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Shotgun Startups

Shotgun Startups is a Brazen group dedicated to starting businesses. I am hoping that this builds into a place where partnerships are formed, 'idea people' meet up with developers, and joint ventures form.

In short, it's a Startup Mastermind group!

Network Leader: Jason Drohn

Groups > Shotgun Startups

Ryan Paugh Great question asked on our YEC members-only forum today and I wanted to ask you guys for your thoughts as well: How do you define social entrepreneurship? Can a for-profit venture be social entrepreneurship or does it have to be a nonprofit?

1 week ago from Shotgun Startups, Upstarts!, Nonprofiteers, Entrepreneurs and Youth Entrepreneurship 3 more

Lauren Bernstein: I define social entrepreneurship as a field where financial, social, and environmental bottom lines are considered with the same amount of weight. ...MoreI define social entrepreneurship as a field where financial, social, and environmental bottom lines are considered with the same amount of weight. By that definition, a social enterprise should indeed be a for-profit venture, because the brilliance of social enterprises are their ability to turn a profit while creating social good. I think that a nonprofit social enterprise is a contradiction.
1 week ago

Ryan Paugh What are your favorite books for entrepreneurship? Here are some faves from members of our YEC Women program: http://bit.ly/vnj75e What would you add?

5 weeks ago from Youth Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups, Web Startups and Upstarts!3 more

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Timothy Johnson III: I'd add "The Personal MBA: Mastering the Art of Business", by Josh Kaufman and "168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think" by Laura Vanderkam
2 weeks ago

Beatriz Alemar: The E-myth and Get Clients Now. My personal favs about entrepreneurship.
1 week ago

Ryan Paugh One of the biggest issues that entrepreneurs of all ages have trouble with is dealing with problem clients who don't pay on time, don't respect scope of work, etc. My friend and fellow YEC member, Ashley Bodi, started an amazing business to help entrepreneurs deal with these issues. Tomorrow at 8:30pm est (5:30pm pst) we're producing a live video Q&A with her. Stop by and ask her your questions. Rsvp here: http://live.theyec.org/ashleybodi How do you deal with these issues in your own business?

3 weeks ago from Youth Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups, Web Startups and Upstarts!3 more

Noel Rozny and Horus Chan recommended this

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Noel Rozny: That's an awesome business idea!
3 weeks ago

JRandom42: You mean that businesses can get paid by their customers on time without having to send out Uncle Dominic, Cousin Carmine and Cousin Vito to ...MoreYou mean that businesses can get paid by their customers on time without having to send out Uncle Dominic, Cousin Carmine and Cousin Vito to sprain their thumbs? No Way! :)
2 weeks ago

Ryan Paugh 2011 was the year of the protestor. 2012 will be the year of the entrepreneur. At least that's what we're pushing for at YEC this year. We just published an article on TIME that outlines our stance. Would love to hear your thoughts and ask you to share with your peers to support the movement. http://moneyland.time.com/2012/01/03/2012-the-year-of-the-entrepreneur/

5 weeks ago from Youth Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups, Upstarts! and Web Startups 3 more

Megan Williams Looking to start an online business, but need a good Drupal developer. I got burned by one in England, so I'm looking for someone trustworthy. Thanks!

9 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups

Mehul Kar: Any particular reason you're using Drupal specifically? I can connect you with some good web people who specialize in ecommerce. Don't get on ...MoreAny particular reason you're using Drupal specifically? I can connect you with some good web people who specialize in ecommerce. Don't get on brazen much though these days. Get me on twitter or by email.
8 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Catherine Adamson People want to get involved in supporting pollinators because they have heard that bees are in decline. Mostly that means buying local honey. But honey is a low-margin wholesale agricultural product; not a good basis for entrepreneurship. So what's a side hustler to do? Lease bees to those most motivated and provide education in beekeeping! The customer can produce their own ultra-local honey & the entrepreneur can ignore commodity pricing and focus on high-value-added services instead.

