Build Your A-Team

READING, think

When you first set out to execute your brilliant idea, you may feel that you have all of the answers. You are able to make decisions quickly and move at lightning speed. However, you will learn that you will go further by collaborating with and building an A-Team.

The Two Steps to Building a Billion Dollar Brand

READING, think

Why do some brands achieve astronomical success while comparable brands fade into oblivion? The answer lies in the consumers’ hearts and minds. Winning brands focus on the consumer’s emotional and intellectual response. The best way to capture the heart...

Top 8 Things That Make Investors Cringe

READING, think

Have you ever left a pitch and wondered what investors really thought about you? I decided to roll up my sleeves and conduct a nationwide, sector and stage agnostic survey of investors. I insured that I included investors that represented all stages, sectors, and...

Sell Your Company, Not Your Soul

READING, think

I attended Venture 2013 this month. The closing session, End Game: Exits & Liquidity Options reminded me of one of my favorite sayings from my technology investment banking days in Silicon Valley, “Anyone can launch a company. The hard part is...

Are You Building a Billion-Dollar Brand or a Hobby?

READING, think

A scalable startup has inherent qualities that promote infinite growth. The ability to serve one million users flows from the infrastructure that efficiently serves 10. As an individual, you have a finite number of hours to create one output. You are constrained by...

Know What You Don't Know

READING, think

Steve Blank covers the difference between a board of directors and an advisory board in “Don’t Give Away Your Board Seats.” I’d like to pick up where he left off. Now that you understand the importance of attracting advisers, how do you find them? Take a look at a few...