A Smart Bear: Startups and Marketing for Geeks

DECEMBER 21, 2009

In the last post I beat you to death about ditching your business plan but failed to provide an alternative. If you had zero revenue from now on, on what date would you run out of money? Finally, knowing "The day my business could die" helps focus your attention on activities that bring in revenue.

Startup 315

Startup Revenue Cofounder Sales 315

Steve Blank

FEBRUARY 23, 2013

First, he says, the focus of an established firm is to execute an existing business model — to make sure it operates efficiently and satisfies customers. In contrast, the main job of a start-up is to search for a workable business model, to find the right match between customer needs and what the company can profitably offer.

Business Model 334

Business Model Technical Review Business Plan Search 334

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 5, 2021

Every time I challenge a business plan with little or no budget for marketing, I get the answer that they will be using “viral” marketing, which costs nothing. In a business plan these are only one of the many marketing campaigns which continue to rise in cost. That’s a double death wish.

Viral 348

Viral Marketing SEM Campaign 348

Up and Running

JULY 22, 2014

Financial experts will have different opinions about what should be included in a financial plan, depending on the type of business you have and what you’re trying to accomplish with your business plan. A typical profit and loss statement should include: your revenue (also called sales), followed by.

Balance Sheet 148

Balance Sheet Forecast Equity .Net 148

Up and Running

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

When starting an online fitness business, one of the first key elements you must prepare is a business plan. For starters, it can set your business up for success from the start rather than down the line. How to write an online fitness business plan.

Business Plan 81

Business Plan Software Review Demand Hiring 81

Steve Blank

OCTOBER 24, 2017

— Unremarked and unheralded, the balance of power between startup CEOs and their investors has radically changed: IPOs/M&A without a profit (or at times revenue) have become the norm. Typically, this caliber of bankers wouldn’t talk to you unless your company had five profitable quarters of increasing revenue.

Founder 281

Founder Technical Review CTO Hire IPO 281

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 19, 2009

He refined his business plan and he got commitments for $150-200k but needed some lead angels to commit first. When he re-approached me he had a much better plan and he had a prototype! The CEO had 60-page Powerpoint presentations analyzing every micro detail of the business. But then something awesome happened.

Entrepreneur 414

Entrepreneur Fractional CTO Technical Review CTO Hire 414

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 7, 2013

Your friends and family are really the only answer until you have a significant revenue stream. Here are some key action items that may give your business some visibility: Start with an investment-grade business plan. They want founders who have been there and done that before, in the same business domain.

Venture Capital 252

Venture Capital IPO Elevator Pitch Initial Public Offering 252

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Write your business plan and develop your business model with this in mind so you can avoid these issues. . You can choose from a few different types of business plans depending on your needs. If you’re seeking investment, you need a traditional business plan. Executive summary. Be specific.

Business Plan 154

Business Plan Technical Review Forecast Software Review 154

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 17, 2013

For starters, here is my selection of some key metrics that every six-sigma joint like GE tracks without thinking, but that too many small businesses haven’t yet formalized: Sales revenue. Again, be sure to check industry norms for your type of business to see if you are competitive. Operating productivity.

Metrics 252

Metrics Technical Review Retention Acquisition 252

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 24, 2019

Every time I challenge a business plan with little or no budget for marketing, I get the answer that they will be using “viral” marketing, which costs nothing. In a business plan these are only one of the many marketing campaigns which continue to rise in cost. That’s a double death wish.

Viral 268

Viral Marketing SEM Campaign 268

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 9, 2012

In reality, you need to set these projections as goals for your own use, to convince employees as well as investors that you have a business which is challenging, but achievable. Otherwise, sales, marketing, and operational costs will kill you. The holy grail is break-even, when revenues first catch up with the outflow.

Forecast 238

Forecast Burn Rate .Net Business Model 238

Up and Running

AUGUST 30, 2017

Working out a business plan for your daycare center can be a challenge. As someone who owns eight successful daycares in the Chicago area, I know the strategies and approaches that work when it comes to developing a sound business plan for a daycare center. What is your business model?