18 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Green and Environmental industries, Shotgun Startups and Upstarts!2 more

aneesh recommended this

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Megan Atkinson: I have a friend who runs a bee farm. Is that right... a farm? Anyhow, he is extremely happy with the work he does and it seems that offsets the ...MoreI have a friend who runs a bee farm. Is that right... a farm? Anyhow, he is extremely happy with the work he does and it seems that offsets the low-margin thing for him. Providing education doesn't sound like a bad idea for someone who inherited his bee farm from past generations, though!
17 weeks ago

David L Wood: Having some experience with agriculture in Texas, many farms use beekeeping as a side line business as a means of diversification. Most farms have ...MoreHaving some experience with agriculture in Texas, many farms use beekeeping as a side line business as a means of diversification. Most farms have a main source of income which is seasonal. Diversification allows better utilization of land and labor. Also, those who have chosen a life style of better health through nutrition will tell you raw honey from local farm locations are better for your health than the process honey purchased in the grocery store. Thus, a higher margin and price can be obtained in the market place. Many who are involved with organic and healthier food choices will purchase raw honey as a substitute for cane or beet sugar used in the home for cooking and beverages. Development of a customer base for a local farm is slow but the customers obtained are generally very loyal for years.
16 weeks ago

Adam Toren 10 Keys for Preventing Startup Sabotage: As an entrepreneur, you’re bound to run into challenges and obstacles at every stage of your venture. It’s survival of the fittest, even in seasoned businesses, let alone a fledgling startup. But there are some steps you can take to improve your odds. To prevent you from sabotaging your business, here are a few pointers to practice: http://smallbusinessbigvision.com/10-keys-for-preventing-startup-sabotage

21 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups

Jamie Nacht Farrell I contend the definition of "career" as we've been taught is out dated. How would you define, "career" now days? people are "seeking" the wrong thing. People should NOT seek out a traditional career, but rather always be looking for "the next adventure". I wrote a post about how we can redefine what we look for to better our futures...and how that may or may not be a "traditional career". How do we get rid of that "preconceived" stigma attached to career? http://t.co/sLvOA8l

56 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love, The Modern Strategist, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups 3 more

Robin Mills recommended this

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J.T. O'Donnell: I've been using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs lately to explain to people their innate desire to find satisfying work. I agree Jamie. Nobody should ...MoreI've been using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs lately to explain to people their innate desire to find satisfying work. I agree Jamie. Nobody should feel guilty for pursuing something that excites them - it's human nature to want to feel satisfied. I love showing that pyramid to people - it's like giving them a license to finally go out and find work that impresses the only person that truly matters - themselves. Great post Jamie!
56 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @JT - That's brilliant. I use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs when I'm mentoring colleagues in consumer behavior and marketing, but have not done so ...More@JT - That's brilliant. I use Maslow's Hierarchy of needs when I'm mentoring colleagues in consumer behavior and marketing, but have not done so in the world of careers (candidly, it's not my "field" - people are just always asking for advice), but I will definitely do so form now on. That was one of my fave. undergrad psych. courses. Thanks!
56 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker Thought this article "When Smart People Make Bad Employees" from Forbes was particularly interesting: http://bit.ly/e6Fr7q What do you think? Does anyone have a story about one of these "types" of individuals? Does anyone (else) see tendencies towards one of these "types"?

56 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Web Startups, Entrepreneurs, What I Wish I Knew Then and Web Development 3 more

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Tracy Brisson: Context matters, also. It's about who else is on the team, the diversity of roles within a company, etc. I have worked with successful people who ...MoreContext matters, also. It's about who else is on the team, the diversity of roles within a company, etc. I have worked with successful people who leaned toward one of these stereotypes, but there was someone else to balance and develop and lead them.
56 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker: The world does need better HR professionals, this is true. More importantly, the world needs awesome CEOs and managers who create HR departments ...MoreThe world does need better HR professionals, this is true. More importantly, the world needs awesome CEOs and managers who create HR departments that work in accordance with the diverse culture of the company. @tracy, I think you're absolutely right about context. And you also raise the point of setting people up for success by involving them directly in mentoring or coworking type relationships.

