http://www.amplifiernetwork.comRSS feeds for Amplifier Ventures60http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/809/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=809http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=809&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/809/Default.aspxLessons are to be learned anytime in life - even from a blizzard.  And an an Entrepreneur, I am always trying to learn as fast as possible for any sources available!Eric KoefootThu, 11 Feb 2010 18:58:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:809http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/808/Time-to-be-an-Entrepreneur.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=808http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=808&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/808/Time-to-be-an-Entrepreneur.aspxIf there ever was a time to be an entrepreneur, it is now!Eric KoefootThu, 12 Nov 2009 14:40:23 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:808http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/807/How-grows-your-network.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=807http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=807&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/807/How-grows-your-network.aspxHow much effort do you put into your network?  And as an entrepreneur, how are you leveraging that to your advantage?Eric KoefootThu, 01 Oct 2009 18:13:42 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:807http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/806/Ten-lessons-from-20-years.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=806http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=806&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/806/Ten-lessons-from-20-years.aspxLife is full of lessons, and entrepreneurship doubles down and teaches twice as many lessons.  Here are some of the ones I've learned, sometimes the hard, painful way!Eric KoefootThu, 17 Sep 2009 17:34:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:806http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/798/Why-does-the-government-make-things-so-hard.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=798http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=798&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/798/Why-does-the-government-make-things-so-hard.aspxBeing an entrepreneur is hard enough, so why does the government make things even harder?  You'd think they would want to grease the skids of capitalism...Eric KoefootFri, 24 Jul 2009 16:19:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:798http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/794/Bernie-Madoff-got-what-he-deserved.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=794http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=794&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/794/Bernie-Madoff-got-what-he-deserved.aspx Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} Is 150 years too much for a white collar criminal?  Not by a long shot.  Bernie got what he deserved.  Heck, he got off easy. Eric KoefootTue, 30 Jun 2009 20:21:15 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:794http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/785/The-coming-venture-capital-shakeup.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=785http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=785&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/785/The-coming-venture-capital-shakeup.aspx The downturn in the economy and the dearth of reliable, lucrative exits for venture investors will create unprecedented change in early stage financing for entrepreneurs. Eric KoefootFri, 05 Jun 2009 18:40:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:785http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/772/Advisors-and-Entrepreneurs.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=772http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=772&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/772/Advisors-and-Entrepreneurs.aspxWhat should you ask from your advisors?  And what do they get in return?Eric KoefootThu, 09 Apr 2009 15:40:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:772http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/767/Our-sales-are-a-mess--when-will-this-end.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=767http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=767&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/767/Our-sales-are-a-mess--when-will-this-end.aspxThe recession we are in has hit just about every business hard.  Sales are down and customers refuse to pull the trigger on new deals.  What should you do?Eric KoefootThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:06:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:767http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/756/Stop-lying-to-yourself--make-the-change.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=756http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=756&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/756/Stop-lying-to-yourself--make-the-change.aspxOkay, so your revenues are not stacking up this year.  A few of your team seems to be selling, but others have numbers that are down, some a little, some a lot.  What to do?Eric KoefootWed, 04 Mar 2009 03:09:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:756http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/751/Numbers-matter-now-perhaps-mor-than-ever.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=751http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=751&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/751/Numbers-matter-now-perhaps-mor-than-ever.aspxFinance and accounting is the sleepy, perhaps boring side of a startup.  But perhaps the function is more important then ever.  Check out these 10 "must do's" for startup accounting and financial reporting...Eric KoefootTue, 17 Feb 2009 02:33:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:751http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/739/Panic-is-not-the-answer.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=739http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=739&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/739/Panic-is-not-the-answer.aspxThe world is crashing down around us!  Capitalism is dead!  It's Great Depression 2.0!  Chicken Little says the sky is falling!  Not likely...Eric KoefootMon, 26 Jan 2009 20:18:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:739http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/732/What-determines-success-in-a-startup.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=732http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=732&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/732/What-determines-success-in-a-startup.aspxThe question comes up often, and there probably is not just one answer, but more of it is in your control than you think.Eric KoefootSat, 10 Jan 2009 16:15:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:732http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/727/Entrepreneurial-wishes-for-the-new-year.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=727http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=727&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/727/Entrepreneurial-wishes-for-the-new-year.aspxOkay, I'll jump on the bandwagon of  hopes for the new year ... here are the things I wish for as an entrepreneur in 2009Eric KoefootFri, 26 Dec 2008 18:37:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:727http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/722/Debt-is-not-always-your-friend.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=722http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=722&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/722/Debt-is-not-always-your-friend.aspxThe filing of bankruptcy by the Tribune Company just drives home a point I learned many years ago - debt is not always your friend.  Leverage can be painful.  