Category Archives: Business Planning

Assessing Your Competitive Landscape…It’s a Forest Out There

Posted on September 16, 2013 by

I’m finally going to get a business plan pet peeve off my chest and onto your shoulders.  I’ve decided that I’ve read my last business plan with a “Competition” section that blithely lists a few direct competitors and a factoid … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Venture Tips Update….Make Your Business About Your Customers, Not Your Technology

Posted on June 26, 2013 by

I originally published the majority of this post back in January, 2012, but I was reminded of the issue again today…twice.  So I updated the post on why you should think of your business in their terms. A founder came … Continue reading →

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Scalawags, Scoundrels, and Other Corporate Partners

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

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?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by

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.

Posted on January 28, 2013 by

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…Winter

Posted on November 5, 2012 by

If you’ve been reading along in this 4-part series of the evolution of your start-up, you may be expecting that Winter is the end of the line.  You may be thinking that somehow I’m going to wrap up the series with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital, Tech Based Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Summertime

Posted on September 26, 2012 by

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 →

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