Up and Running

APRIL 6, 2020

If you’re out of cash, you’re out of business. If you’re running a startup or small business in these times, you have to be thinking about a Plan B and even a Plan C. As I write this, at least 20% of the United States is on lockdown and only “essential” businesses have their doors open. You have positive cash flow.

Burn Rate 100

Burn Rate Forecast SBA Cash Position 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 18, 2012

I come from a high-tech software background, and only a few years ago, it would cost at least a million dollars ($1M) for a team of professionals to produce any commercial software product. Now, with open source software components, and low-cost development tools, the same job can be done by one good hacker for a few thousand dollars.

Cost 255

Cost Burn Rate SEM Startup 255

Berkonomics

APRIL 16, 2020

Many businesses threatened with closure forever. Small businesses are the most vulnerable, even though most have furloughed employees. Rent and other fixed costs continue, even when revenues have dried up – a fatal combination. Plan for reductions in fixed overhead, salaries, and other costs now.

SBA 87

SBA Burn Rate Salary Stock 87

Gust

JUNE 10, 2012

I come from a high-tech software background, and only a few years ago, it would cost at least a million dollars ($1M) for a team of professionals to produce any commercial software product. Now, with open source software components, and low-cost development tools, the same job can be done by one good hacker for a few thousand dollars.

Cost 139

Cost Burn Rate SEM Startup 139

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 24, 2017

They assume that every business role comes with health insurance, a subsidized retirement plan, and maybe a company car or first-class travel. The longer you wait to start your own business, the higher the default burn rate, and the less happy you will be to take a financial step down.

Salary 147

Salary Burn Rate Vertical Equity 147

Up and Running

MARCH 26, 2020

And we business owners need to make sure that our businesses not only survive this crisis but find ways to thrive. For small businesses, cash flow management in a crisis is absolutely vital. It can mean the difference between stabilizing your business or falling behind. Cut all salaries by 20%.

Management 152

Management Forecast SBA Burn Rate 152

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 13, 2013

You know, there were a number of small businesses in San Diego that were producing hard drives and computer assemblies and, you know, a lot of stuff in the IT sector, and I had gone off to meet a bunch of them because I didn’t know if I could get a job. They paid engineers $4,000 more entry-point.

Cofounder 337

Cofounder Technical Cofounder San Diego Startup 337