56 weeks ago

Stephanie Hi all! I have been offered an amazing opportunity to become a partner in a very new (<6 months) very small (2 partners and 1 employee) interactive advertising company. I know the partners and believe in the company but I know ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about entering a partnership. I'm generally a pretty good negotiator, but I don't even know what questions to ask, much less what to ask for. So my question is -- can you offer any advice or point me in the direction of a good resource? Thanks!

25 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups and Entrepreneurs

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Nicole Bienfang: Hi Stephanie! Vickie has made some great points. TO answer your specific concern I suggest you get the book Inc. and Grow Rich it covers ...MoreHi Stephanie! Vickie has made some great points. TO answer your specific concern I suggest you get the book Inc. and Grow Rich it covers partnerships and many other issues involved with incorporating.It covers scenarios like Vickie suggested and then tells you how to protect yourself from bad things happening to good people. It is now out of print,but available through my site: http://www.nicolebienfang.com go to the "store" tab and click the first box to see the whole library it is the green book. Also, if you need a lawyer to help you through the process I can help you with that as well. Hope this helps let me know if you have anymore questions.
24 weeks ago

Kevin Li: Get a lawyer that you trust. Now's the time to dig through LinkedIn and see who you already know that can help you in a pinch. There's no ...MoreGet a lawyer that you trust. Now's the time to dig through LinkedIn and see who you already know that can help you in a pinch. There's no substitute for good legal advice when you're entering into a legal agreement with other parties.
24 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker What are your thoughts on this recent article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43976881/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/ Love the idea of student loan debt being forgiven or delayed for entrepreneurs.

26 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Web Startups and Entrepreneurs 1 more

Megan Atkinson recommended this

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Nicole Bienfang: I don't think it is a good idea to tie this program with "success" because success is very vague. Also, this country is dead set on punishing ...MoreI don't think it is a good idea to tie this program with "success" because success is very vague. Also, this country is dead set on punishing failure when really failure can be amazing if the person actually learns from the experience.I like Edward's idea with employee salary= the amount of the loan forgiveness, however that does not help the struggling entrepreneur who is just starting out. But guys like this should be rewarded:http://store.soy-yer.com/AboutUs.asp I don't think we need a program based off of the teacher forgiveness program as I have experienced that first hand. Even though it brings teacher's to "bad areas" it is only for 5 years and I've seen time and time again teachers (good or bad) high tail it out of town as soon as they can after the 5 year mark.Maybe giving forgiveness based on staying in the same town or state could be awarded for entrepreneurs? Maybe those who want this type of loan forgiveness need to show what steps they have taken to build a business, do they have a history of starting businesses, selling them, did they go to school and take courses that pertained to being an entrepreneur etc.I know personally if I didn't have student loans I would be at a totally different level with my business by now.It really hinders progress whether you are starting business or just trying to start your adult life out on the right foot.
25 weeks ago

Kathryn Smith: This may be a bit of a devil's advocate kind of a thing to say, but... maybe the kids in college right now should just take this as a lesson to ...MoreThis may be a bit of a devil's advocate kind of a thing to say, but... maybe the kids in college right now should just take this as a lesson to get more creative with funding their education instead of taking out massive amounts of loans. It is possible to graduate without much debt, it's just that those of us who weren't forced to reevaluate our funding generally didn't.

If there is ONE thing that I feel entrepreneurs need to have a firm grasp on, it is accountability. I don't think there needs to be an advertised way out of financial obligations to encourage entrepreneurship. Sure, maybe "success" is vague, and it's great when people buck up and learn from failure, but it's also great when people buck up and learn to overcome obstacles, like student loans. Entrepreneurship is NOT easy, and it should not be advertised as such. The government is not in a financial position right now to fund failure, as measured by contribution to the health of the economy, so forgiving loans to entrepreneurs whether they start a successful business or not is just a downright bad idea.
25 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I don't hate to travel, but I hate being apart from my husband. I'm unsure if its how I was raised (my parents did not travel for business and were / still are always together) or just that we've only been together for 7 years; regardless - I'm averaging traveling about 20 days out of 30 over a month time. I'm not happy about it; but at this juncture no other option. Anyone else ever feel this way? I almost beginning to resent clients that I'm traveling to; which is awful - any thoughts?

