Gust

NOVEMBER 7, 2011

If your startup can’t be bothered with social media, or has no plan to take advantage of it, then you are definitely at risk these days. They also identify clearly the five key social media mistakes that I often see, along the following lines: 1. Not having a social media policy. Allowing your social media efforts to stagnate.

Social Media 125

Social Media Media Startup Curation 125

Gust

JUNE 19, 2012

And in January I saw that digital music overtook physical media for the first time in 2011, something I expected since 1998. One of my earliest excursions into market research was working for a research firm doing a 1979 forecast on ATMs. I hate the forecast that assets some huge market and takes a small percentage of it.

Startup 180

Startup Forecast Angel Investor Software 180

Gust

JANUARY 31, 2013

The move came as a shock to many in the tech business community, in which we’ve become accustomed to real-time disclosure by company executives through social media. Last month, the SEC announced it was taking action regarding Netflix’ (NFLX) securities compliance based on a Facebook status update posted by CEO Reed Hastings.

SEC 158

SEC Prospectus United States Technical Review 158

Gust

JANUARY 4, 2012

The quicker the startup establishes a strong brand identity that “sells itself” through word-of-mouth and social media, earning goodwill in its name, the sooner it can effectively chase away knockoffs that try to use confusingly similar names , logos, or domain names. This is not to suggest there is no legal recourse whatsoever, though.

Intellectual Property 143

Intellectual Property IP Startup United States 143

Gust

JUNE 19, 2012

And in January I saw that digital music overtook physical media for the first time in 2011, something I expected since 1998. One of my earliest excursions into market research was working for a research firm doing a 1979 forecast on ATMs. Last weekend I caught Mashable announcing that Ebook Sales Surpass Hardcover in the U.S.

Forecast 123

Forecast Leadership Media Sales 123

Gust

SEPTEMBER 23, 2012

Of course there is work involved to find the right media, and balance the investment against the return. Be aggressive in your forecasts. Every investor has heard from the “conservative” founder who reduces his forecast to lower the risk. Forecasts should be strategic, based on the opportunity and pain level.

Forecast 188

Forecast Viral Social Network Business Model 188