I always feel the next step once you have an idea is to validate it by creating something simple that you can put in front of someone, so they can review and give feedback. This can come in different forms 1) Verbally describing the solution and getting feedback from target customers 2) Design s...
In my experience, every step you take to complicate your company's structure and ownership rights reduces the likelihood of investors providing your venture with seed funding. To attract seed funding, investors expect a single-minded laser focus on the entrepreneurs' assessment of his or her bes...
If you want a system that doesn't require any hardware or infrastructure, then a virtual PBX is the best bet. These systems just use your existing phone numbers (cell phones or whatever) and routes the calls among them. The big player in this space is http://grasshopper.com/ They have been aro...
You may be surprised to find that Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens are fairly active in online communities and social media because this is how they stay connected to family and friends. I wouldn't ignore it entirely. Two things I would do: First, If your online business lends itself to creatin...
Something you need to take into consideration (and most people forget) is to understand if the CEO is looking into the right numbers. That's how investors also vet entrepreneurs. Are they looking to achieve the right goals? For example, a successful e-commerce site always look to get as close...
Well, if you're in a proven industry and have a track record of sales, it's quite simple... make the commission generous. I once worked as an advertising sales rep and while I wasn't 100% commission (my base salary was only $18,000, while I earned over $130,000/yr.) it was close enough that I th...
Hi there. I help people buy and sell businesses and also do a lot of consulting for people with partnership issues. Your question seems to ask what percentage of ownership should go to each initial shareholder when setting up a company. You can choose to do this in a number of ways. Some peop...
In my experience great advice can move across industries in several categories; cash flow management, human resources, process improvement, systems and measurement. Ask him questions relating to how he measures, rewards and retains his best staff. Ask about how he ensures proper cash flow manage...
Catch 22? Not at all...You need to project your weakness ( according to you) as a strength. Be open and bold about your online business. It is work experience and not a career break! You take that experience to the companies who are in the same line of business and you are very exciting for them....