Startup Business

Irony: Fewer Words, Better Communication — Tim Berry shares some thoughts about the nature of communication and how sometimes less is actually more.

This Just In: Bacon and Email Are Basically Brothers — A lighthearted look at the unlikely similarities between the communication tool and the porky breakfast side dish.

The Real Secret to Becoming a Popular Blogger — There’s no point in writing a boring blog. Copyblogger writer Johnny Truant suggests how to be interesting.

Posted on June 11th, 2009 | 6 Comments »

It happens to a lot of businesses that start out self-funded: since nobody is requiring a business plan from them, they don’t think they need one. It’s not long before they realize what they’re missing.

That’s what happened to Monique Riviere, of Springdale, Maryland, when she bought her V2K Window Décor & More franchise two and a half years ago. V2K is an independently owned franchise providing custom window coverings and installation services to residential and commercial clients.

“There didn’t seem to be a need for a formal business plan — I didn’t have a lender that I needed to present my case to. Midway into my first year, I realized I was being pulled in many different directions. I needed to get my goals down on paper so that I didn’t respond to every whim, which could waste both time and money,” Monique remembers.

Like many small-business owners, Monique wasn’t sure she could write a business plan herself, but found the cost of having a professional do it prohibitive. “I felt very intimidated by the process and didn’t know where to start. I got estimates from a few companies starting in the low $1,000s, which was out of my range.”

Before she knew it, she was in her second year of business and still didn’t have a plan. Small business counselors with whom she consulted wanted to see one but, she says, “I had nothing to show.” It was time to get serious about writing a business plan, so she set out to find a computer program to help. Her requirements for the software: user-friendly, low-cost, and updatable.

She discovered that Business Plan Pro met those criteria. “I was immediately comfortable with the step-by-step interview process and impressed by both the interface and the content. My most intimidating areas – financials and market research – were even made simple.”

Being at ease with her business plan allowed Monique to enjoy the aspect of owning a business that excites her most: the freedom. “Charting my own path and determining how successful I want to be. The rewarding feeling at the end of a long, hard project makes it all worth it.”

Besides recommending having a business plan, Monique has some advice to entrepreneurs starting down the same road she did: “If you can partner with someone you know, like, and trust, do it! If not, make sure you have the consistent support of family, friends, and colleagues. You’ll need it to get through the bad days.”

The take away from Monique’s experience? Don’t kid yourself — you do need a business plan.

Jay Snider
Palo Alto Software

Tags: business plan pro, success story, testimonial
Posted on June 3rd, 2009 | 3 Comments »

Andrew Warner, Founder of Mixergy.com

A few weeks ago, I posted an article on BIG blog mentioning my assignment to interview successful men.  Today, Friday, May 29th at 11:00 AM PDT, I will be interviewing Andrew Warner, a young, super star entrepreneur, and Founder of Mixergy.com The interview will run live on the Mixergy site.

I surf business sites daily.  However, Mixergy.com sucked me in on the first click.  It’s an amazing collection of interviews, tips, shared secrets and how-to’s for entrepreneurs and anyone hoping to increase their business knowledge and revenue.  Andrew says he created the site for ambitious people to learn from experienced entrepreneurs.  Seems like a perfect match for the BIG Blog demographic!

While Mixergy is a virtual smorgasbord of information, I found very little information about Andrew Warner himself; such as how he launched (and sold) a $30+ MM business.  I am honored he is gracing me with an interview so we can learn more about him and how he has become so hugely successful.

Join us today to learn more about this amazing Man, his Mission and of course, his Style!

-Lisa

Lisa Bruckner is a consultant for Trunk Club – a revolutionary way for men to buy clothing.  She writes for two men’s blogs: Wasabi Nights and The Trunk Club Blog and spent twelve years in the research sector before switching gears to follow her passion for fashion.
Trunk Club
Wasabi Nights
Twitter

Tags: Lisa Bruckner, The Trunk Club
Posted on May 29th, 2009 | 5 Comments »

cmypitch.com, a UK based business website which provides online services for UK entrepreneurs and SMEs, has just relaunched with a more diversified offering. While their original focus was predominantly on providing a video based platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, the new site has a much broader range of offerings.