A high forced cash drain hurts. And for an entrepreneur, it can be deadly.Eric KoefootFri, 12 Dec 2008 16:21:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:722http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/717/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=717http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=717&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/717/Default.aspxGovernment statistics released just yesterday reveal that the economy has been in recession since late last year.  Is this really new news?  And what should you do now?Eric KoefootTue, 02 Dec 2008 16:05:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:717http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/713/Who-is-on-your-board.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=713http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=713&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/713/Who-is-on-your-board.aspxI was talking today with the CEO of an early-stage startup that I know well, and the discussion turned to their board.  What makes up a good board? What should you look for as you assemble this group of experts?Eric KoefootMon, 17 Nov 2008 23:44:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:713http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/709/Health-care-and-the-entrepreneur.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=709http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=709&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/709/Health-care-and-the-entrepreneur.aspxNo matter who wins the election tomorrow, I sure hope the next Congress does something about health care.  Entrepreneurs are hurting, and Congress can fix this one fast...Eric KoefootMon, 03 Nov 2008 23:29:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:709http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/703/Selling-in-a-recession.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=703http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=703&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/703/Selling-in-a-recession.aspx I don’t think even the biggest optimists out there will challenge the assumption that we’re in a recession now.  Hard to look at the stock market, here or abroad, and deny that.  So what is an entrepreneur to do?  Selling can be pretty hard normally, and during a recession it can be even more challenging. Eric KoefootFri, 24 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:703http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/688/Entrepreneurial-Diversification.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=688http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=688&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/688/Entrepreneurial-Diversification.aspx Have you ever thought about how an entrepreneur diversifies?  Not their financial investments, but their company.  if you've not thought about it, you should!   Eric KoefootSat, 11 Oct 2008 02:10:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:688http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/680/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=680http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=680&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/680/Default.aspx With the markets in retreat, banks failing or getting eaten up, and global credit tighter than it has been in recent memory, what is an entrepreneur to do?  And what might the future hold for entrepreneurs? Eric KoefootTue, 30 Sep 2008 15:37:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:680http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/672/Marketing-Your-Startup--Ouch.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=672http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=672&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/672/Marketing-Your-Startup--Ouch.aspx So your startup is getting going and you need to get your marketing going.  But it sure can be expensive.  It'll cost you cash (thus equity), time, and potentially misplaced distraction.  And does it really work?  Marketing is one of the most important yet least understood management sciences.  Great marketing drives sales, increases brand perception (thus possibly giving you pricing power), and can really make a difference in your competitiveness versus the competition.  But many companies, especially early stage companies, waste a lot of money on misdirected marketing. Eric KoefootFri, 12 Sep 2008 22:47:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:672http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/663/So-What-Fad-Are-You-Chasing-Today.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=663http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=663&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/663/So-What-Fad-Are-You-Chasing-Today.aspx We all see it time and time again - companies chasing a fad.  Or maybe not a fad, but they are chasing "group think" - a broad consensus that a market is ripe for the picking, when in reality it is unproven. Take for example the incredible rise in CLEC's in the mid 90's (competitive local exchange carriers).  So many companies were formed to go after the deregulated telco market.  But in the end, the infrastructure costs combined with the reluctance of business customers to change carriers led to the demise of virtually every one of them. Eric KoefootMon, 25 Aug 2008 17:21:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:663http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/659/What-Is-Your-Marketing-Message.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=659http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=659&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/659/What-Is-Your-Marketing-Message.aspx I see it often - in their marketing and sales efforts, companies "tell" their prospects what they "need to know".  I have bad news -- they don't care. You've heard it perhaps a thousand times before:  Tell prospects about your features and benefits.  Make them understand how great you are.  Heck, you built it, so be sure to tell them about all the cool features and capabilities of your product.  But in the end, they just don't care.  I'll bet you a nice steak dinner that the majority of time that companies present their solution, many of the prospects in the room are daydreaming about their weekend plans or how much work they have to do that day. Eric KoefootFri, 08 Aug 2008 14:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:659http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/656/Balance-Is-Key-Even-for-Entrepreneurs.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=656http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=656&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/656/Balance-Is-Key-Even-for-Entrepreneurs.aspx I work very hard.  I work like crazy.  I work obsessively. Wait, scratch that last one.  I try not to work obsessively because it make me less productive and less effective.  Why is that? Like most entrepreneurs, part of the price (and joy) of being an entrepreneur is the challenge that comes with working in a job with no real bounds, no end point, and no finish line.  Sure, many other folks work quite hard as well (you know who you are), but as a job class, few folks work harder than entrepreneurs. But how hard do you work?  Where do you draw the line? Eric KoefootWed, 30 Jul 2008 16:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:656http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/654/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=654http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=654&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/654/Default.aspxHave you ever thought of how a recession can help you improve your sales?  Sounds like an oxymoron, but it is very possible.  Certain conditions unique to a recession can help you in ways that good times cannot...Eric KoefootWed, 23 Jul 2008 19:35:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:654http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/649/Where-should-I-go-to-raise-money.