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Upstarts!

A network for professionals on the entrepreneurial path. If you are in the process of starting and/or growing your company, let's connect and help each other take our businesses to the next level!

This network is led by Donna Fenn, author of Upstarts.

Network Leader: Donna Fenn
Groups > Upstarts!
 
Tariq West What will it take for DC Metro Area to become a tech startup powerhouse? Answer @Quora: http://j.mp/LdNvtY

7 hours ago from Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups and Upstarts!1 more

 
Kevin Li Looking for a manager of sales operations for my start-up (www.thinkvine.com). Must have salesforce.com experience. Come join a rapidly growing company that's recently ranked as having the top offering in our space by Forrester Research! Connect with me on facebook or LinkedIn to learn more! Let me know if you know someone who may be interested as well, thanks.

4 weeks ago from The Windy City Crew, We're Hiring, Career Changers, Career Rocketeer and Upstarts!3 more

 
Ed Barrientos The New York Times says the DC tech scene is sizzling! It also mentions Brazen Careerist and the investment climate. http://nyti.ms/hs87LK

68 weeks ago from Washington D.C., NOVA, Upstarts! and Venture Capital2 more

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Jaclyn Schiff: Welcome Calista! I would have loved to connect with you in the event as well. Happy to connect other times or hopefully we will get to chat at one ...MoreWelcome Calista! I would have loved to connect with you in the event as well. Happy to connect other times or hopefully we will get to chat at one of the other upcoming events!
43 weeks ago
C R: Hi Jaclyn, its good to meet you. Hope to chat with you at the next event.
43 weeks ago
 
Dana Leavy Hey you- the savvy aspiring entrepreneur with all that pent-up creative energy just waiting to BURST out of the corporate bubble... Want to get your business idea off the ground and working for yourself full time in the next 12-18 months? Oh yea, and in the cheapest (but not so cheap that it's not effective) way possible? I did it for my biz, and would love to share my tips to help you get there too! So... "Let's Get it Goin'!" http://tinyurl.com/6nldw9q

10 weeks ago from Copywriters, Graphic Design, Interactive Design, Upstarts! and Youth Entrepreneurship3 more

 
Dana Leavy One of the biggest barriers to entry for young people wanting to start a business or strike out on their own as freelancers is finances: how to save/get the money to start up, determining how much you need to do so, and what to expect when it comes to properly managing and planning it. Some tips I found helpful for financing your first year in business as an entrepreneur or freelancer: http://aspyresolutions.com/2012/03/how-to-afford-to-work-for-yourself/

11 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Upstarts!, Youth Entrepreneurship, Young Professional Women (YPW) and Web 2.03 more

 
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?

16 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Upstarts!, Nonprofiteers, Entrepreneurs and Youth Entrepreneurship3 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.
16 weeks 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?

20 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
17 weeks ago
Beatriz Alemar: The E-myth and Get Clients Now. My personal favs about entrepreneurship.
16 weeks 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?

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

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Noel Rozny: That's an awesome business idea!
18 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! :)
18 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/

20 weeks ago from Youth Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs, Shotgun Startups, Upstarts! and Web Startups3 more

 
Chad Van Syoc Hey, for all you upstarts. Need good deals on anything IT, contact me. I want to be a long time provider to businesses and people with potential. 253-205-3411

20 weeks ago from Upstarts!

 
Andrew Shell There is a big sale going on right now and it ends in about 2 hours. Get a bundle of 13 ebooks/ecourses by names like Danielle Laporte, Chris Garrett and David Risley for $97 ($1033 normally). http://bit.ly/t1TVbl

25 weeks ago from Nomadic Entrepreneurship, Social Media, Upstarts! and Entrepreneurs2 more

 
Brett Kunsch I'm compiling a list of the top 10 films for entrepreneurs. Citizen Kane, Social Network, Jerry Maguire, The Aviator, Ghostbusters (!) are making the cut so far. What else would you add to the list? Thanks ahead of time!!

65 weeks ago from Web Startups, Upstarts!, Business Development, Film and Entrepreneurs3 more

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JRandom42: Here's one you forgot:

Boiler Room

MoreHere's one you forgot:

Boiler Room

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0181984/

And while it's not a movie, it's still relates to enterprenuers pretty well

Burn Rate by Michael Wolff
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burn_Rate_(book)
http://tinyurl.com/3t4ts7r


29 weeks ago
Peter Weyant: Have to add an Ann Rand movie, either the recent Atlas Shrugged or the classic Fountainhead.
27 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.

