Sat.Jul 10, 2010 - Fri.Jul 16, 2010

Startup Professionals Musings

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The Ten Commandments of an Entrepreneur

Startup Professionals Musings

If you expect to succeed in the thrill-a-minute, roller coaster ride of a startup, let me assure you it takes more than a good idea, a rich uncle, and luck. In fact, the idea is often the least important part of the equation. Investors tell me that they look at the people first, the business plan second, and only then at the idea. If you want some tips to beat the insurmountable odds, take a look at the following concepts, adapted from Richard C.

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Role Model Entrepreneur: Brad Bergersen Interview

Startup Professionals Musings

A few days ago I met a 26 year-old entrepreneur with an attitude that exemplifies what I believe it takes to succeed in this new economy and new world. After doing well as a teen in the jewelry business, he made his first big jump as an entrepreneur by buying a failing store to begin his entrepreneurial career, but quickly found that the road can be a rocky one.

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Why Adversity Makes an Entrepreneur Stronger

Startup Professionals Musings

We all know entrepreneurs who have overcome adversity, like this current business recession or personal setbacks, and achieved success. There are famous people like Walt Disney and Nelson Rockefeller, who overcame learning disabilities, and people like J. C. Penney and J. K Rowling who struggled through personal bad times before finding their true legacy.

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The Internet Has Replaced the Consultant

Startup Professionals Musings

Let’s face it, consultants have a bad image. Businesses want experienced people who get their hands dirty, rather than experts who give presentations, make recommendations, and disappear. Even consultants don’t like their job, since they don’t often get to see results, and too much of their time is spent looking for the next gig. The Internet has changed the world.

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Sensitive Payments in the International Arena

Startup Professionals Musings

By Ernst Gemassmer I’ve seen several articles discussing global opportunities for startups, or recommending International expansion for growth. These are positive initiatives, but have some unique challenges, as I have found out personally in dealing with other cultures and bureaucracy in the International arena. Despite all the efforts to harmonize regulations in the different countries, little or no progress has been made in this area.

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Many Great Entrepreneurs Use Servant Leadership

Startup Professionals Musings

Startups provide leadership in the market. Entrepreneurs provide leadership to their startup. There are many styles of leadership, like dictatorial, bureaucratic, and democratic. One that I will highlight here, which I believe is the most appropriate for startups, is called “servant” leadership. What is servant leadership? The servant leader serves the people they lead through mentoring, direct assistance, listening, and acting on their employees input.

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Six Artificial Barriers to Startup Innovation

Startup Professionals Musings

A few months ago I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Roy McAlister, who has been a prolific inventor for thirty years, and a recognized authority on the use of hydrogen as the ‘fuel’ of the 21 st century. While he still remains upbeat, I can sense the frustration that comes from years of facing barriers to innovation. In his world, and many others that entrepreneurs inhabit, the problem is not a lack of ideas or technology.

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