Gust

NOVEMBER 8, 2012

As a business lawyer working with startups in technology and digital media every day, I’m fortunate to have a front-row seat as entrepreneurs create value out of thin air. Political candidates can give all the stump speeches they want, but ultimately, the prescription is simple (though not easy): Entrepreneurial innovation.

Silicon Valley 187

Silicon Valley San Francisco Intellectual Property Accredited Investor 187

Gust

OCTOBER 7, 2012

Here are seven ways this can actually help your startup efforts, rather than hurt them: Initiate media interest. These days, new technologies and social trends are fanned from an ember into a flame by the media and word-of-mouth. People talk to people, and even competitors freely exchange news on trends and discoveries.

Stealth 131

Stealth Entrepreneur Incubator Engineer 131

Gust

MARCH 9, 2014

Use social media and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) to start. Gather leads online from your social media initiatives, mine your contacts, attend trade shows, and use lead-generation services. A blog is critical, and essentially free (your cost is creating content). Get exposure for your expertise. Generate leads for your product.

Marketing 146

Marketing SEM Viral Social Media 146

Gust

AUGUST 29, 2012

If and only if that potential market seems to come alive, it needs credible plans to move from ideas and messages into media and concrete marketing programs with some backbone and metrics to them. Nobody buys the hand waving at “online marketing” and “we’re going to be big in social media” anymore.

Marketing 119

Marketing Social Media Sales Cycle Angel Investor 119

Gust

JUNE 23, 2014

Whereas Google and other search engines may take two or three weeks to list your new website in search results, new blog sites and new blog entries are indexed every day. Since a startup by definition is not a recognized brand, you are the brand, based on the social media culture of today. Your Google ranking will go up dramatically.

Startup 174

Startup Cofounder Social Media SEO 174

Gust

JUNE 24, 2012

Use social media, search engine optimization, blogging, and mobile media. Everyone must have a web site that is complete, inviting, and easy to use. Create and maintain your own database of targeted prospects, and don’t rely on generic email lists for marketing. These will beat word-of-mouth any day.

Marketing 136

Marketing Database Social Media Media 136

Gust

JUNE 22, 2014

Whereas Google and other search engines may take two or three weeks to list your new website in search results, new blog sites and new blog entries are indexed every day. Since a startup by definition is not a recognized brand, you are the brand, based on the social media culture of today. Your Google ranking will go up dramatically.

Startup 125

Startup Cofounder Social Media SEO 125