Tag Archives: entrepreneurship

Build Your Companies…With Good Boards

Posted on June 23, 2014 by

Most of the new founders I’ve ever met roll their eyes when I suggest that they form an advisory board.  One of the main reasons people found their own companies is to have supreme magisterial control over their empire.  They … Continue reading →

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

The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Autumn Begins! (reprise)

Posted on September 23, 2013 by

(Originally posted in 2012…thought of it as I picked my last tomato of the season yesterday!) The temperature outside my window last night dipped to 44, the crickets have stopped chirping and my wife told me that she “can’t manage … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital, Tech Based Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

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

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

Posted on June 10, 2013 by

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

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 →

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

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 →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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

VentureTips: In Defense of the Downtrodden Business Plan

Posted on August 14, 2012 by

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

Posted on August 8, 2012 by

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