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What Startups Are Really Like

October 31, 2009 | 1 Comment

Paul Graham published a lengthy post about startups (following his talk at Startup School last week). I HIGHLY recommend you take 15 minutes to read that post – about what startups are really like. It is spot on.

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Startup Tip: Focus On Real Products And Services, Not Vaporware

October 29, 2009 | 1 Comment

It’s tempting, especially for a new startup, to talk about the cool new things you’re working on. But publicly talking about vaporware can be counter-productive and can even impact your ability to finish the product or service on time. In this video, I share a few examples from our own experience.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

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Startup Tip: Even Imperfect Practical Experience Is Good

October 28, 2009 | 3 Comments

Some people worry about doing something unless they spend a substantial amount of time preparing and reading about the perfect way to do it. While there are times when hyper detailed preparation is critical, those times are rare. Most other times, even imperfect practical experience is good. I discuss why in this short video.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Business, Marketing, Social Media, Startup Tips, Strategy

The Secrets Of Great Customer Service

October 27, 2009 | Leave a Comment

Amazon and Zappos have proven that one can build incredible businesses founded on outstanding customer service. In this video, I share 5 thoughts about ways that small businesses and startups can follow the examples set by Amazon and Zappos in delivering great customer service.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Business, Social Media, Startup Tips, Strategy

Startup Tip: Ignore Haters But Listen To Critics

October 26, 2009 | 5 Comments

It’s very important for startups to understand the difference between haters and critics. Haters will hate you personally, will have your business model, and will hate your business. They’ll say negative things regardless of what you do or say.

Ignore the haters – they live in a small echo chamber, provide no value to you or your business, and are merely a distraction. On the other hand, you should listen carefully to critics – people that offer meaningful advice about ways you can improve your company’s product or service. To learn more, watch this 3 minute video.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

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Startup Tip: 5 Thoughts About Motivating Teams

October 22, 2009 | 2 Comments

Highly efficient, motivated teams can accomplish incredible things. In this video, I talk about the lessons we’ve learned after 16 months in business.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Business, Startup Tips, Strategy

Startups Are Like Roller Coasters

October 21, 2009 | 1 Comment

Startups are like roller coasters. You’ll experience many ups and downs. This is true for EVERY startup – even those that seemingly can do no wrong. I share some strategies for dealing with the ups and downs in this video.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Business, Marketing, Social Media, Startup Tips, Strategy

Do You Need A Technical Co-Founder?

October 20, 2009 | 6 Comments

Many non-technical entrepreneurs wonder if they need a technical co-founder for their startup or small business. In this four minute video, I share five thoughts to help you answer that question. And if you’ve been through this process and can offer some advice, or have specific questions, please feel free to ask or share in the comments below.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

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Protecting Your Ideas

October 19, 2009 | 5 Comments

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners worry about protecting their ideas. You should be more worried about people listening to your ideas, than about them stealing your ideas.

For those who worry about protecting ideas – here are five tips:

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

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Startup Tip: Two Kinds Of Failure

October 14, 2009 | 3 Comments

You have to be able and willing to fail in order to take risks. But there are two kinds of failure, and only one of them is meaningful. I discuss the difference in this short video.

Overcoming the fear of failure is not easy. But those who have persevered through failure have accomplished many great things.

If you’re enjoying these videos, I ask for a small favor in return. Leave a comment with a suggestion or question or retweet this post (or both). And if there are particular topics you’d like to hear about – please let me know in the comments.

Filed Under: Business, Social Media, Startup Tips, Strategy
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