Berkonomics

FEBRUARY 20, 2014

My experience personally reviewing over three hundred executive summaries each year, all sent to me unsolicited, seems to bear out the truth in Tyson’s statement. Starting up' “Everybody’s got a plan – until they are punched in the face,” stated boxer Mike Tyson. Anyone can build a good – or great – plan.

Startup 245

Startup Summary Metrics Class 245

SoCal CTO

APRIL 2, 2013

I'm going to be looking at aspects like: Things to consider before building your MVP Features often overlooked when documenting an MVP for developers Understanding important metrics you want to measure Risks and challenges in developing an MVP. What's Going to Go Wrong A lot of founders don't really understand Lean Startup principles.

CTO Coach 219

CTO Coach Metrics Framework Software Development 219

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 11, 2010

Modern investors love to first read a two-page summary of your business plan, formatted like a glossy marketing collateral sheet, with text well laid out in columns and sidebars, and a couple of relevant graphics. You may have already found several articles, web pages, or books about writing the perfect executive summary.

Summary 55

Summary Writing Competition Metrics 55

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 3, 2023

Start with ‘How are you?’ Trust is hard because it requires giving up control and being honest with ourselves, and with every team member. Leave it up to team members and leaders to decide what schedule works best for them. Make sure you know what is really happening, through metrics and feedback from others.

Startup 113

Startup Summary Coach Metrics 113

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 14, 2013

Here is my summary of her roadmap which I believe can get you back on the right track with a “customer-centric” approach rather than a “company-centric” approach: Find out what customers want and how they want to buy it. Don’t start from how you want to sell. Include planned measurements and metrics. Marty Zwilling.

Startup 105

Startup Search Engine Optimization Summary Custom 105

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. Here is my summary of the key focus activities of that challenge for every business owner: Manage cash flow daily and plot a plan to profitability.

Metrics 86

Metrics Startup Training Custom 86

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 24, 2023

They also want to know how they stack up to competitors. Here is a paraphrased summary of the eight-level scale she offers, with my own insights and experience added, for your consideration in starting your own self-assessment and move up: Extreme bias toward status quo as the right way.

Organization 111

Organization Activity Resource Examples 111

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!” Exec Summary: Most companies (98+%) in the world (even tech startups) should be very profit focused. What makes up revenue?

Startup 418

Startup Venture Capital Sales Technical Review 418

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 27, 2011

There are very few people in Silicon Valley who have such a precise grasp on what defines success of early-stage startup companies than Eric Ries. Importantly we also discussed: should startups raise small amounts of money or large? how should you organize teams in a startup? And make sure to pick up a copy of his book.

Social Media 301

Social Media Startup Metrics Media 301

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 28, 2020

I support his summary of five key steps to get beyond the planning: First check your view of the reality of your situation. If you start with a distorted or biased view of what your company needs, no execution is likely to achieve the results that win. It’s up to you to align their hearts and minds on winning.

Coach 159

Coach Resource Summary Metrics 159

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 12, 2019

Image via Wikipedia Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. Too many find that out too late, and are left chasing a rabbit that is long gone.

Startup 94

Startup Training Statistics Summary 94

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. It starts at the top with the founder and CEO, but has to extend quickly to the bottom of the organization.

Startup 93

Startup Training Statistics Summary 93

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. It starts at the top with the founder and CEO, but has to extend quickly to the bottom of the organization.

Startup 94

Startup Marketing Training Statistics 94

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 2, 2015

I love the enthusiasm, the boundless energy and the sense of possibility that comes from having an idea that hasn’t yet been beat up in the marketplace of competing ideas, customer contracts, VC skepticism, jaded journalists or fickle consumers who are on the The New, New Thing. Great startups have budgets. HR & Legal.

Outsource Development 150

Outsource Development Metrics Startup Sales 150

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 25, 2015

Let me give you the quick summary of what I said yesterday: Public markets affect venture funding. When they’re bullish venture valuations go up, LPs put more money into VCs, more angels want to get involved, new entrants (hedge funds, mutual funds) feel their missing out and the overall venture market goes us. So now what?

Venture Capital 150

Venture Capital Startup Marketing Summary 150

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 5, 2014

After many years of working in and starting businesses, I’m convinced that implementing new business ideas is much more difficult than coming up with the ideas. I found a good summary of the dynamics behind personal business leadership, and how to get there, in a new book “ Leadership Rigor! ” What gets measured gets done.

Entrepreneur 104

Entrepreneur Startup Coach Metrics 104

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015

After many years of working in and starting businesses, I’m convinced that implementing new business ideas is much more difficult than coming up with the ideas. I found a good summary of the dynamics behind personal business leadership, and how to get there, in a recent book “ Leadership Rigor! ” What gets measured gets done.

Develop 103

Develop Development Coach Metrics 103

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 29, 2012

A startup begins with a great idea, but all too often, that’s where it ends. I found a good summary of the relevant keys to business operational excellence in a new book by Faisal Hoque, called “ The Power of Convergence.” Recognizing and understanding deviations enables a startup or any business to take corrective action quickly.

Ideas 94

Ideas Startup Summary Competition 94

Tech Zulu Event

FEBRUARY 5, 2014

The Annual TechZulu Startup Forecast is one of our most anticipated events. Richard Wolpert – Managing Director of Amplify.LA, startup incubator and Venture Advisor at Accel Partners. In addition, we had a fully stacked line up of showcasing startups with Causora , Floshare , Kiosked , and Yekra. Summary of Topics.

