Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 28, 2016

Lead — It’s hard to be a real leader. Decisions are never black or white, so most people fudge. The straddle middle grounds to keep everybody happy. They make compromises to try and hold together constituencies. On business decisions they want to hedge their bets so they do a little bit of everything but nothing extremely well. As highlighted by Brad Garlinghouse years ago in the famous “ peanut butter manifesto ”— it’s like spreading peanut butter evenly over a piece of bread.

Organization 252

Organization Course Ideas Class 252

socalTECH

APRIL 15, 2016

How do you help online brand owners both reduce the abandonment of a shopping cart by online shoppers�and also get the word out about their brands? Los Angeles-based Gatsby (www.thinkgatsby.com) has come up with a way to combine both ways to promote social sharing, as well as reduce shopping cart abandonment, via discounts which change depending on your social influence and sharing activity.

Social Media 155

Social Media Social Network Examples Startup 155

InfoChachkie

APRIL 14, 2016

A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. We’ve all met them. The world’s out to get them. Every boss, coworker and subordinate is scheming to assure their demise. Setbacks are never their fault. They are a victim. Victims are bad enough in our personal lives, but they can be especially disastrous at a startup because a small company’s culture can be disproportionately poisoned by a single bad hire.

Sales 148

Sales Marketing Startup Resource 148

Berkonomics

APRIL 28, 2016

Several years ago, I wrote an extensive article on the ten most important tests of a company in classifying a person as an independent contractor. See [link] for that important insight. But things have gotten much more complicated lately, partly because of the Uber, Lyft and other new generation of workers and the best description of their class as “semi–independent.”.

Class 139

Class Training Email Tool 139

Advertiser: Aggregage

Office leases are one of companies’ largest expenses, and if your whole team is working from home with no clear end in sight, you may be wondering what to do about your lease.

Company

Eric Greenspan

APRIL 3, 2016

When I started coaching AYSO I was confused, often bewildered. The process is a ton of work and communication is precarious. I usually got my hand slapped by my division administrator for asking a question. To be honest, the guy was a putz. Maybe too much on his plate. The rest of the administration is awesome and in particular, the head of the league.

Coach 107

Coach Education Satisfaction Training 107

Tech.Co

APRIL 4, 2016

It has happened to everybody: going through a place that has some nice furniture or seeing an advert where the model is wearing some nice clothes, and wishing you can know how much those items cost and where to buy them. Sure, it’s possible to dive into Google and search for endless hours, but what if there was a better an easier way to do this?

Los Angeles 92

Los Angeles Google Pricing Product 92

socalTECH

APRIL 6, 2016

Los Angeles- and Sydney, Australia-based Clapit , a startup developing a social media crowdsourcing app, said it has raised AU$2.57M ($1.94M US), to bring its mobile app to market. The seed funding came from Australia angels Mark Moran and Paul Siderovski. Clapit, which says it is based in Sydney and has its U.S. operations in Los Angeles, says it has created a social media app which crowdsources video, music, images, and rich media.

Social Media 147

Social Media Seed Funding Venice Social Network 147

InfoChachkie

APRIL 4, 2016

A version of this article previously appeared Forbes. When entrepreneurs describe their venture, they are often met with encouraging words, such as: “Great idea. I wish I had thought of that.”. This propensity for people to be polite when you discuss your startup can make it difficult to determine who really believes in your opportunity and who is just being nice.

Startup 138

Startup Equity Ideas Entrepreneur 138

Berkonomics

APRIL 14, 2016

As a leader, you set the goals, establish the strategies and tactics to get there (with help from others of course) and sell the dream to all of your stakeholders. And that includes potential customers as well as executives and employees. Sometimes growth happens without a leader envisioning it, living it daily, evangelizing it to anyone who will listen.

Education 139

Education Metrics Course Resource 139

Eric Greenspan

APRIL 6, 2016

Today, I was asked to join the insightly Hero™ program. I was proud to be asked, but I’m really more focused on how this can help my business and more importantly, how it can help our customers. As an insightly Hero™, I now have access to more information and resources to help our clients get more from their insightly deployments. I also get to be a source of answers for the rest of the world, as I will now be one of the distinguished Heroes helping insightly moderate and answer questions

Resource 100

Resource Pricing Organization Help 100

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 30, 2016

Being an entrepreneur is a lifestyle that requires staying power, because starting a new business is a long-term process with many tough challenges. As an angel investor, I look diligently for signs that an aspiring startup founder has what it takes to thrive and prosper for the long haul ahead. Passion and vision are necessary, but not sufficient, to really change the world.

Entrepreneur 76

Entrepreneur Startup Social Media Platform 76

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 17, 2016

I was watching my favorite show on TV this morning – GPS (Global Public Square) with Fareed Zakaria. It is a hugely compelling show because Zakaria covers world issues that will affect all of us in ways that are accessible and with frameworks for processing disparate information. He brings knowledgable experts from varying points of view but never books anybody that engages in yelling matches.

