Why Where Matters
Monday, 09 November 2015
Some time ago, I shared some thoughts about how the size and scope of Silicon Valley eludes most entrepreneurs. That, challenging most startup communities, is the fact that comparing and contrasting one’s local economy to “Silicon Valley” easily misleads, as N. California’s startup community is much more than a city, more than a region even,
- Published in Brand Marketing, Economic Development, Industry, Insights / Research, PR, Startups
19 Comments
Are You an “Entrepreneur”? Are You Sure??
Thursday, 01 October 2015
Love this question as I think it’s far more important than people realize. People don’t like their time wasted. We have no problem wasting our own time but waiting in line, sitting at an unproductive dinner with coworkers, being unable to find a capable employee at Home Depot… people hate having their time wasted. What
- Published in Startups
Startup Validation in 12 Steps (Hint: It’s Not About Sales)
Monday, 17 August 2015
Among the most cited frustrations by entrepreneurs that can’t get funding, is that they have customers and sales, and that they’re being encouraged to get more. And yet… As we explored in a previous post (“Should I be raising money?”), with the utmost deference and respect to investors, the worst advice you might hear from
“Should I be raising funds?”
Friday, 07 August 2015
It’s a question asked so frequently, in a variety of different ways, that it finally occurred that it would be a good discussion to have. Should you be raising money? Of course the cop out is to reason that of course one should; you have revenue, customers, and you’re growing but you just can’t get
- Published in Raising Capital
How to Determine the Equity to Give Your Startup Team
Monday, 13 July 2015
The equity granted to your team speaks volumes more than merely being part of the compensation. When building a committed, invested, passionate team, something which should be your paramount priority as a founder, nothing matters more than HOW you accomplish this. Is your team comprised of investors or employees? I want you to first
- Published in Startups
Austin is Where Tech Comes to Life
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
With another SXSW well behind us and the inevitable cries that the conference has lost something since it has failed again to discover the next Twitter or Facebook, I find myself considering bigger picture questions: Why are so many moving to Austin? Why did I move to Austin? Is it finding the next Unicorn that
- Published in Advertising, Austin, Industry, Insights / Research, Local, Startups
How Do You Find and Engage Good Mentors?
Friday, 24 April 2015
Correct me if I’m wrong but you need a mentor that is passionate about your space, invested (personally not financially) in your vision and the opportunity, and all but on your team. The least effective mentors are those that are assigned by Universities or Incubators as though just anyone who knows more than you do will
- Published in Startups