A Smart Bear: Startups and Marketing for Geeks

OCTOBER 11, 2010

OK, so what can you do to rise above the cacophony that is the Internet? I already beat you to death about how celebrity endorsement can serve as an untouchable competitive advantage , and it's also an answer to how to burst out of the dull roar of Internet marketing. During beta-testing they would be guinea pigs.

Software Review 261

Software Review Technical Review Viral Software Developers 261

Up and Running

DECEMBER 5, 2014

From going door to door to setting up a booth during the block party, it’s one method that was often used in the pre-internet era to gather a lot of data. Be your own guinea pig. Some business ideas require a human guinea pig or person willing to volunteer to use the product or perform the service.

Guinea 155

Guinea Green SBA Canada 155

Startup Lessons Learned

APRIL 14, 2009

Start using some of those customers as guinea pigs for a self-serve version of the product. The sales strategy currently leaves many customers completely un-served (those that don’t qualify for the founders’ personal time). Take a look and let me know what you think.

Customer 167

Customer San Francisco Lean Hockey Stick 167

Up and Running

AUGUST 15, 2016

Or, consider offering a subscription service built around a more unusual pet, like this “pocket pet” subscription box for guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, and other small pets! Of course, I’ve focused a lot on subscription services that are either sent via a monthly subscription box, or are an internet-based service.

Business Model 60

Business Model Guinea Portland Oregon 60