Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 25, 2022

After many years working in business and investing in startups, I’m convinced that the primary reason for new business and career failures is NOT a lack of skill or money, but people giving up too quickly on their dreams and goals. A first step is empowering yourself to achieve success and feel satisfaction from doing your job.

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Startup Satisfaction Summary Coach 122

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2021

Almost every entrepreneur and new business owner I mentor is certain that his/her idea has a very high probability of success, and all find it hard to believe that ninety percent of startups ultimately fail. It’s an amazing ride, and there is no satisfaction like creating something out of nothing.

Technical Review 131

Technical Review Case Study Mentor Software Review 131

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 20, 2020

Yet as I mentor entrepreneurs around the country, it still seems to be one of the least understood approaches to startup funding, with more myths than accredited angels and professional venture capital investors combined. The crowd gets the satisfaction of helping, with minimal risk, and no expectation of any high return. In the U.S.,

Entrepreneur 129

Entrepreneur Outsource Development Satisfaction Equity 129

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 25, 2023

Based on my own experience as a mentor and angel investor, I find that as many as ninety percent of startups fail in the first five years, despite their best efforts. But if you do it right, the joys and satisfaction, as well as financial returns, of your success can’t be beat. The key is not to expect any magic or entitlement here.

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Social Media Metrics Media Tool 98

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 30, 2020

I see no reason not to balance these frustrations with the satisfaction of more conventional work accomplishments and the people relationships we all need to thrive. Most entrepreneurs don’t get the satisfaction of a salary for the first couple of years, even if their startup is well funded by investors.

Startup 128

Startup Entrepreneur Satisfaction News 128

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 27, 2019

Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. If you can explain the problem to a mentor, or even write it down, you will more likely get to the root cause quickly, and avoid emotional and blame-infused responses. Explore solutions, outcomes, and options calmly.

Mentor 85

Mentor Entrepreneur Technical Review Summary 85

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

In my role as a mentor to business professionals and entrepreneurs over the years, I have found that it’s important to take a hard look at the relationships around you on a regular basis. But, like most other skills, you can learn from these priorities: Everyone benefits from active mentoring.

Tips 95

Tips Mentor Coach Activity 95

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 25, 2022

In fact, I have found from personal experience and mentoring that both of these are necessary, but not sufficient, for building a business. Investments and acquisitions fail. Most entrepreneurs assume that success is dependent on their product expertise, coupled with some knowledge of how to run a business.

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Training Coach Startup Entrepreneur 142

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2021

Most investors will readily admit that they invest in entrepreneur leadership, more so than innovative ideas, but they often find it difficult to separate aspiring leaders from those that are clearly extraordinary. That means accepting coaching and seeking mentoring, as well as giving it. The time to get started is now.

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Coach Startup Resource Competition 162

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 11, 2020

In my own experience as a startup advisor and mentor, I find that entrepreneurs who can’t attract and maintain a highly motivated team rarely even get off the ground. Investors have long agreed that you invest in the team, more than the product. Good hiring, training, and mentoring are the best motivators.

Product 129

Product Examples Mentor Activity 129

Tech.Co

DECEMBER 4, 2020

It’s with profound sadness we mourn the loss of a true visionary, author, mentor, thought-leader, investor, and friend, Tony Hsieh. Under Hsieh’s leadership, Zappos revolutionized the apparel industry, and e-commerce in general, by being one of the first to prioritize customer satisfaction and service. By Frank Gruber and Jen Consalvo.

Commerce 207

Commerce Statistics Customer Custom 207

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 27, 2022

Dini, tied together several threads I have often seen in my own experience of mentoring and helping aspiring entrepreneurs. They love the continuous hunt, for investment capital, resources, talent, and new markets. Farmers have a narrower view of what is required, to optimize quality production, customer satisfaction, or close a sale.