In part, I assume, to reflect changing economic conditions, they have added a number of sections ranging from a ‘free special offers section’ to a ‘cash back section’ to a ‘price comparison section’ for utility providers to small businesses. These changes would seem to reflect the cost cutting drive many UK SME’s are on as they attempt to shore up their P&L’s against a back drop of falling revenue.

Hopefully this cost cutting mindset is temporary, and entrepreneur’s and SME’s get back to doing what they do best- exploiting opportunities, and hopefully shifting the emphasis back to true entrepreneurship.

Posted on May 19th, 2009 | No Comments »

As a new blogger, who in all honesty, never read a blog before, I made many classic mistakes. The first few posts on my men’s blog were simply text, as I didn’t yet understand the importance of images. I kept them short and simple, and gave them a catchy male-enticing title like Hot and Bothered and The G-Spot. What I didn’t initially realize is that search engines use the post title to direct readers to your blog. My titles were probably getting linked to porno searches! I learned it’s better to write titles that clearly describe the content. Boring, yes, but more effective in reaching your targeted audience. In hindsight, I am laughing at the audacity of my first two blog titles! I am a fun person, but not that fun!

Images are very important. I noticed that a catchy image made a big difference in blog traffic. People gave me regular feedback and the consensus was my images grab their attention and draw them into the text. I understand this better as a viewer, now that I read hundreds of blog posts each week. The Internet is an endless sea of text. It’s the images that provide an anchor and help us stay focused.

I love to write and thankfully, it comes easily. At this point, I have a seemingly endless list of ideas for new posts. The dark cloud you are sensing is the hours and hours I spend trying to find the right images to go with each post. I currently have a collection of complete blog posts that are relevant, and ready to go with the exception that I gave up on the search for “the right picture.”

While trying to find a “better way,” I decided to try and capture images impromptu on real men I see in public or through men I know. This was another interesting learning experience.

The first time I stopped a man, I was so nervous, I didn’t even mention my blog’s name and just snapped a quick photo of his shoes after asking his permission. What I learned from him was I need context in the photo to help illustrate my point. I liked his vintage sneakers and his leaner denim hem line. However, I needed to capture his entire outfit (neck to toes) to demonstrate how good he looked and why. I also learned most men are flattered to be asked by a woman if she can take a photo of his clothing!

The next time I did better. I took two full body shots and got the man’s email address so I could send him a link to the site to see his fame and glory. However, I learned full body shots alone weren’t good enough. I also needed close ups to illustrate my points. The third time, I got it all right, including a short interview.

In hindsight, I realized I wasn’t applying my previous research experience and expertise to my new position. Interviewing, assessing and photographing people in a research setting is second nature to me. I just had to remind myself I was doing essentially the same thing for a different reason. Now, I’m confident (no more embarrassed pink cheeks!), and I have a growing team of Lady Detectives working for me who know what images I want and are happy to help me capture them “in the field.”

My latest assignment is from the CEO and founder of Trunk Club; Joanna Van Vleck. She asked me to share all of my blog posts from Wasabi Nights with the Trunk Club Blog. I am honored and inspired to take my blogging to the next level. Starting this week, I plan to find and interview successful business men to feature what they wear and why. I want to know what successful men in different business sectors are wearing right now, down to the minor details; like what brand of undershirt they prefer. Where do they buy their clothing? How do they feel about their clothing style? What influence or impact do they feel their appearance and clothing choices have had on their current success. Hopefully these men will be gracious and share a few minutes with me. Ideally they will allow me to take a photo or two to include with the article. I will let you know how it goes.

If you know a successful man you’d like me to interview (perhaps its you), I welcome your suggestions and contacts. As for you successful men out there, if I contact you for an interview, please recognize it for what it is; a compliment.

