Abstracting Businesses Using the 7P’s (People, Process, Product, Platform, Phase, Profit & Plan)
I am frequently asked how I’m able to traverse different industries and markets, while providing as much strategic value as possible for each enterprise, whether it’s a startup or a firmly established company. Although I sometimes share this framework with those who I work directly with, I am now publicly sharing how I view, analyze and act, based on years ...
Continue ReadingCredible Branding Starts from Within
For the better part of seven years, I’ve been advising business owners and startup founders to state, believe in and support their companies’ vision, mission and guiding principles, which can, in turn, impact the culture and brand – what I call their “business platform” (not to be confused with technology platform), a declaration of what the company believes. Just like ...
Continue ReadingChoosing a Crowdfunding Service
Since the time I started my role as a Co-Chair for the Wharton Angel Network in 2011, I’ve been observing the rise of many crowdfunding, angel network, microfinancing, and donation sites – as well as the fall of some others. As the space of “crowdfunding” gets more “crowded,” it can be easy to get lost in the variety of ways to finance ventures, projects, or people. Not all crowdfunding sites are created equal, so whether you’re looking to launch a campaign to raise money or whether cash is burning in your pocket to do the world some good, doing a little homework before starting down a certain path is always a good idea.
Continue ReadingGiving a Voice for the Arts
Although I’m largely regarded as someone embroiled in business and technology, I also have a mean artistic and creative streak in me that I rarely talk about (probably because I’m partially embarrassed of how mediocre I was as a violinist during my elementary school years), but I still have a love for the process, discipline, and overall results of what ...
Continue ReadingLooking Beyond the Hockey Stick for Emerging Companies
I don’t use the phrase “hockey stick,” in reference to a startup company’s ability to turn a corner and start performing well, simply because I know there’s more at-play than numbers jumping out at me on a financial forecast. Although I appreciate the shorthand for discussion purposes, I like to pay attention to an indicator that could potentially lead to ...
Continue ReadingCreating Value From Universal Currencies (Money, Time, Knowledge, Social) Through the Art of Action
Action is by far the most important translator of turning time into money. If you agree with that, then you should also believe that knowledge (information) and social capital are also resources that can be introduced into the translation process through the “art of action.” Although most people don’t regard time, information, or memes (social behaviors) as currencies, I see ...
Continue Reading