Entrepreneur 124

Entrepreneur Marketing News Slides 124

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 3, 2019

Image via Pixabay I’ve always been a bit confused about the difference in a business context between a coach and a mentor. According to many pundits , a mentor shows you the right way based on experience, while a coach brings out the best in you, then let’s you find your own way. Invest in creating real, emotional bonds between people.

Coach 87

Coach Mentor Examples Satisfaction 87

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 6, 2015

Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. If you can explain the problem to a mentor, or even write it down, you will more likely get to the root cause quickly, and avoid emotional and blame-infused responses. Explore solutions, outcomes, and options calmly.

Mentor 105

Mentor Entrepreneur Technical Review Satisfaction 105

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 2, 2019

If you require an investment for scaling, you need to attain this stage, with a prototype and an overall business plan, to assure credibility with investors. Lead and mentor team members to run all business areas. All teams must be motivated and engaged by your leadership and mentoring. The team must handle daily tasks.

Company 99

Company Companies Technical Review Startup 99

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 21, 2021

In addition, he has often stated that his first priority is serving his employees and his extended business family, through coaching, mentoring, and effective communication. If you invest the time and effort to install and upgrade processes and systems, you can replicate results and grow the business without multiplying your own efforts.

Technical Review 123

Technical Review Coach Satisfaction Mentor 123

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 28, 2014

Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. If you can explain the problem to a mentor, or even write it down, you will more likely get to the root cause quickly, and avoid emotional and blame-infused responses. Explore solutions, outcomes, and options calmly.

Entrepreneur 102

Entrepreneur Mentor Technical Review Satisfaction 102

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 1, 2019

Be willing to invest in effort, before expecting results. Every business owner understands the need for making an investment first, before realizing any return or instant gratification. Your boss will see more value in you, you will learn more, and have more fun. Accept and capitalize on change.

Technical Advisors 75

Technical Advisors Startup Satisfaction Customer 75

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 21, 2015

Yet as I mentor entrepreneurs around the country, it still seems to be one of the least understood approaches to startup funding, with more myths than accredited angels and professional venture capital investors combined. The crowd gets the satisfaction of helping, with minimal risk, and no expectation of any high return. In the U.S.,

Venture Capital 108

Venture Capital Angel Satisfaction Equity 108

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 21, 2019

In fact, I have found from personal experience and mentoring that both of these are necessary, but not sufficient, for building a business. Investments and acquisitions fail. Most entrepreneurs assume that success is dependent on their product expertise, coupled with some knowledge of how to run a business.

Training 123

Training Coach Startup Entrepreneur 123

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 20, 2019

Dini, tied together several threads I have often seen in my own experience of mentoring and helping aspiring entrepreneurs. They love the continuous hunt, for investment capital, resources, talent, and new markets. Farmers have a narrower view of what is required, to optimize quality production, customer satisfaction, or close a sale.

Entrepreneur 95

Entrepreneur News Slides Startup 95

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2010

For this, you should expect participation in monthly strategy and review meetings, and unlimited access via phone or email for questions, mentoring, and advice. To bring real money and credibility to your company, and help you avoid costly mistakes in development and strategy, a first-class Advisory Board is a small investment.

Invest 50

Invest Technical Review Software Review High Tech 50

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 27, 2019

Pick your niche, and continually invest in improving your expertise and keeping up with trends. Use blogging, outside publication, and speaking or mentoring opportunities to establish credibility and stand out above peers. Focus on the ultimate customer, and find a way to improve satisfaction, grow revenue, or cut costs.

Startup 98

Startup Outsource Development Competition Social Media 98

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 7, 2016

Although just seventeen years old, Patel has some great insights that I can extrapolate for every aspiring entrepreneur to answer the most common question I get as an advisor and mentor – “Where do I start?” Invest in your own future success. Selling something that only a few people need, even newspapers, is not conducive to success.

Entrepreneur 99

Entrepreneur Social Media Satisfaction Customer 99

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 1, 2016

In my own experience as a startup advisor and mentor, I find that entrepreneurs who can’t attract and maintain a highly motivated team rarely even get off the ground. Investors have long agreed that you invest in the team, more than the product. Good hiring, training, and mentoring are the best motivators.

