Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 26, 2020

Unfortunately, many inventors I know are stuck at this stage, being great technologists, but not so great as entrepreneurs. I urge every inventor and entrepreneur to adopt the minimum viable product (MVP) strategy. I find that inventors are fond of referring to their new technology as “ disruptive ,” or a major advance.

Customer 136

Customer Custom Examples .Net 136

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 29, 2017

As an advisor to entrepreneurs, I often have to deal with people who are convinced that they must get me to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before they begin talks about their new venture. Get an NDA before detailed patent disclosures. It pays to talk to competitors about the business, but not your business.

Technical Review 61

Technical Review Patents Ideas Social Media 61

InfoChachkie

MAY 9, 2011

This series describes how entrepreneurs can craft company-changing agreements with BDCs, while avoiding Kiss of Death contract provisions. Entrepreneurs should never agree to the following provisions when negotiating with a BDC, no matter how lucrative the potential relationship. Kiss of Death ConTraps.

Outsource Development 170

Outsource Development Entrepreneur Press Technical Review 170

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 12, 2019

Every entrepreneur and every business needs a strategy to keep them focused. Every business strategy should still be based first on a long-term business vision and goal – referred to by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their textbook “ Built to Last ” as the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). What can you be the best in the world at?

Organization 88

Organization Course Patents Entrepreneur 88

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

These are investor slang terms referring to how fast money is being spent, with an implicit question of how long the startup can survive before breakeven or another cash infusion is required. Provisional patents, or lawsuits pending, don’t add up to a strong sustainable competitive advantage. What traction can be measured today?

Entrepreneur 95

Entrepreneur Startup Invest Patents 95

SoCal CTO

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

In that same post Why you shouldn’t keep your startup idea secret where he argues to make things open, he defines only one group of people that you may want to avoid having a conversation with: The handful of people in the world who might copy your idea are entrepreneurs just starting up with a very similar idea.

Startup 211

Startup IP Ideas Patents 211

InfoChachkie

NOVEMBER 3, 2011

Their primary intended reader is a “first-time entrepreneur”, but clearly other stakeholders within the startup universe can also benefit from the book’s hands-on advice. They are both former entrepreneurs and current Partners at Foundry Group , a highly successful, early stage venture firm. The Magicians Tells Their Secrets.

Venture Capital 205

Venture Capital Entrepreneur Writing Guide 205

SoCal CTO

SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

In that same post Why you shouldn’t keep your startup idea secret where he argues to make things open, he defines only one group of people that you may want to avoid having a conversation with: The handful of people in the world who might copy your idea are entrepreneurs just starting up with a very similar idea.

Startup 198

Startup IP Ideas Patents 198

InfoChachkie

MAY 9, 2011

This series describes how entrepreneurs can craft company-changing agreements with BDCs, while avoiding Kiss of Death contract provisions. Entrepreneurs should never agree to the following provisions when negotiating with a BDC, no matter how lucrative the potential relationship. Kiss of Death ConTraps.

Outsource Development 124

Outsource Development Entrepreneur Press Technical Review 124

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 26, 2018

Bold entrepreneurs now can credibly talk about entirely new markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), genetic modifications, and privatized space travel. A successful campaign must not only capture people’s imagination but must have the right integration to move people to a new frame of reference and new thinking.

Marketing 92

Marketing Demand Examples Social Media 92

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 17, 2015

Every entrepreneur and every business needs a strategy to keep them focused. Every business strategy should still be based first on a long-term business vision and goal – referred to by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their classic book “ Built to Last ” as the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). What drives the economic engine?

Customer 102

Customer Custom Organization Course 102

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 14, 2018

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs seem to prefer to fail their way to the top, rather than do some research and learn from the successes and mistakes of others. In general I try to focus on the positives and tell entrepreneurs what works, but sometimes it’s important to reiterate the common things that simply don’t work.

Technical Review 63

Technical Review Entrepreneur Startup Customer 63

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 21, 2014

Every entrepreneur and every business needs a strategy to keep them focused. Every business strategy should still be based first on a long-term business vision and goal – referred to by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their classic book “ Built to Last ” as the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). What drives the economic engine?

Organization 98

Organization Course Entrepreneur Patents 98

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 27, 2014

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. They tell these entrepreneurs to sell themselves, execute well, and grow organically.

Services 105

Services Startup Training Writing 105

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 2, 2018

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. They tell these entrepreneurs to sell themselves, execute well, and grow organically.

Services 72

Services Startup Training Writing 72

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 5, 2017

Every entrepreneur and every business needs a strategy to keep them focused. Every business strategy should still be based first on a long-term business vision and goal – referred to by James Collins and Jerry Porras in their textbook “ Built to Last ” as the Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). What can you be the best in the world at?

Organization 69

Organization Course Patents Entrepreneur 69

socalTECH

OCTOBER 22, 2020

We have a soft spot for investors and entrepreneurs, who might be super-smart, but are not necessarily as experienced. I find that a lot of people are referring people to me, hearing when someone is moving to LA, to talk to Z. They are now doing lots of deals with big pharma companies, and have been incredibly successful.

Southern California 124

Southern California Capital Technical Review Startup 124

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 6, 2015

Unfortunately, many entrepreneurs seem to prefer to fail their way to the top, rather than do some research and learn from the successes and mistakes of others. In general I try to focus on the positives and tell entrepreneurs what works, but sometimes it’s important to reiterate the common things that simply don’t work.

