Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 4, 2013

Many entrepreneurs work hard on the proof of concept (technical), but skip any proof of the business model (revenue flow). In other words, once they are convinced that the product works, they assume their price, sales channel, and marketing will bring in the customers. So how do you go about proving the business model?

Business Model 235

Business Model Product Advisory Board Angel Investor 235

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 17, 2020

Even non-profits need a profitable business model to offset staff and operating costs. Assume passion level defines business opportunity. Entrepreneurs need to spend time working on the business, as well as in the business. Usually it pays to work in an industry for a while, before you try to fix it.

Intellectual Property 436

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Viral Distribution 436

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. In my experience as a new business advisor, a business is nothing until people are aligned and work in sync. Key activities. Key partners.

Business Model 143

Business Model Intellectual Property Startup Angel Investor 143

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 15, 2019

Nail the business model. Leverage your customer conversations to predict and validate your business model. For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect.

Startup 245

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 245

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2012

Many entrepreneurs work hard on the proof of concept (technical), but skip any proof of the business model (revenue flow). In other words, once they are convinced that the product works, they assume their price, sales channel, and marketing will bring in the customers. So how do you go about proving the business model?

Business Model 248

Business Model Advisory Board Entrepreneur Angel Investor 248

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 13, 2014

The real milestone, proving the business model, is that first product sold for full price to a total stranger, leaving him happy. Many of the Internet business plans I see these days say the service is free, and revenue will come later from a huge user base. You need a sales channel that works, and one you can afford.

Business Model 248

Business Model Sales Customer Distribution 248

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 15, 2011

Many entrepreneurs work hard on the proof of concept (technical), but skip any proof of the business model (revenue flow). In other words, once they are convinced that the product works, they assume their price, sales channel, and marketing will bring in the customers. So how do you go about proving the business model?

Business Model 234

Business Model Advisory Board Startup Angel Investor 234

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 14, 2012

I expect that should seem intuitive to all entrepreneurs, but every investor I know has many stories about startup funding requests with major business model elements missing. I support her assertion that a business model consists of at least the first seven of the following ten basic elements: Value proposition.

Business Model 242

Business Model Distribution Viral Green 242

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 24, 2014

Other elements of startup focus are a bit fuzzier, so let me zoom-in on some key ones here: Type of business model. Providing shoes for the poor is a laudable goal, but quite a different business than Zappos , which sells clothes profitably, and provides free shoes for the needy due to social consciousness.

Entrepreneur 257

Entrepreneur Technical Review Angel Investor China 257

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 29, 2011

I expect that should seem intuitive to all entrepreneurs, but every investor I know has many stories about startup funding requests with major business model elements missing. I support her assertion that a business model consists of at least the first seven of the following ten basic elements: Value proposition.

Business Model 246

Business Model Distribution Viral Green 246

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 24, 2023

In the last few years I have seen a popular 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. Bridge the physical and digital worlds for your customers.

Global 274

Global Business Model Community Channel 274

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 18, 2014

Nail the business model. Leverage your customer conversations to predict and validate your business model. For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect.

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Startup Angel Investor Technical Review 283

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 27, 2013

Other elements of startup focus are a bit fuzzier, so let me zoom-in on some key ones here: Type of business model. Providing shoes for the poor is a laudable goal, but quite a different business than Zappos , which sells clothes profitably, and provides free shoes for the needy due to social consciousness.

Startup 257

Startup Technical Review Angel Investor China 257

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 12, 2017

Nail the business model. Leverage your customer conversations to predict and validate your business model. For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect.

Startup 161

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 161

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. Bridge the physical and digital worlds for your customers.

Business Model 120

Business Model Global Community Channel 120

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 20, 2012

Nail the business model. Leverage your customer conversations to predict and validate your business model. For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect.

Startup 296

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 296

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 10, 2021

In the last few years I have seen a popular 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. Bridge the physical and digital worlds for your customers.

Business Model 351

Business Model Global Community Channel 351

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

The real milestone, proving the business model, is that first product sold for full price to a total stranger, leaving him happy. Many of the Internet business plans I see these days say the service is free, and revenue will come later from a huge user base. You need a sales channel that works, and one you can afford.

Business Model 244

Business Model Sales Customer Distribution 244

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2019

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. In my experience as a new business advisor, a business is nothing until people are aligned and work in sync. Key activities. Key partners.

Intellectual Property 250

Intellectual Property Business Model Angel Investor Channel 250

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011

Nail the business model. Leverage your customer conversations to predict and validate your business model. For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect.

Startup 286

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 286

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 14, 2023

Simply stated, it means that your business has the potential to multiply revenue with minimal incremental cost. Ready to scale is when you have a proven product and a proven business model, about to expand to new geographies and markets. Use a minimum viable product (MVP) to validate the model.