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

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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!
32 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.
31 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman I don't know that I believe perfectionism is all that bad - like anything, it can get out of control, but I look at it as just another work style. Working in a start-up, one of my key lessons to learn was to sign off on something when it was "good enough." But I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have gotten hired had I not been so meticulous and results-oriented in my past positions. My boyfriend, on the other hand, has a more big-picture approach. I think the key is just to recognize your work style.

71 weeks ago from Perfectionist Rehab, Work/Life Blur, Productivity & Time-Management, Upstarts! and Entrepreneurs3 more

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JRandom42: There's no such thing as perfectionism out of control when writing and debugging software.
36 weeks ago
Heath Port: To your point Rebecca, it is always good to have awareness of your work style, values, etc. It will help you gravitate to the type of work that ...MoreTo your point Rebecca, it is always good to have awareness of your work style, values, etc. It will help you gravitate to the type of work that will make you feel more fulfilled. To pretty much everyone else's point we all have points in our jobs where we may have to go against our style a bit to get the work done. Like your boyfriend I am more a of big picture guy myself and tend to get demotivated if I have to spend too much time down in the weeds, but throughout my career I've had to demonstrate that I could also focus on the detail every now and again to get things done. Otherwise I would just be floating around in the "idea space" and those ideas would never get executed. There is definitely a give and take there.
36 weeks ago
 
Linda Naiman "Freelance Is The New Full Time" http://ow.ly/6jkfT I wrote this article on leading your own business and included advice from Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Desiree Seebaran, and Jamie Nacht Farrell; all members of Brazen Careerist. A belated thank you for your contributions.

38 weeks ago from Freelancing, Upstarts!, Career Changers and Career Rocketeer2 more

 
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

71 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Creating a Life You Love, The Modern Strategist, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups3 more

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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!
71 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!
71 weeks ago
 
Marc Scoleri NING or Meetup or both? I want to create an offline community and events using a social networking resource to compliment www.creativeinterns.com and wanted the groups feedback on using either NING or Meetup or both?

47 weeks ago from Upstarts!

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Tamilla: plancast.com is excellent for organizing and publicizing events!
46 weeks ago
Marc Scoleri: Thanks folks! I created a group on LinkedIn called CreativeInterns.
46 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?

94 weeks ago from Upstarts!, Shotgun Startups, Entrepreneurs, Ask Penelope Trunk! and Consultants R US3 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!
93 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!
93 weeks ago
 
Andrew Shell If you've started (or are starting) a company, where did the idea for your company come from? Did you already know your target demographic before you started or did you find it as you went along?

94 weeks ago from Nomadic Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurs, Consultants R US, Web Startups and Upstarts!3 more

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Patricia Stewart: Hey Andrew, you should like at a business that gives you passive, residual income. You don't want to be self-employed and you be the system and ...MoreHey Andrew, you should like at a business that gives you passive, residual income. You don't want to be self-employed and you be the system and always be tied down by that business if you aren't there. You should look at network marketing it is the business for the 21st century. Read, Napolean Hills, Think and Grow Rich. David Schwartz's book, The Magic of Thinking Big. Also, Robery Kiyosacki's book The Business for the 21st Century.
94 weeks ago
Lindsay Browning: I started a company over 5 years ago and sold my shares 2.5 years later. The idea came from being in the industry already and I spotted a gap in ...MoreI started a company over 5 years ago and sold my shares 2.5 years later. The idea came from being in the industry already and I spotted a gap in the market for what I went on to do. Regarding target demographic this grew as the business expanded and we managed that growth. As the business flourished in growth we always developed into new services. Personally you start of with an idea and you cannot help but develop into new markets/services. Whatever works and makes the customer happy! Plus making profit helps
94 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

101 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Consultants R US, Upstarts! and Shotgun Startups2 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.
101 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.
101 weeks ago
 
Cameron Plommer My company is looking to speak with student entrepreneurs, specifically those of you doing tech projects or creating tech companies. We are doing focus groups in Seattle and nation-wide phone interviews. We are looking to talk to CS and business students, but if you are entrepreneurial and in school (or just out of school) we want to talk to you. We are giving $150 in incentives as well. Email me at Cameron.Plommer@Alterian.com or reply to this thread if you are interested.