66 weeks ago from Consultants R US, Travel for Business, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Location Independent 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: Apologies for taking so long to get back but I was traveling ( ; figures. To address over all first; My "home" as I consider it is in South ...MoreApologies for taking so long to get back but I was traveling ( ; figures. To address over all first; My "home" as I consider it is in South Florida - this is where we own our house. FOr the past 2 years, we've been living in Dallas. I really could care less about being tied to the community here as we are moving home over the next few months (ok, in about 6 months), but it's the 'interim' that sucks and Ihave to travel all the time. When I'm in FL, this will not happen as much, so really - all I need is to develop some patience... not my strong suit. The other side of this is that we've been spoiled; we've always worked together and thus are not only used to being together all the time at home, but at work as well; so this has been a bit more jarring. It seems that many people (I know a lot of consultants) travel from M-TH every week, but we have both made the conscious decision that we would hate that/not to do it.

@Rick - I am definitely keeping my eyes "open" for an opportunity - I actually have several of them and am acting as a COO right now for a business that is looking for me to sign on FT. That said, the job is in Chicago and I'm not willing to move there (or anywhere else but back to FL) for that matter. I've been told by several recruiters, NYU's career coach, etc. that I don't need to take a job afar because based on track record, I should be able to get whatever I want in FL; again - just no patience...and unsure I'm looking to go back to work UNLESS the "team" is the right one as I know I would be taking a large paycut going back to any company in really any role.

@Tom - you definitely dont sound like a DICK ( ; and you are 100% right on looking at different options. I've been doing so and really just need to be patient is key.

@Jen - your advice is perfect...and I'm the itiot - because I "cant say no". I guess this is one area where ambition and money is a downfall. Funny, because I thought I was at a point where I had found a solid "balance" and then BOOM - got slammed with 4 opps I couldn't say no to. What I am going to do this weekend is go through all jobs and schedule out. Good call.

@Jeff - I like the idea of the "lever", that said - unfortunately my areas of expertise are truly training and managing sales and marketing depts; I need to be there. So, while I could make the decision NOT to travel there - it would affect the company and my performance and I'm not willing to let that happen. I do like the idea though and for different types of projects, will definitely employ.

@Thelma - another great idea and we do this usually once / month. When I go to business in FL, we usually stay at the Ritz for a couple days first. In NY, we do the same. Unfortunately, I have 4 weeks of non stop right now and i like to be in Dallas on the weekends b/c I love my doggie almost as much as my husband -hahahaha.

65 weeks ago

: Have you thought about working to build a network/system that would work for you? It seems that you have a great business, but if you stop flying ...MoreHave you thought about working to build a network/system that would work for you? It seems that you have a great business, but if you stop flying around so much and in essence, "stop working", will you revenue stream still come in or would it stop? Taking the time in building such a system would allow you and your husband to enjoy life together, as it's meant to be. Don't want to sound like a salesman here, but I have such an opportunity that is extremely easy. Just takes diligence and persistence. Just something to ponder. Visit my website (http://www.blakegates.com) Or call me, 513-393-1835 if you would like more information.
65 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I have 2 contracts with a small / mid size company - worth about $50 million. One is a consulting contract (monthly retainer) and one is a broker's contract. I'm supposed to be paid "X" every 2 weeks on the consulting and 5% of net revenue on the broker's contracts net 45 days post months end; The company is 1 month late with payments and is always late..BUT I get a lot of money from them...I just CCed my lawyer on the last email back to them. Anyone else delt with this / what worked for you?

