Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 13, 2015

Entrepreneurs and startups often ask if they should select only social media for marketing, or stick with digital media, or just count on traditional media. Social media as a marketing tool is here to stay, and is now widely accepted. Focus first on the social media trinity.

Social Media 108

Social Media Media Marketing Resource 108

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 1, 2013

Entrepreneurs and startups often ask if they should use social media for marketing, digital media, or traditional media. The place to start today is if your company only uses traditional media for marketing, or no marketing. Focus first on the social media trinity.

Social Media 103

Social Media Media Marketing Startup 103

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2019

The realm of an entrepreneur is all about change, but in my experience as a mentor to business founders, I hear too much about incremental change, and not enough about revolutionary change. Today every small business can look big, via a modern website, visibility on social media, and taking an active role in popular causes.

Entrepreneur 103

Entrepreneur Social Media Artificial Inteligence Examples 103

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 1, 2017

Most startups, and many big businesses, still don’t have a clue on how to use social media productively for marketing their business. Social Marketology ,” outlined the best set of steps I have seen so far for the new world: Focus on desired outcomes first. Ric Dragon, an expert in online marketing, in his classic book.

Social Media 62

Social Media Media Metrics SEO 62

InfoChachkie

APRIL 29, 2013

In searching for world-class examples of public responses to irate customers'' complaints, I found one that emanated from an unlikely place, Savusavu, Fiji. Below are some customer complaint rebuttal lessons entrepreneurs can draw from Tige''s skillful approach. Left unattended, such attacks are detrimental. Share and Enjoy.

Social Media 213

Social Media Customer Custom Media 213

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 18, 2011

If you are an entrepreneur today, and not using social media to promote your business, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Most social media outlets don’t require a subscription charge, but they certainly require an investment – in people, in technology, your reputation, and your time.

Social Media 93

Social Media Media Entrepreneur Platform 93

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 18, 2013

Most startups, and many big businesses, still don’t have a clue on how to use social media productively for marketing their business. Ric Dragon, an expert in online marketing, in “ Social Marketology ,” outlined the best set of steps I have seen so far for the new world: Focus on desired outcomes first.

Social Media 102

Social Media Media Product Metrics 102

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 9, 2017

If you are an entrepreneur today, and not using social media to promote your business, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Most social media outlets don’t require a subscription charge, but they certainly always require an investment, sometimes large, in people, in technology, your reputation, and your time.

Social Media 66

Social Media Media Tips Platform 66

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 8, 2017

If you are an entrepreneur today, and not using social media to promote your business, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Most social media outlets don’t require a subscription charge, but they certainly require an investment to be hard hitting – in people, in technology, your reputation, and your time.

Social Media 58

Social Media Media Platform Tool 58

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 17, 2020

Although most people believe that being a successful entrepreneur is all about having the right idea, I’m convinced from my years of experience as a startup advisor and investor that’s it’s more about you as a person. The best entrepreneurs are not just dreamers of the next big thing – they have to be great facilitators and problem solvers.

Entrepreneur 129

Entrepreneur Examples Blogging Customer 129

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

NOVEMBER 30, 2013

Isn’t it frustrating to think you understand something new in business, like marketing with social media, only to realize that the landscape changed while you were looking at other priorities? Don’t Buy It ,” which asserts that “earned” social engagement drives far better business results than paid social exposure.

Social Media 100

Social Media Media Marketing Platform 100

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 22, 2012

If you are an entrepreneur today, and not using social media to promote your business, you are missing out on a huge opportunity. Most social media outlets don’t require a subscription charge, but they certainly require an investment – in people, in technology, your reputation, and your time.

Social Media 95

Social Media Media Startup Platform 95

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 21, 2020

Many of the entrepreneurs I advise or invest with spend considerable time on the Internet, keeping up with technology, customers, and competitors, but very few feel the need for an early personal presence. Anticipate and establish supporting social media accounts. Every future entrepreneur should start by networking.

Product 127

Product Entrepreneur Technical Advisors Technical Review 127

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 11, 2023

Savvy entrepreneurs start testing their ideas on potential customers even before the concept is fully cooked. Highlight the problem and your concerns in industry blogs, speaking in public forums, and making yourself visible on social media and networking opportunities. Craft and hone your elevator pitch early.

Ideas 126

Ideas Startup Social Media Blogging 126

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 27, 2012

Most startups, and many big businesses, still don’t have a clue on how to use social media productively for marketing their business. Ric Dragon, an expert in online marketing, in his new book “ Social Marketology ,” outlined the best set of steps I have seen so far for the new world: Focus on desired outcomes first.

Social Media 91

Social Media Media Metrics SEO 91

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.” Develop a marketing strategy specific to this media. Social media demands two-way communication, rather than outbound only. But don’t stop there.

Social Media 115

Social Media Media Startup Social Network 115

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 29, 2021

I’m often surprised when you as an aspiring entrepreneur, looking for investors, tell me your solution is so innovative that you don’t have to worry about differentiating it from competitors, and customers will flock to it without a real marketing campaign. Perception is better than reality. I now use them exclusively.

Social Media 134

Social Media Case Study Customer Custom 134

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 31, 2022

They may not have noticed the wave of “open businesses,” spawned by the Internet and social media. In fact, Conscious Capitalism companies, for example, historically have outperformed the S&P 500 index by a factor of ten. Set an example by being visibly connected to the people and information you need through social media.

