Is Your Startup Team Up to the Task?
Most people think that the Peter Principle (employee rises to his level of incompetence) only applies to large organizations. Let me assure you that it is also alive and well…
Family and Friends are the First Investors
Most entrepreneurs have learned that it’s almost always quicker and easier to get cash from someone you know, rather than angel investors or professional investors (VCs). In fact, most investors…
Women are Taking the Lead as Entrepreneurs
I often get asked the age-old question (by men) of “Who are the best entrepreneurs, men or women?” Women already believe they know the answer, so they never ask. I…
10 Tips for Naming Your Company
First things first – your startup needs a name! This may seem a silly and frivolous task, but it may be the most important decision you make. The name of…
Making the Move from Corporate to Startup
Mid-level or even top executives who “grew up” in large companies often look with envy at startups, and dream of how easy it must be running a small organization, where…
Stay in College if you Want to Start the Next Google
Many believe that entrepreneurs are born, not made. While I agree that successful company builders usually have a natural inclination to be entrepreneurs, a good education helps polish that apple…
7 Ways to Exceed Customer Expectations
Since the days of Henry Ford, mass production has been the Holy Grail for businesses rather than build-to-order. Too many companies haven’t noticed that we have come full circle, where…
7 Things Investors Avoid
We all know that every startup is risky. No risk means no reward. Yet every investor has his own “rules of thumb” on what makes a specific startup too high…
Find the Right Type of Investor for your Stage of Growth
If you are looking for an outside investor, you need to know how they see you. Different types of investors look for startups at different levels of maturity. If your…
What Do Investors Look For in a Startup’s Team?
Every investor is looking for the “dream team” of executives to put his money on - somebody like the next Jim Clark. Often I find that experienced investors flip to…