79 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Shotgun Startups, Entrepreneurs, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Consultants R US 3 more

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j morgan: Jamie, Nice to have a "brother" lawyer deal which gives you the upper hand, contract has to be on file etc doesn't matter if they pay on time or ...MoreJamie, Nice to have a "brother" lawyer deal which gives you the upper hand, contract has to be on file etc doesn't matter if they pay on time or not it's contracted and signed right? (for future) And as far as you doing a fabulous job that they haven't recognized as of yet you hold the cards it's your leverage, you have a 10 m dollar contract, what are the company benifits from this contract? If you mention their competitors as someone you are thinking of doing business with they may jump thru hoops on a spring board so to speak especially as you are closing on a deal that will give them an upper edge and will provide them with far more than 10M in revenue. Perhaps point out the benefits of your services and that the other 5 contracts you have lined up you haven't considered as of YET. Since you've done the research, have exclusive rights to contacts you are in control. (Exclusive contracts cost a lot more money)

You've put time and energy into this company and if they do not take you seriously you are prepared to move on to a serious company with serious intentions that pay you on time.

Nothing is fair in life, business or love. You have choices and keep moving forward, you DO hold all the cards right now and you are NOT dependent on this company. You are dependent only on your company and your business sense.

You are indespensible, you are worth more than they are paying you and you do not want to dwell on legal issues. You want to provide outstanding value they cannot get any where else.

I cannot wait to hear how it all goes for you. Best to your endevours ... keep forging forward in a productive manner!
78 weeks ago

Josh Allan Dykstra: @Donna -- thanks for the article. Great stuff in there; particularly excited about the online invoicing systems!

Enjoyed reading the rest of the ...More@Donna -- thanks for the article. Great stuff in there; particularly excited about the online invoicing systems!

Enjoyed reading the rest of the conversation here as well. Thanks for the input, J Morgan!
78 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I hate when someone looks at my career and says, "You're so lucky". Am I really? Or is it about a combination of skill, desire for continuous improvement, tenacity, etc? How do you respond when someone says, "you're so lucky"? I contend that it's not luck, but about CHOICES and what we choose to prioritize in our life at different times; Wrote about my response here: http://bizrelationships.wordpress.com/2010/08/01/how-humble-do-i-have-to... Thoughts?

79 weeks ago from Objectivists, Shotgun Startups, Creating a Life You Love, Consultants R US and Entrepreneurs 3 more

Jessica Bahr recommended this

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Frank E. Warren: Lighten up... the two of you are both too young to place this kind of stress upon yourselves. Certainly, be proud of your accomplishments - you ...MoreLighten up... the two of you are both too young to place this kind of stress upon yourselves. Certainly, be proud of your accomplishments - you have earned it.
Working hard can be a "gift" that you offer to yourself. When viewed in this manner, hard work becomes a more pleasant experience. Think too, of all the people in the world who have never heard a kind word from their parents. It may help you appreciate your mother's pride, even if you are uncomfortable with her words.
And, since you both have made the choice to work hard, celebrate your achievement and be happy about it... and remember it is a gift that you have offered yourselves.
Peace,
77 weeks ago

Jessica Bahr: Luck happens when preparation and opportunity meet. It's not luck, its the reward for hard work.
69 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Jamie Nacht Farrell Does anyone have a sales training SOW or proposal I can review? I'm putting together one for a client and for some reason, I can't seem to get 'right' what I'm trying to say. Any help?

81 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Generation Y Marketers, Entrepreneurs and Consultants R US 2 more

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Doug Dolan: Thanks for the opportunity, Jamie. I sent you an email. Please let me know if you don't get it. Have a great day! - Doug
80 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: I got it; just traveling all over / crazy week. Will 100% write back this weekend if not before - my apoloigies!
80 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell So...what do you do when you're consulting and people continue to do 2 things: 1) Offer to hire you FT 2) Offer to "invest" in your business? I never want to lose a client by saying just "no thank you" as they continue with "why"...But I do always feel bad....how have you guys handled?