Organization 126

Organization Social Media Examples Customer 126

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 9, 2022

An excellent example is the initiative by Elon Musk and Tesla Motors a few years ago to give away their battery patents, to infrastructure and competitive car providers, without transactional agreements. Another partnering model example is the IBM Watson Group $1 billion investment to share cloud-based development and super-computing tools.

IBM 131

IBM IBM Startup Examples 131

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 30, 2021

The recent pandemic was a strong signal for change, and I see most of you entrepreneurs and business owners responding to the business changes required and new opportunities presented. An example is the transportation industry moving to electric – key player positions are changing rapidly.

Marketing 162

Marketing Social Media Metrics Customer 162

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 9, 2022

A common request I get while mentoring entrepreneurs is for a copy of the startup checklist they need to follow, in order to build a successful new business. His checklists cover everything from building a vision, to consistently delivering results, for entrepreneurs up to mature business executives. Social Media.

Technology 133

Technology Cloud Computing Social Media Networking 133

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 23, 2022

As an advisor to entrepreneurs and a technologist, I’m happy to report that the tide may be turning, and we are experiencing a new era of opportunity for entrepreneurs, and a new appreciation of the power of the digital world. Google scores high for tools, location, and social media data sharing, but not for biometric data.

Social Media 107

Social Media Tool Google Yahoo 107

InfoChachkie

AUGUST 8, 2012

This week the SBW2012 Conference in DC offers sessions geared for small businesses including a Social Media forum, Business Matchmaking, and Federal Contracting 101. Often entrepreneurs are running their playbook for the first time. Entrepreneurs should embrace their beginnings and move forward with performance on their side.

Entrepreneur 191

Entrepreneur RSS Conference Training 191

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 27, 2021

As an advisor to startups and entrepreneurs, I often hear the myth that all new businesses must start with a great idea. I believe the best entrepreneurs start by finding a large opportunity, and only then use good ideas to capitalize on that opportunity. I have to disagree. Offer a no-frills version of a high-end product (downgrade).

Startup 112

Startup Ideas Examples Entrepreneur 112

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 9, 2014

Savvy entrepreneurs start testing their ideas on potential customers even before the concept is fully cooked. Highlight the problem and your concerns in industry blogs, speaking in public forums, and making yourself visible on social media and networking opportunities. Craft and hone your elevator pitch early.

Entrepreneur 102

Entrepreneur Social Media Startup Blogging 102

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 20, 2023

Technical entrepreneurs love their technology, and often are driven to launch a startup on the assumption that everyone will buy any solution which highlights this technology. Smart entrepreneurs build market-driven solutions, per the following principles: Size the opportunity and customer interest first. Neither is positive.

Customer 110

Customer Custom Social Media Technology 110

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Every entrepreneur believes that their product or service is memorable, and that every customer will quickly see the advantage over competitors. For example, customers with high disposable income will likely respond better to unique features, rather than a lower cost. Focus on customers you really care about, and who care about you.

Competition 123

Competition Customer Custom Examples 123

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 8, 2020

Savvy entrepreneurs start testing their ideas on potential customers even before the concept is fully cooked. Highlight the problem and your concerns in industry blogs, speaking in public forums, and making yourself visible on social media and networking opportunities. Craft and hone your elevator pitch early.

Ideas 124

Ideas Tips Marketing Social Media 124

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. Nothing could be further from the truth. Currency exchange fluctuations can wipe out gains.

Outsource Development 110

Outsource Development Social Media Entrepreneur Summary 110

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 16, 2014

Technology is so key to every business these days that experienced business-smart but non-tech entrepreneurs are falling deeper and deeper in the hole. Only one component of running a business is managing technology, but it is a critical component, so no entrepreneur can afford to ignore it or totally delegate it.

High Tech 103

High Tech Entrepreneur Startup Social Media 103

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 14, 2023

Desperate entrepreneurs lose their leverage and die young. As a mentor to many entrepreneurs and startups, here are my best recommendations for keeping the burn rate low, planning ahead and maintaining credibility with investors: Manage cash flow personally every day. Use social media for early marketing.

Search Engine Optimization 103

Search Engine Optimization Outsource Development Social Media Equity 103

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 10, 2020

Technology is so key to every business these days that experienced business-smart but non-tech entrepreneurs are feeling deeper and deeper in the hole. Only one component of running a business is managing technology, but it is a critical component, so no entrepreneur can afford to ignore it or totally delegate it.

Competition 174

Competition High Tech Startup Social Media 174

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 19, 2022

With today’s interactive social media and the real-time Internet, both customers and employees see inside your company easily, so you can’t hide your real company culture. Examples of companies well known for their winning cultures inside and out include Apple and Google. Set the culture by example.

Organization 119

Organization Social Media Guide Customer 119

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 3, 2021

Based on my own years of experience in startups and big business, and more recently as an angel investor, I often cringe when I see one of you entrepreneurs missing a cue that I have seen work for many before you. A passionate entrepreneur I met a while back had found that a certain algae could be grown cheaply, and could end world hunger.

Entrepreneur 162

Entrepreneur Social Media Examples Metrics 162

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 5, 2021

As I have said many times, the cost of entry for an aspiring entrepreneur has never been lower, and the total wealth of opportunities has never been larger. Entrepreneurs have huge opportunities to deliver higher-performance materials at lower cost, like carbon fiber for steel. It’s a higher calling than one more social media platform.

Startup 162

Startup Resource Entrepreneur Social Media 162