Immigrating to the U.S. on a Limited Budget
Each week, we receive multiple inquiries about immigrating to the U.S. on investor or business visas. Most of these types of visas require business plans, and that is where we…
Is Startup Life Right for You?
Currently, there is no professional certification or standardized testing, as there is for accountants and lawyers, to see if you are ready to tackle the rigors of starting a new…
How Can Founders Prepare for Crisis?
Startups are fun adventures – that is, until the pressures of a cash flow crisis, or a manufacturing quality problem, or a major customer satisfaction problem hits. Even with all…
Some Things in Business Never Change
In this era of constant evolution, I usually find myself writing about what has changed. Yet I believe that periodically it pays to reflect on what hasn’t changed in business,…
How to Network for Maximum Results
It can pay big dividends to network with peers and others if you want to succeed in business. You need to get guidance before you start a new venture, connections…
We Are All Marketers
As the rate of change continues to increase in business and technology, the more I’m convinced that marketing is the primary key to success for a new venture. Yet, I…
Bringing Disruptive Products to Market
Since I am a techie at heart, I always get excited when founders pitch their innovation as “disruptive,” meaning that it is so unique that it will create a new…
The Ingredients of Profitability for Socially Conscious Startups
I applaud the resurgence of a focus by new ventures on saving the environment and having a positive social impact. Yet, when you are pitching to investors, this has to…
Strategies for Creating New Markets
New technology markets and paradigm shifts have traditionally been risky bets since they can require tremendous amounts of capital and time to develop. For example, consider how many years it…
Measuring Startup Traction
What is the definition of traction for a business startup today? According to most investors I know, traction is some clear evidence that the “dogs are eating the dog food”…