2019 Customer Mentor 
Both Sides of the Table
DECEMBER 11, 2022
In those years I learned to properly build product, price products, sell products and serve customers. I had realized that I didn’t have it within me to be as good of a player as many of them did but I had the skills to help as mentor, coach, friend, sparing partner and patient capital provider. Up and to the right or perish.
Startup Professionals Musings
SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
A few are still trying to make a profitable business out of nurturing startups, but it’s a challenge to make money when your customer startups don’t have many resources to give. Mentoring and technical assistance from volunteer or paid experts. Direct seed funding, for a share of the equity, and introductions to investors.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Startup Professionals Musings
JANUARY 25, 2019
As an advisor to technical entrepreneurs, the most common mistake I see is the “If we build it, they will come” approach with no sales plan, under the assumption that the technology is so spectacular that customers will buy the product. Effective value propositions are quantified and personalized for each customer or target segment.
Startup Professionals Musings
DECEMBER 27, 2019
As a mentor to entrepreneurs, I often get asked for the magic that has made Amazon the world's most valuable brand , from a total unknown only twenty years ago. My simple answer is that they keep their focus on customers, rather than technology. Jeff Bezos has kept his focus on customers.
Startup Professionals Musings
NOVEMBER 29, 2019
As a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs, I challenge them to think beyond what I call linear extensions to a current trend, such as another “easier-to-use” app for smartphones, a new dating site for pets, or another niche social network. Also evaluate the values of desired customers. Non-profits rely on philanthropists and donors.
Startup Professionals Musings
JUNE 22, 2020
Time and experience in business teaches you to listen for potential customers, and carefully evaluate the real business potential. You don’t need permission from anyone, and you are less dependent on coaching and mentoring from the rare skilled and available people that most smart young founders depend upon.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 11, 2019
Every entrepreneur and business leader believes that he or she has the full trust of their team and their customers, and in fact most do in the beginning. Unfortunately, many aspiring leaders I mentor are not aware of the signals people are looking for, or are not attuned to the subtleties of their own actions.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
466 
Let's personalize your content