Layoffs Social Media Metrics 124

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 27, 2011

I find it amusing when a journalist writes an article about a prominent startup (either privately held or preparing for an IPO) and decries that, “They’re not even profitable!” I know this seems obvious but I promise you that even smart people forget this when talking about profitability. Understanding Profits.

Startup 418

Startup Venture Capital Sales Technical Review 418

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 1, 2019

Weinfurter, talks about making the leap a couple of times himself, and the perspective he gained from many years of consulting with other companies who have done the same. Second-stage growth usually requires a formal sales model, an experienced and disciplined sales team, and a well-defined process to meet your new goals and demands.

Startup 97

Startup Sales Metrics Guide 97

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 4, 2019

These days, a fun shopping experience, or no-question returns, often tips the scales over extra product features or a lower price. For example, you will often find some new customers who want to test your limits by demanding extra service or concessions, leaving you with little or no lifetime value.

Customer 85

Customer Custom Product Metrics 85

InfoChachkie

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

I also found out they only cared about four applications. And then they said one thing that most marketers go their whole career never hearing, 'Listen Steve, price is irrelevant, it is speed that matters.' We had been pricing our graphics cards to be a low-cost provider. The first thing I did was raise our prices.".

Marketing 271

Marketing Startup Sales Customer 271

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 10, 2019

Of course, nothing is totally free, and I have heard the horror stories of relatively small companies finding thirty or more employees spending most of their time scanning and using social media for promotions, or engaging high-priced consultants who never seem to be able to show any real return for all of their efforts.

Social Media 99

Social Media Media Tool Startup 99

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2019

I suggest you use social media, blogging, crowdfunding, or documented research to quantify a real demand from people who can afford it, and don’t have a better alternative already out there. This is the point where you must manage to metrics, work on the culture of the organization, and look for partner-based growth.

Ideas 94

Ideas Slides Technical Review Patents 94

InfoChachkie

JUNE 2, 2014

The result of her efforts is an online service that allows brides to select their bridesmaids'' gowns, within a broad range of colors, styles and price points. Curious to learn more about Kelsey''s seemingly obvious, yet logistically challenging idea, I interviewed her during a rare break in her hectic schedule. Share and Enjoy.

Design 208

Design Customer Custom Satisfaction 208

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 24, 2017

Many are reluctant to really “market” themselves, and have trouble differentiating their offerings to clients, except by price. If you are already running a business in this category, or thinking about one, I recommend a new book, “ The Profitable Professional ,” by Kelly Clifford. Set pricing to assure both revenue and profit.

Social Media 56

Social Media Pricing Technical Review Demand 56

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 25, 2016

So when Sam Rosen came to me with the idea of disrupting storage with a product that is priced cheaper than existing incumbents and he could build a product that is a better service I was intrigued. If you’re not even spending any time thinking about what your market could be you’re simply being lazy and unprepared.

Startup 150

Startup Marketing Study SEO 150

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 1, 2010

Especially fun when you get him telling stories about his pilot experiences. So while it started more about finding solutions to get him driving cars more or logging airline miles he also focuses on big, industry-changing ideas. It is the most accurate data out there that you can use to carry into a dealership and negotiate on price.

Zag 248

Zag Truecar Venture Capital CarsDirect 248

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Weinfurter, talks about making the leap a couple of times himself, and the perspective he gained from many years of consulting with other companies who have done the same. Second-stage growth usually requires a formal sales model, an experienced and disciplined sales team, and a well-defined process to meet your new goals and demands.

Startup 108

Startup Sales Metrics Entrepreneur 108

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 25, 2016

It must be written down, with measurable team objectives, validated by metrics and compared against competition. A business with charisma gives the customer something very special, and they want to tell others about it. A mission of superior customer service is more than words in the board room or words in front of customers.

Customer 55

Customer Custom Startup Coach 55

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 21, 2013

It must be understandable, written down, and verifiable, with regular measurements and metrics to make it real, benchmarked against the competition. Leaders have found that keeping everyone on top of changes in technology, competition, and customer demands is critical to success. Make your service deliver process “happy.”

Customer 92

Customer Custom Startup Services 92

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

Weinfurter, talks about making the leap a couple of times himself, and the perspective he gained from many years of consulting with other companies who have done the same. Second-stage growth usually requires a formal sales model, an experienced and disciplined sales team, and a well-defined process to meet your new goals and demands.

Startup 56

Startup Sales Metrics Guide 56

Tech.Co

APRIL 11, 2018

Here’s a look at the most interesting facts surrounding the tech industry’s biggest stronghold, what they mean, and what those in the industry have to say about what’s keeping tech workers in the area. After, it’s a balancing act for many in the industry, who rely on the same location that’s pricing them out.

Report 70

Report .Net Template Writing 70

Tech Zulu Event

MARCH 22, 2016

Less than a month ago, Snapchat opened custom on-demand geofilters to everyone. So what’s exciting about this new product? I’ve heard about people using them for weddings or parties. When you think about the way this aspect of Snapchat’s business is structured creates unlimited amounts of inventory. The list goes on.

Customer 40

Customer Custom Snapchat Design 40

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 6, 2021

Ongoing momentum requires a move to mainstream, or even late adopters, who demand simplicity in your base function. It’s important to define your growth strategy, document it, communicate it to your team, and align metrics and employee rewards to target goals. Build a strong employee culture focused on growth.

Technical Review 160

Technical Review Technical Advisors Startup Mentor 160