Startup 95

Startup Google Education Venture Capital 95

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 20, 2012

Many startups fail before reaching that magic “cash-flow positive” position they have been striving for, despite seemingly reasonable financial projections. Many startups see initial revenue from customers, and love the fast growth, but fail to anticipate the cost of early vendor payments, monthly overhead costs, and later taxes.

Technical Review 109

Technical Review Startup Entrepreneur Summary 109

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 19, 2018

Let me start out with my premise: “Data rooms are where fund-raising processes go to die.” I have to back up and give you more context. I’m going to start with the reasons and then explain how to use your best data to your advantage. I never thought of this until I became the Founder & CEO of my first startup company.

Funding 336

Funding Venture Capital Startup Email 336

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 21, 2011

A startup begins with a great idea, but all too often, that’s where it ends. I found a good summary of the relevant keys to business operational excellence in a new book by Faisal Hoque, called “ The Power of Convergence.” Recognizing and understanding deviations enables a startup or any business to take corrective action quickly.

Startup 100

Startup Ideas Summary Competition 100

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 6, 2010

Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. It starts at the top with the founder and CEO, but has to extend quickly to the bottom of the organization.

Startup 78

Startup Training Statistics Summary 78

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 11, 2014

Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. It starts at the top with the founder and CEO, but has to extend quickly to the bottom of the organization.

Entrepreneur 110

Entrepreneur Startup Training Statistics 110

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 7, 2017

Change is about the only thing constant in the world of startups. Since the startup environment is usually more volatile, the challenge there in balancing advantage, risk, and performance, is more critical than in big companies. It starts at the top with the founder and CEO, but has to extend quickly to the bottom of the organization.

Startup 56

Startup Training Statistics Summary 56

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 3, 2012

Here is my summary of her detailed roadmap to get you back on the right track with a “customer-centric” approach rather than a “company-centric” approach: Find out what customers want and how they want to buy it. Don’t start from how you want to sell. Include planned measurements and metrics.

Tips 93

Tips Search Engine Optimization Summary Startup 93

SoCal CTO

DECEMBER 19, 2012

I asked some of the same questions I ask in my Free Startup CTO Consulting Sessions and then I get to a very common conversation: Me : Do you have specs? For example, if you are trying to determine viral coefficient (see Startup Metrics ), then the focus should be around those aspects of the MVP. Founder : Ummm.

Develop 354

Develop Development Technical Review CTO Coach 354

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 2, 2021

I like the summary of the competitive reality in a new book, “ Rethinking Competitive Advantage: New Rules for the Digital Age ,” by Ram Charan, who relates a wealth of current experience from global clients: Customers expect a personalized experience. Thus it’s more important than ever that you keep up with the latest trends and rules.

Competition 142

Competition Software Review Social Media Custom 142

Tech Zulu Event

MARCH 16, 2015

This seems like an obvious question but you need to be clear why you’re looking to raise in order to come up with an effective game plan and determine your best funding option. And when it comes to timing, wait until you’ve come up with a working prototype and developed your product before you seek external funding.

Startup 40

Startup Venture Capital Equity Funding 40

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 25, 2011

Here is my summary of her detailed roadmap to get you back on the right track with a “customer-centric” approach rather than a “company-centric” approach: Find out what customers want and how they want to buy it. Don’t start from how you want to sell. Include planned measurements and metrics.

Custom 96

Custom Customer Search Engine Optimization Summary 96

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 7, 2017

Distribute an Executive Summary and Recommendations report, as well as transcripts of your interviews, to all the key players in your company. Don’t start from how you want to sell. Include planned measurements and metrics. Start where the customer wants you to be and work backwards.

Search Engine Optimization 58

Search Engine Optimization Startup SEO Custom 58

Tech Zulu Event

APRIL 23, 2013

TechZulu caught up with Michael Piermont, amSTATZ Chief Executive Officer and this is what he revealed. No summary of what we did, no easy way for me to recommend my trainer to my friends, and no way for me to easily book the next appointment. This is the first time each of the founders have started an enterprise.

Social Network 92

Social Network Networking Training Summary 92

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 14, 2018

I would likely open up your deck, read it again and begin contemplating your company again. Summary: Send the Deck Pitch decks are sales & marketing decks and like in any sales activity, any great sales person assumes his or her competition will eventually get their deck.

Funding 239

Funding Venture Capital IP Email 239

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 13, 2012

In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Every plan must start with the problem you are solving, not a description of your company and product. Clearly define the customer, channel, and revenue model associated with this solution.

Competition 113

Competition Metrics Startup Invest 113

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 28, 2013

Many startups fail before reaching that magic “cash-flow positive” position they have been striving for, despite seemingly reasonable financial projections. Many startups see initial revenue from customers, and love the fast growth, but fail to anticipate the cost of early vendor payments, monthly overhead costs, and later taxes.

Technical Review 100

Technical Review Entrepreneur Summary Pricing 100

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 11, 2019

I saw a good summary of the required principles for long-term trust in a new book, “ The 10 Laws of Trust ,” by Joel Peterson, Chairman of JetBlue, professor at Stanford University, and thought leader in this area: Practice personal integrity in all that you do. Define metrics to measure what you want to achieve.

Mentor 98

Mentor News Summary Coach 98

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2011

In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Every plan must start with the problem you are solving, not a description of your company and product. Clearly define the customer, channel, and revenue model associated with this solution.

Competition 116

Competition Metrics Startup Sales 116