83 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Consultants R US 1 more

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Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Jen - First, loved the advice; thank you. I think the 'reality' is that I don't necesarily WANT to grow my business for no other reason than ...More@Jen - First, loved the advice; thank you. I think the 'reality' is that I don't necesarily WANT to grow my business for no other reason than FEAR. I've founded several successful start up businesses and am working on the consulting as an "easy" gig! This is supposed to be a "break" for me from the 90 hour work weeks - and I can see myself getting dragged back in ( ; That said, your advice is perfect.

And we're not strangers anymore, I'm a "fan" now ( ;
83 weeks ago

Jen Scaffidi: Well hello then, not-stranger! And let it be said: there's nothing wrong with keeping an "easy" gig from getting too unwieldy!

My current ...MoreWell hello then, not-stranger! And let it be said: there's nothing wrong with keeping an "easy" gig from getting too unwieldy!

My current struggle involves several volunteer situations that were supposed to be small commitments but have grown into full-time projects. I don't have a problem with other people making demands; my issue is that my own excitement sometimes overrides my time-management skills (which sometimes overrides my money-management skills).

It's all a balancing act, isn't it?
83 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell I'm consulting for a company right now that "says" they're a start up because it's a 2.5 year old business with large investors and not profitable. I've only interacted with this team three times in person, and probably 10 over the phone. They're not "start up" executives. Have you been able to distinguish between "start up" executives and corporate executives? I think I have. Interested to hear your take on what went down today and any advice on how to handle: http://bit.ly/908G86

86 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Consultants R US, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups 2 more

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Sara Gallagher: @David, absolutely, I was not talking about you personally, merely lamenting the true fact that clients see other mediums of soliciting feedback ...More@David, absolutely, I was not talking about you personally, merely lamenting the true fact that clients see other mediums of soliciting feedback and suggestions (blogs, online networks, etc) as a show of weakness or incompetency, as you pointed out.
86 weeks ago

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Sara - I changed the paragraph and made it 'general' as you suggested. Thank you all for your comments and keep me "in line".

@David - I look ...More@Sara - I changed the paragraph and made it 'general' as you suggested. Thank you all for your comments and keep me "in line".

@David - I look forward to speaking with you. My email is: Jnachtfarrell@gmail.com if we can schedule a time.
86 weeks ago

Eric Sforza I'm currently working on 3 startup projects that are looking to create websites. Since all of these companies are lean, I'm trying to find the most cost effective solutions. Each company does something different (social venture, small business w/ online store, consulting) so I'm looking for a variety of options. For example: Is it better to use a site builder - if so, which ones and why? Is there better value at getting a freelance graphic designer to build a few pages? Thanks in advance!

38 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Freelancing, Social Entrepreneurs, Web Development and Web Startups 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Kelly Seiler: @Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently ...More@Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently across the site. When you update you shouldn't be doing much - if any formatting.

Of course I'll caveat that with the advice to never copy stuff out of Word directly into Wordress. They don't play nice. Copy text into Notepad or a similar program that strips away the formatting then copy into Wordpress.
35 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui: Outsource it, so that you can focus on building your business and your clients. Try out Brazen Careerist Lindsey Donner
35 weeks ago

Tracy Tran The ViennaTysons Regional Chamber of Commerce (VTRCC) Young Professionals will hold their monthly happy hour at The Westin Tysons Corner on April 14 at 5:30PM. Come out and practice your networking skills with other highly motivated young professionals! The attendance is free, sign up and RSVP now! http://www.vtrcc.org/cwt/External/WCPages/WCEvents/EventDetail.aspx?Even...

44 weeks ago from NOVA, Shotgun Startups, Young Entrepreneur Community, Entrepreneurs and Inspiring Leadership 3 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell WHy are some entrepreneurs successful and some not? Is this because they are "experienced", "super intelligent", "confident", or have found one trait in them that makes them more likely to succeed?? As a veteran of 4 successful start ups, my CEOs all had one thing in common: they embraced the process; the process of feedback, intellectual debate, and most importantly - ACTING on others feedback. Have you seen something similar? different? more detail here: http://bit.ly/eEAna9

54 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups, Upstarts!, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Creatively Inspired 3 more