Coach 205

Coach Technical Review Framework Google 205

socalTECH

APRIL 21, 2016

Newport Beach-based Acorns , the developer of a mobile app which turns your spare change into investments in an exchange traded fund (ETF), has raised $30M in a new funding round from PayPal and Rakuten, the company disclosed today. The startup, led by Walter and Jeff Cruttenden, takes spare change from a user's debit and credit card purchases--rounding up those purchases to a whole dollar amount--and invests those into an ETF for the user.

Invest 138

Invest Mobile Funding Capital 138

InfoChachkie

APRIL 28, 2016

A version of this article previously appeared on Forbes. After 28 years as a public-school teacher, Bob Wood reluctantly left the classroom and took the helm of his elementary school. During his 10-year tenure as Principal, his team was awarded the White House’s National Blue Ribbon, a distinction granted to the top 0.3% of all elementary schools nationwide.

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Santa Barbara Mentor Education Demand 109

Berkonomics

APRIL 21, 2016

Dave’s note: This week we again welcome my co-author of “Get Scrappy” to give us some of her sage advice in only a way she could express it. You’ll enjoy her style and message… By Kim Shepherd. It’s great to get good reviews and hear positive feedback. positive is good. But negative is powerful. Don’t get me wrong: the glass is half full.

Satisfaction 131

Satisfaction Guide Blogging Email 131

Tech.Co

APRIL 26, 2016

AECX will be a first of its kind event in the Los Angeles area, highlighting and starting discussions related to emerging technologies within the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) realm. The event will consist of numerous exhibitor booths and a panelist round to showcase the technology and facilitate the conversation of how these companies are helping shape the future of the building industry.

Los Angeles 70

Los Angeles Angel Technology Help 70

Jason Nazar

APRIL 6, 2016

Most people want to know if they’re being paid fairly or if they should be commanding higher pay, but don’t know how to find out. Nazar’s new company, Comparably, is launching Thursday to bring transparency to not only pay, but also culture in the workplace. Read at Business Insider.

Startup 64

Startup Press Companies Company 64

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 10, 2016

My partner Greg Bettinelli (worth following on Twitter) was recently named by The LA Business Journal as the “ Top deal maker in Los Angeles in Venture Capital.” Numero uno. I was nowhere to be found. And that’s a true reflection of just how successful and prolific Greg has been in LA. In a world that is hyper competitive – even amongst VCs – I can honestly say that not only is the media recognition accurate but it is amongst the proudest days I’ve had in dev

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Venture Capital Journal Invest Santa Monica 200

socalTECH

APRIL 5, 2016

The Techstars Healthcare Accelerator at Cedars-Sinai announced its first class on Monday, saying that it has selected 11 companies to participate in the first accelerator to be held at the Cedars-Sinai campus for the next three months. Demo Day for the accelerator class is June 23rd. According to the accelerator, the companies in the program include: AppliedVR (mobile VR for healthcare); Deep6 (AI applications for healthcare); Ella (chronic pain treatment using mobile apps); Grace (end of life m

Class 138

Class Mobile Software Companies 138

InfoChachkie

APRIL 4, 2016

A version of this article previously appeared Forbes. When entrepreneurs describe their venture, they are often met with encouraging words, such as: “Great idea. I wish I had thought of that.”. This propensity for people to be polite when you discuss your startup can make it difficult to determine who really believes in your opportunity and who is just being nice.

Startup 100

Startup Equity Ideas Entrepreneur 100

Berkonomics

APRIL 7, 2016

Here’s a formula for success… Let’s say you have been told by your board, by your chairman, CEO, or direct leader to solve three problems you identify and report back within a month showing progress – or that you have solved these three. First, you’d worry that this is an artificial way to focus management. Why three? Why now? After a short moment, you’d turn into action mode, perhaps calling in senior staff for a brainstorming session.

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Metrics Report Email Sales 131

Tech.Co

APRIL 26, 2016

Welcome to the first tech & creative job fair from Startup DTLA. A new quarterly series, looking to help local Angeleno’s (particularly Downtown’ers) to find local positions. One of the biggest myths about Downtown LA is that: 1) there aren’t many tech companies and. 2) there isn’t enough local talent. That couldn’t be further from the truth with names like: Hyperloop, Nasty Gal, Nation Builder, General Assembly, and more… Join for an evening of networking

Los Angeles 70

Los Angeles Angel Networking Help 70

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 15, 2016

There seems to be a big debate these days about the best approach to starting a new business. Some argue the only way to start is to drop everything and jump in with both feet, while others recommend an overlapped approach to the lifestyle, including not quitting your day job until you have revenue and a proven business model. I’m definitely a proponent of this latter approach.

Entrepreneur 63

Entrepreneur Startup Satisfaction News 63

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 25, 2016

You may have noticed a new look at Both Sides of the Table today and that’s because I’ve migrated my blog to Medium.