-Lisa

Lisa Bruckner is a consultant for Trunk Club – a first class service which revolutionizes the way men buy clothing. She writes for two men’s blogs: Wasabi Nights and The Trunk Club Blog and spent twelve years in the research sector before switching gears to follow her passion for fashion.
Trunk Club
Wasabi Nights
Twitter

Tags: Lisa Bruckner, The Trunk Club
Posted on April 29th, 2009 | 1 Comment »

We’re very excited to welcome Lisa Bruckner as a guest author on the Business in General Blog.  As you’ll read below, Lisa is starting a new business as a consultant for the fast growing business The Trunk Club, based in Bend Oregon.  We’re looking forward to hearing about Lisa’s journey as she starts and grows her business!  ~’Chelle Parmele

After a parenting-induced sabbatical, I rejoined the business world as a Certified Trunk Club Consultant.  It’s an exciting prospect since I love the work I do.  Working from home and the flexibility to make my own hours is downright ideal.  It’s a right turn from my previous work-a-holism in the research sector for twelve years, but it’s a perfect match for my love of fashion and my people skills.

Starting a new home business was unexpectedly overwhelming for me.  This may sound naïve, but I thought it would be simple in comparison to starting up a new research grant.  However, I found myself spinning after I purchased a Blackberry, iMac (I’ve been a PC gal for over two decades) and a printer-fax-copier monstrosity, all within a four day period. Don’t laugh yet.  With the help of my loving husband, I also joined and created profiles in Twitter, TweetDeck, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TypePad (and realized my husband’s help came at the cost that most were created with passwords only he remembered).  On day five, I launched my new men’s blog: Wasabi Nights and simultaneously began my rigorous training to become a Certified Trunk Club Consultant.

It was like learning how to speak seven new languages all at once in addition to retaining a massive amount of information I was learning from Trunk Club corporate through webinars, reading material and online research.  Our home life was reduced to DIY meals and laundry basket diving.

I am learning first hand the simple things; like how helpful Twitter can be, and its limitations.  I am surprised to discover how effective Facebook is for direct communication, far beyond the power of email.  I love the simplicity and ease free webcam based services like Skype and Tokbox allow me to communicate with people who would otherwise skim, skip or forget my emails and calls.  Blogging is an exhausting and time consuming experience but by far the most fun method of communication.  I learn daily from my blogging experience and can’t wait to perfect it (if that is truly possible in such a dynamic, virtual world).

I have learned so much in the past five weeks and I am excited to share my hard earned pearls of wisdom, struggles and discoveries.  I look forward to sharing more in-depth details about specific topics soon.

Lisa Bruckner is a consultant for Trunk Club – a first class service which revolutionizes the way men buy clothing.  She writes for two men’s blogs: Wasabi Nights and The Trunk Club Blog and spent twelve years in the research sector before switching gears to follow her passion for fashion.
Trunk Club Consultant
Wasabi Nights
Twitter

Tags: Lisa Bruckner, The Trunk Club
Posted on April 27th, 2009 | 3 Comments »

The Business Library of the Brooklyn Public Library just announced the winners of their fifth annual PowerUP! Business Plan Competition. Top prizes went to a Brooklyn fudge maker, a local evening-wear creator, and a neighborhood retail shop selling earth-friendly products. Other prizes were also awarded amongst the 75 plans submitted.

Now this is the kind of Planning Startups Stories blog mentions some of the more prestigious business plan competitions: Notre Dame University, Rice Alliance, Moot Corp, New Venture Competition. They offer big prizes, have teams of five MBA students, pitch plans for companies with global reach who are seeking a half-million dollars or more in investment financing.

In contrast, I look out the office window, and view three blocks of our street. I see an auto repair shop, a dentist, a mini-mart, a doctor, an aquarium store, two small restaurants, a credit union, a coffee kiosk, a lawyer, a women’s clothing resale shop, a specialty beer emporium, and of course, us, a software developer.

This is small business in America. This is the business that keeps our lives organized every day and our economy moving. So where are the business plan competitions for the local teams of one and two entrepreneurs, who sell us our shoes, fix our cars, and feed us our rushed business day lunches?

