Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2017

An effective tool I see used more and more, as a prelude to a more detailed business plan, is the Business Model Canvas , first introduced by Alexander Osterwalder back in 2008. New entrepreneurs are always looking for a shortcut in getting their venture story and plan across to investors, and closing on the funding they need.

Business Model 143

Business Model Intellectual Property Startup Angel Investor 143

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2013

IPOs in 2008, the market was up to a still trivial 128 in 2012 (compared to 675 in 1996). Consider the recent example of Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg. Even though the Initial Public Offering (IPO) alternative for a successful startup seems to be coming back, it is relatively rare. After a record low of 39 U.S.

IPO 224

IPO Founder Exit Strategy Investment Bankers 224

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 24, 2013

It highlights the story of how United Airlines in 2008 paid no attention to social media as Dave’s story of his crushed guitar and poor customer service went viral around the world. If you are in the realm of the 47% of small businesses who still ignore social media, you need to read the book by Dave Carroll, “ United Breaks Guitars.”

Social Media 271

Social Media Media Startup Reputation 271

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 30, 2013

Howard Schultz, who grew Starbucks to 13,000 stores by 2008, decided to step back in as CEO when the economy was killing his stores, and refocus everyone on the customer. Get in the habit of asking questions but do not expect easy answers. That includes taking a hard look in the mirror, and facing reality. Now he has over 20,000 stores.

Entrepreneur 262

Entrepreneur Leadership Startup Search 262

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

IPOs in 2008, the market was up to a still trivial 159 in 2011. Even though the Initial Public Offering (IPO) alternative for a successful startup seems to be coming back into vogue, it is relatively rare. After a record low of 39 U.S.

Exit Strategy 239

Exit Strategy IPO Investment Bankers Entrepreneur 239

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 17, 2016

In the last few years, perhaps in reaction to the business integrity issues leading to the recession back in 2008, I am seeing a renewed focus on other less tangible attributes which can set your startup apart. While these may be necessary for funding, they may not be sufficient to make your startup the great success embodied in your vision.

Startup 120

Startup Early Stage Vertical Sales 120

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 9, 2012

Howard Schultz, who grew Starbucks to 13,000 stores by 2008, decided to step back in as CEO when the economy was killing his stores, and refocus everyone on the customer. Get in the habit of asking questions but do not expect easy answers. That includes taking a hard look in the mirror, and facing reality. Now he has over 17,000 stores.

Startup 261

Startup Entrepreneur Leadership Search 261

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 17, 2016

Continuing incidences of personal identity theft , as well major personal data breaches , including Heartland Payment System (2008), Target (2013), and Anthem (2015) still weigh heavily on their decision process.

Social Media 120

Social Media Internet Channel Security 120

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 6, 2016

Howard Schultz, who grew Starbucks to 13,000 stores by 2008, decided to step back in as CEO when the economy was killing his stores, and refocus everyone on the customer. Get in the habit of asking questions but do not expect easy answers. That includes taking a hard look in the mirror, and facing reality. Now he has over 20,000 stores.

Leadership 120

Leadership Search Entrepreneur Technology 120

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 9, 2015

Brands book is based on the implementation of nine principles of innovation originally developed by Google way back in 2008 by Marissa Mayer. His goal is to teach us how to drive a culture of continuous innovation into every work environment.

Artificial Inteligence 120

Artificial Inteligence Open Source Lean Leadership 120

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 2, 2015

Since the financial downturn of 2008, I have seen a new business model emerging which embodies a greater focus on social and environmental responsibility, and a new requirement for trust and sharing, as well as customer and community collaboration.

Business Model 120

Business Model Global Community Channel 120

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 9, 2013

While a nice improvement over the last several reports, the Index still remains on par with the 2008 average and below earlier troughs. The NFIB Index of Small Business Optimism increased 1.9 points in February, to 90.8.

Small Business Administration 195

Small Business Administration SBA Forecast Small Business 195

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 27, 2011

As of today, I will have published an article here for entrepreneurs and startups every day for the last 1001 days, since I started Startup Professionals Musings near the close of 2008. It’s been a great ride, but it’s now time to dial it back a bit, and focus on some other priorities.

Elevator Pitch 241

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Startup Silicon Valley 241

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 18, 2012

It highlights the story of how United Airlines in 2008 paid no attention to social media as Dave’s story of his crushed guitar and poor customer service went viral around the world. If you are in the realm of the 47% of small businesses who still ignore social media, you need to read the new book by Dave Carroll, “ United Breaks Guitars.”

Social Media 198

Social Media Media Marketing Reputation 198

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 14, 2010

I hit rock bottom when I used my piggy bank to pay my electric bill in July, 2008. I was immature, irresponsible, and thought it was a good idea to buy 2 homes and 4 cars and live off plastic. I decided that night I would take control and change my life for good.

Entrepreneur 237

Entrepreneur Baltimore Maryland Channel 237

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 26, 2013

Almost 20% of young women now aspire to run their own business today as entrepreneurs (15% in 2008), according to a recent poll by The Telegraph. Most now routinely buy startups for new technology and new products. Women are a growing force as entrepreneurs.

IPO 273

IPO Entrepreneur Social Media Startup 273

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 13, 2011

In addition, due to Sarbanes-Oxley and other regulations, accounting costs have gone up an estimated four times for all businesses, and 2008-2009 represented the worst IPO market in forty years. Rates around the world are still going down, while U.S. rates have remained fixed for the last ten years.

Technical Review 230

Technical Review Taiwan Silicon Valley Ireland 230

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 10, 2013

Since 2008, the desire for profits has trumped passion in 54 percent of new startups, according to a more recent study. Until the recent recession, market research indicated that as many as 90 percent of the roughly 20 million American small business owners were motivated more by lifestyle than growth and money.

Founder 231

Founder Equity Dilution LLC 231

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

Since 2008, the desire for profits has trumped passion in 54 percent of new startups, according to a recent study. Until the recent recession, market research indicated that as many as 90 percent of the roughly 20 million American small business owners were motivated more by lifestyle than growth and money.

Entrepreneur 241

Entrepreneur Equity Dilution LLC 241