Business
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Passing the Wand
When I was a kid, there was this man who gave the world magic. He amazed us with his innovative products and ideas. He engaged us with his stories. He made us rethink how we did business and play. He made us re-imagine how one person could impact and change the world for the better. ...
Nashville Startup Weekend Returns!
The second Nashville Startup Weekend (NSW) will take place from October 9-11. I was fortunate to have taken part in the first NSW. Our team developed an iPhone game named Assassins. It was the only startup that actually ended up launching. However, the experience was fantastic for nearly everyone who participated in the event.
One Is The Loneliest Number
There's this image out in the world of the lone entrepreneur anonymously toiling by himself, carving the next great company out of the wilderness with his bare hands. I admit I've held that image myself. I think it comes from the stories we hear as kids of Americans being rugged individualists.
Local Startup Moontoast Moving Forward
In local startup news, knowledge sharing network Moontoast has secured a $780,000 round of financing, accoring to Milt Capps of Venture Nashville Connections. Moontoast launched at the South by Southwest Interactive event in March. They are currently undergoing a private beta, according to their website, which is allowing them to gauge user feedback and tweak their system, which allows users to find and consult experts on any kind of problems or challenges they may be facing. According to their site, they expect to relaunch publicly in August 2009.
The Ideas That Count
I've been thinking a lot lately about business and product ideas. Probably because I've spent a ton of time working on new ones for myself. I wrote a post recently about how ideas are a dime a dozen. Then a few days ago I heard an episode of a podcast named Entrepreneur Myths in which the podcaster took exception to the concept that ideas aren't worth anything. He made a valid point that a good idea is definitely worth something. I agree, but try and sell one and you're probably going to be disappointed. As I said before, it's the execution of a good idea that pays off.
You Need A Business Model
One of the best pieces of advice I ever got before launching a business was, “Be sure you have something to sell.” Makes sense. And yet so many Internet entrepreneurs ignore this simple advice. I think part of the problem is that our point-of-view has been distorted. We often see things through the lens of ...
About That Million Dollar Idea
Recently, I’ve had several people pitch me what they term their “million dollar idea.” Of course, what they mean is their idea is so good that implementing it will make a million bucks. And, of course, being a startup guy, they’re hoping I’ll take the ball and run, make a million, and cut them in ...
When Failure Happens
A project I’ve been working on for the last two years came to an ubrupt halt this week. Major fail on my part. I’ve written in the past that failure happens and is even encouraged. Failure teaches us what not to do next time, what doesn’t work, how to succeed the next time around. That ...
Treat Customers Well When They’re Down
Have you ever heard the term “Fair Weather Fan”? Those are the sports fans who love a team when they’re up and turn on them when they’re down. Funny thing! You often see the same thing in business. My grandmother was a loyal JC Penney customer for decades. Once she was on an extended trip ...
Pricing Challenges
Setting a price for your products or services can be a real challenge for entrepreneurs. What’s a good price that will attract customers, but still deliver an attractive profit for the business? In past decades it wasn’t quite as much of a struggle. Businesses would frequently just use simple formulas. Cost plus x% for profit ...