Technical Review 60

Technical Review Entrepreneur Startup Satisfaction 60

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2012

Many writers have outlined the critical success factors for product companies, like sell every unit at a profit, patent the design, and continuous product improvement. You need to demonstrate innovative approaches, more knowledge, more productivity and superior results to get the references you need. Networking and relationships.

Satisfaction 91

Satisfaction Patents Outsource Development Services 91

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 17, 2016

The critical success factors for a product business are well known, starting with selling every unit with a gross margin of 50 percent or more, building a patent and other intellectual property, and continuous product improvement. They tell these entrepreneurs to sell themselves, execute well, and grow organically.

Services 61

Services Startup Training Writing 61

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2010

Many writers have outlined the critical success factors for product companies, like sell every unit at a profit, patent the design, and continuous product improvement. You need to demonstrate innovative approaches, more knowledge, more productivity and superior results to get the references you need. Networking and relationships.

Product 91

Product Services Satisfaction Patents 91

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 16, 2013

These are investor slang terms referring to how fast money is being spent, with an implicit question of how long the startup can survive before breakeven or another cash infusion is required. Provisional patents, or lawsuits pending, don’t add up to a strong sustainable competitive advantage. What traction can be measured today?

Startup 101

Startup Invest Patents Entrepreneur 101

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 7, 2014

Some startup founders try unusual word spellings to make their business stand out, but this can be trouble when customers ‘Google’ your business to find you, or try to refer you to others. Patent Office for Trademarks. business name entrepreneur founder startup TBD' Easy to pronounce and remember. Favor common suffixes.

Google 117

Google Customer Custom Sample 117

Tech.Co

DECEMBER 6, 2017

Coachella Valley is referred to as the “Desert Empire” to differentiate it from the neighboring urbanized Inland Empire and the Imperial Valley. All of this attention has helped raise the profile of the region as a lifestyle destination, which has led entrepreneurs to see the valley in a positive light.

Startup 105

Startup Technical Review Patents Services 105

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

These are investor slang terms referring to how fast money is being spent, with an implicit question of how long the startup can survive before breakeven or another cash infusion is required. Provisional patents, or lawsuits pending, don’t add up to a strong sustainable competitive advantage. What traction can be measured today?

Startup 97

Startup Invest Patents Customer 97

Tech.Co

DECEMBER 6, 2017

Coachella Valley is referred to as the “Desert Empire” to differentiate it from the neighboring urbanized Inland Empire and the Imperial Valley. All of this attention has helped raise the profile of the region as a lifestyle destination, which has led entrepreneurs to see the valley in a positive light.

Startup 119

Startup Technical Review Patents Services 119

Tech Zulu Event

OCTOBER 11, 2012

The idea was pioneered by renowned and award winning high impact serial entrepreneurs, Robert Sussman and Lance Fanaroff. ABSA Jewish Entrepreneur of the Year – WINNER (This award was actually presented by Gill Marcus) – (Annex.13). Ernst & Young – World Entrepreneur Awards – FINALIST (Annex 13).

Software Review 92

Software Review Social Network Platform Technical Review 92

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 20, 2010

These are investor slang terms referring to how fast money is being spent, with an implicit question of how long the startup can survive before breakeven or another cash infusion is required. Provisional patents, or lawsuits pending, don't add up to a strong sustainable competitive advantage. What traction can be measured today?

Startup 91

Startup Invest Patents Entrepreneur 91

InfoChachkie

JUNE 25, 2009

It is surprising how often entrepreneurs forget this simple fact. The reference may be well-intentioned, but the lawyer’s allegiance may be divided between the investor and you. Just as you would not ask your family physician to perform a coronary bypass, do not ask your corporate lawyer to help you write your patent application.

Technical Advisors 124

Technical Advisors Technical Review IP Patents 124

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2013

Some startup founders try unusual word spellings to make their business stand out, but this can be trouble when customers ‘Google’ your business to find you, or try to refer you to others. Patent Office for Trademarks. When creating a name, stay with words that can easily be spelled by customers. Easy to pronounce and remember.

Startup 104

Startup Google Customer Custom 104

SoCal CTO

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

I feel too many people are discouraging, and as a result, too many entrepreneurs are discouraged and give up. Sometimes we draft business plans and coach the entrepreneurs on their pitch, and sometimes we even help develop a business model. Many entrepreneurs have an idea but don’t know how to monetize it.

Startup 150

Startup SEO Pepperdine Blogging 150

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 13, 2011

Some startup founders try unusual word spellings to make their business stand out, but this can be trouble when customers ‘Google’ your business to find you, or try to refer you to others. Patent Office for Trademarks. When creating a name, stay with words that can easily be spelled by customers. Easy to pronounce and remember.

Company 108

Company Companies Google Customer 108

Both Sides of the Table

OCTOBER 19, 2009

It included one firm who I asked not to call Salesforce.com as a reference (they were our largest pilot customer) and in their kindness they called Marc Benioff (the CEO) and asked his opinion. Experienced and serial entrepreneurs in the content management space. Another called Parker Harris, the co-founder and CTO. Folksonomy.

Venture Capital 274

Venture Capital Blogging Startup Slides 274

socalTECH

AUGUST 18, 2009

We refer to them as plastic solar panels. About a year later, we recognized that it was very important to also have the patent, and Dina joined us. We have three partners--two are bankers, and one is an entrepreneur and self-made millionaire, Edward Chen, who is our Chairman and CEO.

UCLA 159

UCLA Technical Review El Monte Startup 159