7 Keys to Success in the Micro-Business World
I’m hearing more and more these days about a new type of small business, called a “micro-business” (or micro-enterprise). These are usually characterized as owner-operated, with five employees or less,…
Conversations Can Find Star Quality in Your Team
Every startup and every big business wishes that all their employees were star performers, but wishing doesn’t make it happen. Some coaches and leaders seem to have the magic for…
Things Obnoxious People Say
Every organization, no matter how small, has one or more people who are quite simply obnoxious, and they drain energy from everyone and can strangle your company. Sometimes they are…
Raising Capital Costs Money and Time
If you are new to the startup space and Angel investing, you probably don’t realize that some groups of Angel investors charge entrepreneurs a fee to pitch to their groups…
When Should Founders Incorporate their Business?
The official start date for your startup is the date you incorporate the business. This is obviously important for tax purposes, but may also dramatically influence how potential investors, customers,…
Mentors vs. Critics
The dictionary definition of a mentor is “an experienced and trusted advisor,” or “leader, tutor or coach.” The definition of a critic sounds similar, “a person who offers reasoned judgment…
8 Ways to Transform a Market
Every entrepreneur has an idea for transforming a market with innovative new technology or transforming society with a new process. But unfortunately, most of these ideas fail at the execution…
8 Pivots for Startups
One of the hottest buzzword for startups these days is “pivot.” The term, introduced by entrepreneur and venture advisor Eric Ries in an article on Lessons Learned a couple of…
10 Recruiting Mistakes to Avoid
Every startup with any traction quickly reaches a point where they need to hire employees to grow the business. Unfortunately, this always happens when pressures are the highest, and business…
7 Ways to Make a Great First Impression With Investors
Entrepreneurs are all about firsts, and the most important is you making a great first impression – on investors, customers, new team members, and strategic partners. Poor first impressions can…