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Dear Friend,
Hello again - this is Cayenne's second newsletter for entrepreneurs, investors, and the rest of the startup community. In case you missed us last month, you can see our first newsletter on our website. (Note: to see why you are receiving this, or if you wish to opt out, please refer to the bottom of this message.)
We live in a rapidly changing world. For those who keep their eyes open, change means opportunity. This month, we feature A Sea of Opportunity, a short article highlighting some important trends.
Here's what's in the current edition:
We hope you'll enjoy receiving our newsletter, and that you'll spread the word to other entrepreneurs in your network.
If you ever have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me directly at akira@caycon.com. We look forward to having you in our community of entrepreneurs!
Best regards,

Akira Hirai, Managing Director
Cayenne Consulting, LLC
714.TOP.PLAN direct
888.965.8880 fax
A Sea of Opportunity
February 2, 2009 by Akira Hirai
In the current economic storm, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. Even the biggest storm will eventually pass. We will emerge from our shelters, pick up the pieces, rebuild, and move on.
When this storm blows over, all of the world’s problems — and attendant opportunities — will still be there. Except this time, the landscape will look a little different.
On January 20, 2009, a new administration took office. In his inaugural address, Obama expressed strong support for entrepreneurs, saying:
"...it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things -- some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."
The incoming administration is a strong proponent of innovation in science, technology, healthcare, and the environment. On the agenda: a long-term plan for U.S. leadership in five critical areas, supported by heavy investment.
Continue reading >>
The Early Word from Davos
January 30, 2009 by Akira Hirai
The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland kicked off on Wednesday. World leaders gathered to discuss and seek solutions to our global economic challenges.
Maria Bartiromo of CNBC just interviewed Duncan Niederauer, CEO of NYSE Euronext. Niederauer shared a few observations:
Continue reading >>
Validate Your Market Opportunity
January 29, 2009 by Jimmy Lewin
The product, service or technology that serves as the foundation of your new business enterprise must be more than a good idea or cool science project. It must solve a critical problem or respond to a compelling market opportunity. Indeed, lenders, investors and potential employees will want to understand the size and scope of this opportunity. And, so must you.
When it comes to assessing your market opportunity, your opinion might be interesting but it is no substitute for documenting in a serious and professional manner the market landscape in your space. In fact, many experienced entrepreneurs will tell you that during their initial assessment of the market opportunity, they determined that they were focusing on the wrong market. So, what is the best course of action that will enable you to document your market opportunity?
Continue reading >>
New Service: Business Plan Reviews
We have added some business plan review services:
- Express Review: Thirty minutes to quickly read through your materials, followed by thirty minutes of feedback by telephone for $99.
- Standard Review: Two hours reviewing your materials and preparing a written evaluation, followed by thirty minutes of telephone consulting to answer your questions and offer additional guidance for $299.
- Detailed Review: Seven hours reviewing your materials, preparing a detailed written evaluation, and making as many improvements to your materials as time allows, followed by sixty minutes of telephone consulting to answer your questions and offer additional guidance for $999.
Please note that these fees are heavily discounted from our normal hourly rates, and are an introductory offer available to new clients only. Visit Business Plan Review Services to learn more.
Cayenne Trivia: Did You Know?
Did you know that Ryan Chester, one of our Principal Consultants, is an accomplished musician? He plays electric and acoustic guitar. A compilation of Ryan's guitar compositions was distributed on CD through Pier 1 Imports retail locations.
Until recently, he was the vocalist for The Human Condition, a heavy metal band that played clubs throughout the Phoenix area. I have to say he sounds a bit like Rob Zombie when he's on stage. He once sang Air Supply's All Out of Love at a karaoke joint - you could say Ryan has a unique interpretation of Air Supply's music. You wouldn't know it by his photo, but until recently, Ryan had hair down to his waist!
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Help us make this newsletter relevant to you. Go to our feedback page. You can tell us what you think, let us know what you'd like to see in future issues, or just drop us a note to say hello. We look forward to hearing from you!
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We sincerely hope that you'll find our newsletter to be both useful and unobtrusive. However, if that's not the case and you'd like to opt out, simply click here to unsubscribe and you won't hear from us again.
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