Business Plan 93

Business Plan SBA Software Review Advisory Board 93

Up and Running

OCTOBER 16, 2019

Do you really need a business plan? Can’t you just wing it and skip the whole planning process? If you’re asking a bank, angel investor, or venture capitalist for funding, they’re going to want to know that you have a good handle on your small business’s trajectory. . The process of writing your plan is what’s important.

Business Plan 108

Business Plan Small Business Forecast Balance Sheet 108

Up and Running

OCTOBER 16, 2019

Do you really need a business plan? Can’t you just wing it and skip the whole planning process? If you’re asking a bank, angel investor, or venture capitalist for funding, they’re going to want to know that you have a good handle on your small business’s trajectory. . The process of writing your plan is what’s important.

Business Plan 108

Business Plan Small Business Forecast Balance Sheet 108

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 22, 2011

In reality, you need to set these projections as goals for your own use, to convince employees as well as investors that you have a business which is challenging, but achievable. Otherwise, sales, marketing, and operational costs will kill you. The holy grail is break-even, when revenues first catch up with the outflow.

Forecast 230

Forecast Burn Rate Startup .Net 230

Steve Blank

FEBRUARY 23, 2013

First, he says, the focus of an established firm is to execute an existing business model — to make sure it operates efficiently and satisfies customers. In contrast, the main job of a start-up is to search for a workable business model, to find the right match between customer needs and what the company can profitably offer.

Business Model 226

Business Model Business Plan Technical Review Search 226

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 11, 2013

Every time I challenge a business plan with little or no budget for marketing, I get the answer that they will be using “viral” marketing, which costs nothing. In a business plan these are called marketing campaigns, which continue to rise in cost. That’s a double death wish.

Viral 249

Viral Marketing Entrepreneur SEM 249

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

Tech IPO prices exploded and subsequent trading prices rose to dizzying heights as the stock prices became disconnected from the traditional metrics of revenue and profits. Startups wrote business plans, generated expansive 5-year forecasts and executed (hired, spent and built) to the plan. The result?

Lean 335

Lean Burn Rate Startup IPO 335

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2012

Every time I challenge a business plan with little or no budget for marketing, I get the answer that they will be using “viral” marketing, which costs nothing. In a business plan these are called marketing campaigns, which continue to rise in cost. That’s a double death wish.

Viral 238

Viral Cost Marketing SEM 238

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 16, 2020

Business valuation is defined as a way to determine the overall economic value of a company , and is a necessary component of a sound business plan and strategy. An Earnings Based approach to valuation is predicated on the concept that a business is only as valuable as its potential to produce value in the future.

Valuation 162

Valuation CPA Software Review .Net 162

ReadWriteStart

AUGUST 20, 2020

You will realize that everyone gives a different yet unique point of views if you allow your employees to be part of your business plan. What field does my company operate in? Define the design, features, functionality, and support that your web application needs to achieve your business goals and drive success.

Web 194

Web Technical Review Startup Audience 194

The Startup Magazine

JULY 6, 2024

Developing Your Business Plan Creating a solid business plan for your property management business is crucial. It requires thorough market research, understanding your target market, defining your services, and planning your daily operations. Define your revenue streams.

Management 141

Management Software Review Technical Review Social Media 141

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 24, 2017

As a starting entrepreneur, you might wonder: why on earth would I want to start a subscription (box) business? Subscription business brings recurring revenue. There are not many business models that provide such freedom and steady growth as a sub-segment of eCommerce – subscription business.

Churn Rate 149

Churn Rate eCommerce Business Model Bootstrapping 149

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 21, 2011

Every time I challenge a business plan with little or no budget for marketing, I get the answer that they will be using “viral” marketing, which costs nothing. In a business plan these are called marketing campaigns, which continue to rise in cost. That’s a double death wish.