I say three cheers for the Brooklyn Library and their PowerUP! Business Plan Competition for showing us how it can be done.

PowerUP! celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit of Brooklyn, enhances the vitality of the local business community and rewards the ingenuity and determination of ALL participants!

If you are 18 years of age or older, live in Brooklyn, are a legal resident or US citizen, and wish to start a business in Brooklyn, you are eligible. “PowerUP!” is a competition to help applicants start a business.

Three winners will receive cash awards for entering the best business plan to start a business in Brooklyn. Cash prizes of $15,000 for first place and $5,000 for two runners-up will be awarded.

Hopefully more communities and public agencies will follow their lead, and support the local entrepreneurs we depend on.

Steve Lange
Senior Editor
Palo Alto Software

Posted on April 6th, 2009 | 4 Comments »

About a month ago I reserved a condo in New York for a business trip I have coming up at the end of May.  I run the Princeton Entrepreneurs’ Network and we run an annual conference every year in late May, and this year I am the one in charge, so I have to be there for 3 days.  I have taken to renting short-term vacation rentals when I travel, rather than hotels, as usually they are nicer and cheaper.  Often I travel with my kids (yes, even on business trips) and renting an apartment or condo gives us more room and more flexibility with the kids.  So I did my research (I like using VRBO) and found a great place in Battery Park City in Manhattan, which for three nights all totaled was $640. Now some of you may gasp, but those of you who have been to New York know that’s a GREAT deal. Especially if you look at the pictures of this really cute place.

So here is where it gets interesting. Last week I got an email from John, apologizing, but letting me know he made a mistake and double booked the place. My heart sank. He then, though offered, to do 1 of 2 things:

1. Return all my money immediately
2. Book me in the Embassy Suites in Battery Park city, in a King Suite,  for almost $900.00 for the three nights. He would pay the difference so that I would not have to pay one more penny.

I took him up on his offer to book me in Embassy Suites.  Within 15 minutes I had my confirmation from Embassy Suites, which I double checked just in case, and verified that John had indeed booked me, and fully paid the reservation. WOW. I will stay in his place next time I go, and for anyone traveling to New York City, check it out and think about booking his place.  This is what customer service is all about! Take responsibility, fix the problem and leave the customer better off.

-Sabrina Parsons, aka MommyCEO

Posted on March 26th, 2009 | No Comments »

The New York Times had an article last week about how laid-off workers are taking matters into their own hands. The article talks about when, in a recession, do people start thinking about starting a company vs. just sending out resumes and trying to get a job:

Economists say that when the economy takes a dive, it is common for people to turn to their inner entrepreneur to try to make their own work. But they say that it takes months for that mentality to sink in, and that this is about the time in the economic cycle when it really starts to happen — when the formerly employed realize that traditional job searches are not working, and that they are running out of time and money.

I know there are a lot of people in this boat right now – laid off for a few months, no prospects in sight, and money is starting to run out. If you find yourself in this situation, why not think about starting a new company? What do you have to lose? Think about what skills you bring to the table, what you are REALLY good at, and figure out what services or potential products you can offer to people. It’s better than sitting around waiting for something to happen to you. Funny how people say that the harder they work, the luckier they get!

Food for thought!

Sabrina Parsons aka Mommy CEO

Tags: business planning, start up, starting your business, Success, unemployment
Posted on March 17th, 2009 | No Comments »

Here is the link to an interesting BusinessWeek Online opinion piece by Steve McKee, Why Social Media is Worth Small Business Owner’s Time.

Why? The subheading points it out “All Those Users Spell Opportunity”. McKee also makes a nice comparison of today’s growth in Social Media to the growth to near-omnipresence of the Internet in business during the last one and one-half decades.

Give this a read, and then “Jump Right In”, making Social Media participation a strategy for your business.

Steve Lange
Senior Editor
Palo Alto Software

Posted on January 20th, 2009 | No Comments »