Sadya Siddiqui recommended this

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Marta Spendowska: Very good book that encourages us to think differently about the business in today world : REWORK MoreVery good book that encourages us to think differently about the business in today world : REWORK http://www.amazon.com/Rework-Jason-Fried/dp/0307463745.
I agree (and hear a lot) with the idea of everyone needed to be a customer service "practitioner" today. Everything becomes personalized and social. I think the relationship-based business is going to be the major aspect of the success.
46 weeks ago

j morgan: I just started consulting with a company who is great at feedback and excellent but their process is ...Everyone is frustrated. How do you solve ...MoreI just started consulting with a company who is great at feedback and excellent but their process is ...Everyone is frustrated. How do you solve that? Brilliant minds without clear decisive boundaries and it's crashing. Everyone wants to lead.
44 weeks ago

Ken Sundheim Common Entrepreneurial Mistake 1 of 4: 1) You Can't Rely On Current Customers and Networking For any start-up, a steady flow of business is a necessity for survival. Word of mouth is no longer the way people do business. Whether the business comes from search engine optimization or from pay per click, start-ups need to have a strong web presence. Of course, this is in conjunction with strong branding, however the former comes before the latter.

45 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups

Shelby Truxon Getting organized is a big part of carrying out a successful marketing program for your business. With all the steps needed, it’s hard to tell where to start. Managing the information, processes, people, and day-to-day tasks can be overwhelming without a proper handle on your priorities. So where do you start? http://dreamfactorymarketing.com/administration/where-do-i-start/

54 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups

Paul: By applying lean principles by doing a process flow diagram. Start with the end and draw out all the process steps with stickies on the wall once ...MoreBy applying lean principles by doing a process flow diagram. Start with the end and draw out all the process steps with stickies on the wall once the process is fugured out review the dependicies "what needs to happen first" then work on that
48 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman With the New Year, I've been doing a lot of brainstorming and have found that I'm returning to that old staple of mind maps. I do some brainstorming on paper and then transfer and expand on those ideas using MindMeister which is an online mind-mapping software. I find it also helps me organize my thoughts. Then I go out and test my ideas by talking to people. How do you go about the process of brainstorming ideas and incubation?

55 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Upstarts!, Blogging Ideas, Entrepreneurs and Productivity & Time-Management 3 more

Becky Benishek, Rebecca Thorman and Brett Kunsch recommended this

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Stuart Nolan: @Amanda Some evidence to suggest that writing is better for learning than typing. More@Amanda Some evidence to suggest that writing is better for learning than typing. http://lifehacker.com/5738093/why-you-learn-more-effectively-by-writing-...
54 weeks ago

Paul: I like using a whiteboard either a real one or on the ipad. I leave it up so I alsways am tweaking adding to the concept. Then I start socializing
48 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny I recently had a conversation with a professor about being an entrepreneur and how many people focus on creating just based on what they want to create instead of focusing on what is needed in the world/market. How did you build your business? Was it based on a need of the outside world or just what you felt like creating?

49 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Shotgun Startups and Entrepreneurs 1 more

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Scrollwork: Mike, love how you summed up what you learned from the book writing experience!
Cheryl, a good example of people who start businesses based solely ...MoreMike, love how you summed up what you learned from the book writing experience!
Cheryl, a good example of people who start businesses based solely on their need to create would be etsy.com. Read any number of seller profiles among those who make what they sell (not the suppliers nor the vintage resellers) and you'll see a common thread.
49 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: @Scrollwork: Thank you. I'm a little bit smarter as I plan out book #2.
49 weeks ago

TOP IDEA: Eric Sforza Did you know that 30,000 new products are launched every year, yet 95% of them fail? I read about that statistic in an article called 'Milkshake Marketing', and it provided some great food for thought for my new blogpost on segmentation and marketing -- Milkshakes & Product Failures: A Lesson on Segmentation http://goo.gl/ZD41p

49 weeks ago from Strategy Consulting, Shotgun Startups, Creatively Inspired and Entrepreneurs 2 more

LY Gian recommended this