51 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Web Development, Seattle Careerists and Upstarts!2 more

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Rachel Howe: Im in school, a business student, and working on building my side social media/seo business.

You can email me at: MoreIm in school, a business student, and working on building my side social media/seo business.

You can email me at: rhowe01@gmail.com
Twitter: @r8chel_marie
51 weeks ago
Mehul Kar: Cam, the first time my email didn't go through. I tried again, but just in case, you can just email me at MoreCam, the first time my email didn't go through. I tried again, but just in case, you can just email me at mehul.kar@gmail.com
51 weeks ago
 
TOP IDEA: Mike Ambassador Bruny Part of my leadership program involves reading books. The last book we read was "Tribes" by Seth Godin. I really like what this guy has to say and have been inspired to lead a Seth Godin Book Club starting Jan. 2011. We will read and discuss one of his books a month for the duration of the year. I wanted to send the first invitation to my Brazen Family to both join and help shape what it will look like. You in?

79 weeks ago from Boston, Book Shelf and Upstarts!1 more

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Mike Ambassador Bruny: Jonette, it's not too late. April we are ready, "Purple Cow." Friend me on Facebook and I'll get you in the group.
59 weeks ago
Dawn Lennon: A terrific author to soak up: I heard Seth Godin speak at the launch of Linchpin. He was great and so is the book, just like Tribes. His daily ...MoreA terrific author to soak up: I heard Seth Godin speak at the launch of Linchpin. He was great and so is the book, just like Tribes. His daily blogs are also amazing and worth subscribing. Enjoy.
53 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman Did y'all see my post up on Brazen today? I rarely recommend anything, but really thought this program was aaa-mazing. Check it - http://bit.ly/m5ebih

54 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Young Professional Women (YPW), Work/Life Blur, Productivity & Time-Management and Upstarts!3 more

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Megan Atkinson: Excellent point on both accounts, Rebecca. It is a seriously rigorous program, too (from the looks of it). I wonder if there's a low-cost ...MoreExcellent point on both accounts, Rebecca. It is a seriously rigorous program, too (from the looks of it). I wonder if there's a low-cost *should*-i-be-an-entrepreneur type of program out there for those unsure if it's the right venture for them? Either way, I was seriously impressed!
54 weeks ago
Rebecca Thorman: This doesn't resonate with me, but I've heard others say it is just what you're looking for in terms of deciding - MoreThis doesn't resonate with me, but I've heard others say it is just what you're looking for in terms of deciding - http://whitehottruth.com/shop-adore/the-fire-starter-sessions/
54 weeks ago
 
Tameem Qazi After reading a recent article on why job hoppers make good employees as opposed to those stuck at one place for a long time( unless they're doing exceptionally well), i agree job hopping does tend to boost your career. Spending 10 yrs in the same company myself, it was impossible to ignore the settling signs of stagnation, and the desperate urge to step out of the utopia to feel the challenge adrenaline rush inside you once again. Thus, complacency lost the battle.

108 weeks ago from Global Careers and Business, London Brazen Careerists and Upstarts!1 more

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Mark Birch: Job hoppers make terrible employees. But let's put some meat on the term.

If someone says at a company for a few years and makes some changes ...MoreJob hoppers make terrible employees. But let's put some meat on the term.

If someone says at a company for a few years and makes some changes over the years, that is just the nature of the employer - employee dynamic that has changed over the past few decades.

Someone that I define as a job hopper shows a track record of 1 - 2 years at each company across a long span of time. They have zero loyalty, are completely self-interested, work poorly with teams and bring little depth of content. A person has got to demonstrate that they have been able to succeed in the context of an organization over time and shown advancement.

Read this if you need any more food for thought: http://bit.ly/bAi4pX
107 weeks ago
JRandom42: Here's the problem I have with job hoppers, other than what Mark has highlighted. Very few finish the projects they claim they've worked on. They ...MoreHere's the problem I have with job hoppers, other than what Mark has highlighted. Very few finish the projects they claim they've worked on. They seem to stay for a few months, working on all the cool and interesting stuff, but when things get difficult, routine, dull or boring, they leave and are off to find the next project in the cool and interesting phase.

If you don't have the stamina and discipline to stick with finishing a project through to implementation and support, how can I be sure a job hopper is going to stick around when I really need them?
57 weeks ago
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