Both Sides of the Table

article thumbnail

What’s it Like Being a VC?

Both Sides of the Table

If I’m interested I get to spend more time with them, if I’m not I don’t have to – A few companies per month come in that have fascinating business ideas that warrant my spending more time trying to understand their people, company, technology and market. I work hard, don’t get me wrong.

article thumbnail

Netflix Redux: Is It Ever OK to Fire Your Customers?

Both Sides of the Table

They are potentially different business models. The decision to split the businesses : 3 out of 5 stars. I really like the clarity of two business units – whatever you name them. Many apparel brands and cosmetic companies will actively fight against discount channels like Ross carrying their products.

Customer 287
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

How You Know You’ve Got the Right Startup Model?

Both Sides of the Table

As soon as TrueCar started growing at a phenomenal pace and dealers who understood it was an amazing channel to acquire customers (they only pay a fee if TrueCar sells a the car) a few dealers in every area started sucking up all of the sales. So what could be wrong with price transparency in the auto sector? Apparently everything.

Turkey 338
article thumbnail

Why The Media Has Been Wrong About YouTube Networks

Both Sides of the Table

For much of 2013 I watched the press write articles about how the YouTube “MCNs” (multi-channel networks) were doomed and tried to square that with the data I was watching at the one I invested in, Maker Studios, who has had one hell of a year. Developing O&O (owned & operated) businesses (outside of YouTube).

article thumbnail

Most Startups Should be Deer Hunters

Both Sides of the Table

Make sure you know what the size of customer you want to serve is, what the people in a company of that size do, the problems they have, the features that will resonate and the channels you’ll need to sell into and service that customer. The needs are too different as are the sales channels and marketing messages. Who else?).

Startup 389
article thumbnail

App is Crap (why Apple is bad for your health)

Both Sides of the Table

It is a channel disguised in business clothing. I would argue that if Apple’s app model continues to succeed it is bad for your health. Apple is a channel, not a business model – I see too many companies that are building iPhone App companies. It’s a channel.

Flash 326
article thumbnail

I met with an investor, what happens next?

Both Sides of the Table

They aren’t sure about your business model? VC’s (like you) are busy. Senior people get busy, bogged down and behind. Use multiple channels - My email is always overloaded. Do a 5-page PowerPoint competitive assessment. They said they’d call references but haven’t? Send a few times.

Campaign 277