A new analysis claims to pinpoint the essential qualities that make you an entrepreneur. Are entrepreneurs born, raised, or forged in the fires of tough business battles? Like the more general nature vs. nurture debate, the question of the origins of entrepreneurialism will likely rage for years. Target came up with five: Persuasion. Leadership. MORE >>

by Tony Karrer Originally published on SoCal CTO Almost every day I’m talking to early stage startup founders (see Free Startup CTO Consulting Sessions) about what they plan to do. tend to ask a lot of questions, challenge aspects, make suggestions. But I’ve often been very surprised by one aspect of these conversations. MORE >>

To communicate more meaningfully: Cut, cut, cut! Today I spent considerable time helping my VP craft two very important emails: one for a client and one for our payroll company. As I talked, she typed and we realized we both had a lot we wanted to say. And suddenly, there were just far too many words. More is not more. Get to the point. Magic! MORE >>

Over the course of my career, I have met, worked with, and/or invested in hundreds of entrepreneurs. During this time, I’ve seen some rise to the top, while others never quite made it past the starting line. Here are five key qualities that successful entrepreneurs typically have in common: 1. MORE >>

When it feels like everything is on the line and you just can't get a grip, try one of these ridiculously easy strategies to keep your cool. You're nervous. Shoot, you're scared. In just a few minutes you will deliver a critical presentation, pitch a key investor, lead an emergency meeting, try to close a sale to an enabling customer. Probably not. MORE >>