Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

The Search for Serendipity…And Why It Matters To Your Venture

I turn 48 this week and like most people passing from one year to the next, I find myself a bit nostalgic for the way things used to be.  One of the things I miss…a little at least…has gotten extremely … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary/Editorial, Entrepreneurial Advice, Just Kidding, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Scalawags, Scoundrels, and Other Corporate Partners

If you only quickly scan this post, you may get the impression I’m suggesting that relationships with companies larger than your start-up are not a good idea.  If you are getting that impression, please keep reading.  For almost all B-to-B … Continue reading

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Innovation and the World | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

How Much Money Should I Raise…$29,542?

Hopefully, you remember the classic TV show Taxi and its despicably lovable character, Louie DePalma.  In one memorable episode, the unforgettable Jim Ignatowski accidentally burns down Louie’s apartment. Jim’s wealthy father sends Louie a signed blank check to cover the … Continue reading

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VentureTips: Don’t Say It! Don’t Say It! Don’t Say It! Ugh, You Said It.

I get to listen to the stories of lots  of entrepreneurs.  I’ve probably spent at least 30 minutes with more than 1,500 of them by this time.  Many of them say some pretty naive things. In fairness, most of them … Continue reading

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The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Autumn

The temperature outside my window last night dipped to 24, the crickets have stopped chirping and my wife told me that she “can’t manage all the tomatoes I’m bringing in from the garden.”  Hmmm…kinda like life inside a high tech … Continue reading

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Tech Based Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Summertime

Ah, summer. Margaritas by the pool.  A little Kenny Chesney on the patio.  Wearing flip flops to BJ’s (wait, that’s a different post!)  But this is not life during summer inside a start-up company.  It is certainly good news if you’re fortunate … Continue reading

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

VentureTips: In Defense of the Downtrodden Business Plan

The recent consensus from investors and experts on business plans is…don’t do them.  Most often I’m hearing that founders have not written a business plan document.  They’ve prepared executive summaries, powerpoint pitches and filled out forms at online pitch sites. … Continue reading

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Even In the Beginning, Entrepreneurs Created Jobs

I’m going to get right to the point of this blog post.  Sometimes, shocking information is best delivered in a no-nonsense, unapologetic manner.  So, I’m just going to hit you with this right now and I just don’t want you … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary/Editorial, Economic Development Policy, Economic History Perspsective | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Secret Energy of Entrepreneurs

I disagree with those who believe that people can be trained to be entrepreneurs. Scores of scholarly pieces have been written that claim that entrepreneurs are not born, but instead are trained to be good entrepreneurs.  In fact I’d say that … Continue reading

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