Hockey Stick 339

Hockey Stick Intellectual Property Non-Compete Business Model 339

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 5, 2010

Many entrepreneurs work hard on the proof of concept (technical), but skip any proof of the business model (revenue flow). In other words, once they are convinced that the product works, they assume their price, sales channel, and marketing will bring in the customers. So how do you go about proving the business model?

Business Model 120

Business Model Advisory Board Angel Investor Channel 120

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 31, 2018

I’m sure you can all think of several examples of businesses that popped up quickly, with great business models, but then faded just as quickly. For example, you may have a product, but not a strong distribution channel. Examples would include Pets.com, Webvan, and Blockbuster. Pursue strategic alliances and partnerships.

Angel Investor 167

Angel Investor Dilution Software Review Distribution 167

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 11, 2020

Every business owner needs to plan to reinvent their business regularly, or their competitors and their customers will make them obsolete. Expand into key new sales and delivery channels. Today the Internet is the best example of a new sales and delivery channel that has transformed many businesses, and killed others.

Customer 359

Customer Institutional Investors Channel Acquisition 359

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2021

Most technical entrepreneurs focus hard on building an innovative product, but forget that an elegant solution doesn’t automatically translate into a successful business. Businesses require an equally elegant business model, with the right price, messaging and delivery channel to the right target customers to keep the dream alive and growing.

Technical Review 399

Technical Review Product Advisory Board Business Model 399

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 9, 2023

Most technical entrepreneurs focus hard on building an innovative product, but forget that an elegant solution doesn’t automatically translate into a successful business. Businesses require an equally elegant business model, with the right price, messaging and delivery channel to the right target customers to keep the dream alive and growing.

Technical Review 220

Technical Review Advisory Board Software Review Business Model 220

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 11, 2023

New business models that provide an ongoing revenue stream, or a secondary stream from advertising, raise your margins and can give you some additional satisfaction. Enjoy watching key members of your team grow from followers to leaders. Celebrate the ability to pay yourself a salary. Keeping expenses down must always be top priority.

Sweat Equity 296

Sweat Equity Startup Salary Viral 296

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 5, 2017

Business success is all about two-way communication, between you and your customers, investors, partners, and internally between team members. Social media and other channels provide the vehicles, but everyone has to be open for the process to work. Balance of technical and business knowledge.

Technical Review 152

Technical Review Stealth Lean Social Media 152

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 1, 2022

Every successful business owner you know will tell you that their original plan has changed or pivoted from the original. Primary reasons include unanticipated customer reactions, early competitors, financials not meeting projections, and channel partner issues. Write down your business model and five-year plan.

Reputation 363

Reputation Operations Channel Business Model 363

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 27, 2015

Startups need the agility to test various business models and positioning messages. Partners and distribution channels will take you seriously. In many business arenas, brand-name partners and distribution are a prerequisite to scaling the business.

Hockey Stick 120

Hockey Stick Startup Stealth Agile 120

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 19, 2020

Simply stated, it means that your business has the potential to multiply revenue with minimal incremental cost. Ready to scale is when you have a proven product and a proven business model, about to expand to new geographies and markets. Use a minimum viable product (MVP) to validate the model.

Hockey Stick 386

Hockey Stick Intellectual Property Startup Non-Compete 386

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 27, 2023

Look for every opportunity to scale the business. Explore new business models, additional market segments, and global channels to continually grow the business by reaching new customers, solving new problems, and increasing value.

Agile 229

Agile Leadership Global Distribution 229

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 11, 2022

Undefined business model or very low gross margins. Marketing programs and distribution channels are required for even the best solutions, with an appropriate and viable rollout and growth strategy. All internal teams need to have relevant skills and experience.

Due Diligence 271

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Preferred Stock 271

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 16, 2020

New business models that provide an ongoing revenue stream, or a secondary stream from advertising, raise your margins and can give you some additional satisfaction. Enjoy watching key members of your team grow from followers to leaders. Celebrate the ability to pay yourself a salary. Keeping expenses down must always be top priority.

Sweat Equity 435

Sweat Equity Salary Viral Leadership 435

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Most technical entrepreneurs focus hard on building an innovative product, but forget that an elegant solution doesn’t automatically translate into a successful business. Businesses require an equally elegant business model, with the right price, messaging and delivery channel to the right target customers to keep the dream alive and growing.

Business Model 120

Business Model Technical Review Advisory Board Software Review 120

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 7, 2012

In these days of rapid change, almost every startup has to adapt their solution, business model, or target customer. You need to find vendors who can deliver in less cost and time than competitors, and build distribution and support channels. Leverage the technology to change directions as needed.

Startup 242

Startup Database Early Stage Distribution 242

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 21, 2023

Thus it is always a question of what you qualify for, and what you are willing to give up, to turn your dream idea into a viable business. Here is my list of the ten most common sources of funding today, in reverse priority sequence, with some rules of thumb to channel your focus: Seek a bank loan or credit-card line-of-credit.

Equity 266

Equity Startup Small Business Administration SBA 266