Viral 225

Viral Marketing SEM Startup 225

Up and Running

APRIL 22, 2020

For the COVID-19 Disaster Loans specifically, your business had to be up and running long enough to display financials that could prove that you were negatively affected by the coronavirus. Many startups are small, local businesses with hopes of eventually rapidly scaling—but they’re still establishing a track record.

SBA 139

SBA Forecast Software Review Business Plan 139

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 8, 2022

Plan in great detail and avoid things not in the budget. Business plans should be loose frameworks to be used as guidelines rather than detailed route maps. Typical incentives give percentages of quarterly revenues and contribution as rewards for success. Make sure people take time to look for new opportunities.

Stock Options 277

Stock Options Incubator Framework Stock 277

Up and Running

MAY 16, 2014

When problems requiring strong leadership occur, you may be reluctant to take charge and resolve the issues while your business continues to slip toward failure. The business idea may be good but failure may come in the implementation of the idea if there are no strategic guidelines in place. How to Avoid Growth and Expansion Problems.

Small Business 157

Small Business Leadership Demand Small Business Administration 157

The Startup Magazine

OCTOBER 4, 2023

Not just any carpet cleaning business, but specifically an endeavor in dry carpet cleaning services. This blog aims to guide you through the process, from the initial steps of conducting market research to operational management, hiring staff, and more.

Balance Sheet 140

Balance Sheet Technical Review Business Model Business Plan 140

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

The primary source of your funds should be your paying customers, i.e., your business should generate enough revenues and profits to fund the growth and expansion. Reasons for funding. ? Scale up your operations. Now you may want to scale up your operations or expand your presence. Incubators and Accelerators.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 17, 2020

When the business is up and running, they should tightly manage its financial performance by creating a budgeting process and reviewing the business plan regularly for performance. Precise planning makes a difference in that it allows the entrepreneur to improve profits, reduce costs and increase ROIs.

Finance 217

Finance Forecast Balance Sheet Angel Investor 217

The Startup Magazine

MARCH 7, 2024

Companies are turning to AI to streamline their operations, notably in areas like customer service, cybersecurity, and fraud prevention. However, the utility of AI goes beyond that; it proves beneficial even in the pre-launch phase of a business. Nowadays, they can leverage AI solutions to create a business plan.

Artificial Inteligence 152

Artificial Inteligence Entrepreneur Algorithm Cofounder 152

The Startup Magazine

OCTOBER 19, 2020

Operating a business in the twenty-first century is quite difficult. In addition to the complexities of business operations, companies face extreme competition in the market. Today, there are many internal and external challenges that typical business faces.

Technical Review 158

Technical Review Forecast Analytics Social Media 158

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 25, 2018

These days you can create a C-corp or LLC online quickly at a low cost, to serve you well in signing partners, intellectual property, investors, and revenue. Prepare a pitch deck to document and share your plan. A full business plan and financial modelling can come later to add details.

Technical Cofounder 184

Technical Cofounder Intellectual Property Silicon Valley LLC 184

Up and Running

NOVEMBER 15, 2017

All of our SWOT analysis examples are based on real businesses that we’ve featured in our gallery of free example business plans. See Also: The Complete Sedibeng Breweries Business Plan. Operating without a website is increasingly rare, and ignoring this weakness for too long could have disastrous consequences.

Botswana 148

Botswana Business Plan Oregon Distribution 148

Up and Running

JULY 28, 2022

Starting a business involves brainstorming, planning, and ensuring that you comply with all necessary legal obligations. Not only do these requirements ensure that businesses operate within the law but it also protects small business owners and their consumers. . What legally defines a small business?

Small Business 167

Small Business Intellectual Property Cofounder Software Review 167

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 6, 2019

Plan in great detail and avoid things not in the budget. Business plans should be loose frameworks to be used as guidelines rather than detailed route maps. Typical incentives give percentages of quarterly revenues and contribution as rewards for success. Make sure people take time to look for new opportunities.

Stock Options 236

Stock Options Incubator Framework Stock 236