Startup 58

Startup Examples Mentor Activity 58

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2016

As a startup investor and mentor, I look beyond the façade to find these eight keys traits in the mindset of every entrepreneur. Building a new business is essentially turning a vision into a financially self-sustaining operation that provides satisfaction and value to both the customer and the entrepreneur.

Startup 58

Startup Satisfaction Entrepreneur Customer 58

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 15, 2016

I see no reason not to balance these frustrations with the satisfaction of more conventional work accomplishments and the people relationships we all need to thrive. Most entrepreneurs don’t get the satisfaction of a salary for the first couple of years, even if their startup is well funded by investors.

Entrepreneur 63

Entrepreneur Startup Satisfaction News 63

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 2, 2015

Bring in expert advisors and mentors to set initial goals, and build recovery plans. No matter how great your solution, it takes real marketing effort, content and investment to get attention these days. Even though invention can’t be scheduled, detailed planning does work, both on the product side and the business side.

Startup 105

Startup Entrepreneur Marketing Satisfaction 105

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 28, 2015

Dini, tied together several threads I have often seen in my own experience of mentoring and helping aspiring entrepreneurs. They love the continuous hunt, for investment capital, resources, talent, and new markets. Farmers have a narrower view of what is required, to optimize quality production, customer satisfaction, or close a sale.

Entrepreneur 106

Entrepreneur News Slides Startup 106

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 15, 2015

In fact, I have found from personal experience and mentoring that both of these are necessary, but not sufficient, for building a business. Investments and acquisitions fail. Most entrepreneurs assume that success is dependent on their product expertise, coupled with some knowledge of how to run a business.

Startup 103

Startup Training Coach Entrepreneur 103

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 23, 2012

For this, you should expect participation in monthly strategy and review meetings, and unlimited access via phone or email for questions, mentoring, and advice. To bring real money and credibility to your company, and help you avoid costly mistakes in development and strategy, a first-class Advisory Board is a small investment.

Startup 95

Startup Technical Review Software Review High Tech 95

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 16, 2017

Thus most investors I know claim to invest in the person, rather than the product. In the same way, you may think that people assessment is all about skills and experience, but as a mentor to business owners, I have learned to look more for the right attitude, persistence, and determination, as success factors.

Software Review 57

Software Review Technical Review Startup Press 57

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 12, 2014

Dini, tied together several threads I have often seen in my own experience of mentoring and helping aspiring entrepreneurs. They love the continuous hunt, for investment capital, resources, talent, and new markets. Farmers have a narrower view of what is required, to optimize quality production, customer satisfaction, or close a sale.

Entrepreneur 109

Entrepreneur Startup News Slides 109

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 4, 2018

In fact, I have found from personal experience and mentoring that both of these are necessary, but not sufficient, for building a business. Investments and acquisitions fail. Most entrepreneurs assume that success is dependent on their product expertise, coupled with some knowledge of how to run a business.

Training 55

Training Coach Startup Entrepreneur 55

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 26, 2015

Most successful entrepreneurs, including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, maintain mentor relationships with key advisors that they highly respect. Focus on advancing return on investment, rather than state of the art.

Technical Review 54

Technical Review Product Activity Technology 54

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 31, 2017

Dini, tied together several threads I have often seen in my own experience of mentoring and helping aspiring entrepreneurs. They love the continuous hunt, for investment capital, resources, talent, and new markets. Farmers have a narrower view of what is required, to optimize quality production, customer satisfaction, or close a sale.

Entrepreneur 54

Entrepreneur News Slides Startup 54

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 5, 2011

For this, you should expect participation in monthly strategy and review meetings, and unlimited access via phone or email for questions, mentoring, and advice. To bring real money and credibility to your company, and help you avoid costly mistakes in development and strategy, a first-class Advisory Board is a small investment.

Startup 95

Startup Technical Review Software Review High Tech 95