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73.6% of all Statistics are Made Up

Both Sides of the Table

Often when they do I throw out my favorite statistic: 73.6% of all statistics are made up. Fortunately I was mostly a technology consultant, which meant that I coded computers, designed databases and planned system integration projects. People throw them around at cocktail parties. I say it deadpanned. It’s irony.

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10 Metrics To Drive Your Annual Business Review

Startup Professionals Musings

Entrepreneurs have no trouble focusing on how to build a product, and the good ones know how to find and nurture those first critical customers. As the end of the year approaches, it’s a good time for every startup to assess the metrics, technology, and platforms they’re using to manage the business. Size of gross margin.

Metrics 100
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10 Quotes You Should Never Use Around A Business Plan

Startup Professionals Musings

Many new entrepreneurs are so excited by their latest idea that they can’t resist contacting every investor they know, assuming the investor will be equally excited and want to contribute immediately. Attached is a copy of my full business plan for your review.” I don’t have a business plan, but the technology is disruptive.”

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10 Entrepreneur Approaches That Turn Off Investors

Startup Professionals Musings

Many new entrepreneurs are so excited by their latest idea that they can’t resist contacting every investor they know, assuming the investor will be equally excited and want to contribute immediately. Attached is a copy of my full business plan for your review.” I don’t have a business plan, but the technology is disruptive.”

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6 New Venture Realities To Target Your Funding Effort

Startup Professionals Musings

Entrepreneurs who require funding for their startup have long counted on self-accredited high net worth individuals (“angels”) to fill their needs, after friends and family, and before they qualify for institutional investments (“VCs”). Here again, the entrepreneur will be the one hurt most, by having fewer funding sources to access.

Funding 144
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10 Strategies For Attracting Investors That Will Fail

Startup Professionals Musings

Many new entrepreneurs are so excited by their latest idea that they can’t resist contacting every investor they know, assuming the investor will be equally excited and want to contribute immediately. Attached is a copy of my full business plan for your review.” I don’t have a business plan, but the technology is disruptive.”

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6 Hiring Principles To Grow The Best New Venture Team

Startup Professionals Musings

Of course, it’s no surprise that most entrepreneurs don’t have a background in hiring teams, and don’t have a budget for training or human resource consultants. Define a disciplined process, take the time to find multiple candidates, and do proper reviews. Get interactive in candidate interviews.

Training 135