Blogging 198

Blogging 198

socalTECH

APRIL 22, 2016

Santa Monica-based Champion Technology Company , a developer of cybersecurity software, has named Jess Richter as Chief Revenue Officer, and David Aucsmith and Michael Kluse both as as Senior Advisors. Richter was most recently VP Strategic Alliances at Lieberman Software; Aucsmith is co-chairman of the FBI's Information Technology Study Group, a member of the Secret Service Task Force on Computer Aided Counterfeiting, a member of the President's Task Force on National Defense and Computer Techn

Technical Review 136

Technical Review Technology Software Review Santa Monica 136

Tech Zulu Event

APRIL 22, 2016

Sometimes, revolutions in technology are easy to understand, even the first time you hear about them. The smartphone — it’s a phone as powerful as a computer. Bluetooth — it’s a way to wirelessly connect your devices. The search engine — allows you to type a search query instead of digging through directories. Blockchains and Bitcoins?

Startup 63

Startup Demand Networking Technology 63

Jason Nazar

APRIL 2, 2016

The following checklist is my comprehensive criteria for how to grade entrepreneurs. I’ve developed it over the years by running Docstoc and helping thousands of folks start and grow their businesses. As I was once told in grammar school, the following exercise will test “your ability to follow directions.” I, like many entrepreneurs, never followed directions that well.

Entrepreneur 46

Entrepreneur Tips Organization Sales 46

Tech.Co

APRIL 26, 2016

The biggest free big data conference in Southern California organized by several volunteers spearheaded by Subash D’Souza working to make this conference free and useful as in past years. Come witness the fourth year of this conference. It has grown from 250+ in 2013 to 550+ in 2014 and 950+ last year. Organizers expect over 1200 this year. This event will sell out so make sure to get your passes ASAP.

Los Angeles 70

Los Angeles Southern California Conference Angel 70

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 9, 2016

Technical entrepreneurs love to compare the number of features in their product to competitors, and they love to keep adding features -- just because they can. Unfortunately, this approach often turns off mainstream customers, who find the result hard to use. Even worse, this “feature creep” often makes the final product late to market, sluggish and more expensive than competition.

Product 61

Product Competition Custom Customer 61

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 30, 2016

By now if you follow me on Twitter you probably know that I do near daily “Snapstorms” or a collection of short videos (usually < 5 mins in total) with entrepreneur advice on Snapchat. Here’s a recent one I did on Fund Raising in tough markets. You can follow me on Snapchat at msuster. Suster Doing a Snapstorm Honestly, it kind of drives people nuts that I do these on Snapchat and it makes me laugh a bit simply because it drives people bonkers. https://medium.com/media/fcbf3382017c6dc3792ff6

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Snapchat Course Media Venture Capital 195

socalTECH

APRIL 27, 2016

A new, Los Angeles-based startup, Airmule , said Tuesday that it has launched a new, international courier service, whcih lets travelers transport items for others when they travel on international flights. The startup--which is accessible via mobile phone, on either iOS or Android smartphones--lets savvy travelers who are traveling internationally but who don't have much luggage, offer to carry items for other people in their spare luggage space.

Services 133

Services Los Angeles Mobile Startup 133

Tech Zulu Event

APRIL 1, 2016

140,000 new startup companies are reportedly launched every day. While the epicenter of tech innovation is undeniably Silicon Valley, a tide of new hubs emerging across the globe are gaining recognition. The “ real gold ” of Silicon Valley reportedly lies in its mentors. But new startup communities who benefit from governmental subsidies and an ecosystem that promotes growth and sharing, are now viable alternatives.

Technical Review 57

Technical Review Startup Incubator Media 57

Jason Nazar

APRIL 8, 2016

Jason Nazar has closed a $5.2 million seed round for a new startup named Crew32, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The news comes just one day after his first company, Docstoc, was shuttered by Intuit Inc., the company that bought it two years ago. Read at Los Angeles Business Journal.

Journal 44

Journal Startup News Los Angeles 44

Tech.Co

APRIL 26, 2016

VRLA is the world’s largest virtual and augmented reality expo, welcoming both consumers and industry professionals. The expo will feature cutting-edge demos of the most exciting projects in development for the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation VR, Google Cardboard, Samsung GearVR, and more! Each day will be stacked with a lineup of insightful presentations, panels, and announcements.

Los Angeles 70

Los Angeles Angel Google Develop 70

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 2, 2016

Many experts are certain that successful entrepreneurs are the ones with the most inspiration (passion and dream), while others will assert that it’s about more perspiration (working harder). In my experience, both are always required in heavy doses. There are no “can’t fail” shortcuts or “get rich quick” scenarios. That’s why all those so-called million dollar ideas I hear about as an investor don’t get me excited, and entrepreneurs find that working twenty hours a day often generates nothing m

Satisfaction 61

Satisfaction Startup Custom Customer 61

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 27, 2016

Why you do me like that? Over the year’s I’ve tried to offer some tangible, practical advice to help people communicate more effectively. I’ve weighed in on: Email 1 —  How to Get Busy People to Take Action Email 2 —  Etiquette to Email Introductions Email 3 —  Make it Easy for Me to Forward Your Email ! Phone Calls 1 —  Pick up the Damn Phone ! Phone Calls 2 —  How to Make Better Calls Presenting at Meetings —  Without Going Down a Rat Hole Presentations —  Where Should You Sit ??

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Email Course SaaS Tips 182