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=649http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=649&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/649/Where-should-I-go-to-raise-money.aspxI am often asked by entrepreneurs "where should our company go to raise money?"  Good question.  And the answer is: "it depends"...Eric KoefootWed, 09 Jul 2008 16:55:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:649http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/644/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=644http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=644&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/644/Default.aspxAs the 4th of July approaches, I was thinking about the holiday and what it represents.  It is a celebration of independence from England 230+ years ago.  But it is also a celebration of freedom.  And entrepreneurship needs freedom like a plant needs sunlight and water.Eric KoefootThu, 03 Jul 2008 15:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:644http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/637/NVTC-Hot-Ticket-Awards.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=637http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=637&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/637/NVTC-Hot-Ticket-Awards.aspxCongrats to all the winners of the NVTC Hot Ticket Awards. The winners are a group of amazingly talented companies with creative people, great ideas, and growing success stories. But underneath that all is a bigger story...Eric KoefootFri, 27 Jun 2008 14:51:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:637http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/630/What-Is-Missing-in-CEO-Networking.aspx#Comments3http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=630http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=630&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/630/What-Is-Missing-in-CEO-Networking.aspx The challenges surrounding DC-area entrepreneur networking continues, but there has been some good progress in the past few months. It sure seems like many folks in the area are feeling the pain -- the continued lack of networking in the DC area for up-and-coming entrepreneurs.  But it is not all gloom and doom.  Sometimes we just have to get out there and network to find help.  With that in mind, there are some people and organizations trying to do something about it, too.  Maybe it's worth sketching out some of the best programs that I have found out there (though I am sure I'll miss some). Eric KoefootFri, 20 Jun 2008 20:05:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:630http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/613/Should-I-Offshore-My-Technology-Development.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=613http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=613&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/613/Should-I-Offshore-My-Technology-Development.aspxOffshoring software development has been around for a number of years now, and in some sectors it is growing in popularity.  But is it the right thing to do?  Are the alleged savings real?  And how is the quality?Eric KoefootMon, 09 Jun 2008 21:34:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:613http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/603/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=603http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=603&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/603/Default.aspx I see it time and time again - companies with great ideas not getting off the ground and just burning through cash without revenue.  More often than not, at the very bottom of the problem is an inability to sell.  But how do you know you need help?  And what can you do? I've spent the better part of the past 20 years selling.  Selling is just plain h-a-r-d.  But it is also a LOT of fun... I love selling!  In my mind, there is almost nothing that you can do as an entrepreneur that gets you to the heart of capitalism better than selling what you have created and satisfying customers.  Eric KoefootWed, 28 May 2008 14:53:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:603http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/596/Can-a-Founder-Be-the-CEO-Long-Term.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=596http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=596&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/596/Can-a-Founder-Be-the-CEO-Long-Term.aspx A lot of entrepreneurs are coached (or required) to bring in some "seasoned management" in order to make their company successful.  Is this really necessary? Can an entrepreneur somehow maintain the CEO title? Many VCs and other investors encourage (or sometimes force) entrepreneurs to bring on seasoned executives to run their companies.  Does this make sense?  Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and the wise entrepreneur would do well to think this through before taking outside money. Eric KoefootWed, 21 May 2008 15:28:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:596http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/586/Advertising-as-a-Business-Model.aspx#Comments2http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=586http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=586&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/586/Advertising-as-a-Business-Model.aspx How many software or Internet business plans have you seen recently that rely on advertising as a business model?  Investor beware! I've been in the Internet full time since early 1996, and in advertising-based businesses on the Internet since 1997.  I've seen plenty of hype and plenty of failures, and I personally lived the rapid rise of the Internet, followed by the crash, followed by the second rapid rise of the Internet.  And now in this second rise (even more so than the first rise) advertising is being touted as the future of the Internet by many content, software, and Web-based service companies -- and the concept is being bought into by many Venture Capitalists.  But is this real?  Can it work?  Based on my experience (and I have sold Internet advertising for many years now), the answer is a simple NO. Eric KoefootThu, 15 May 2008 15:02:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:586http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/580/Default.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=580http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=580&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/580/Default.aspx Why is it that business schools as a rule have no classes in "How to Sell", or better yet, "How to Manage Sales"?  In a startup, and yes, any company, sales are where the rubber meets the road. You can take classes in business school on Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, and even Technology Management.  You can take second-year classes on Options Pricing and Derivatives.  Heck, you can even take classes on Business Law.  But very, very few MBA programs have classes on Sales.  How should one sell?  What systems, techniques, processes and tools work best?  And even if teaching how to sell is somehow not important, perhaps they could teach future managers how to manage sales? Eric KoefootThu, 15 May 2008 12:38:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:580http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/577/Diligence-Matters--Part-Two.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=577http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=577&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/577/Diligence-Matters--Part-Two.aspx Man, diligence sure does pay.  Ask me, I just lived it first hand. I have been working on my next startup (#5, but who is counting?), and we are vetting through a number of ideas and aspects of the new company's offerings.  So true to my own writings, I was out in the marketplace meeting with potential customers.  We asked a lot of questions around the idea we had, trying to find "market pain" to sell against.  What did we hear?  Nothing.  Crickets.  Silence.  We took the questioning down another path, working different aspects of the business and product concept.  Again, nothing but crickets.  A call to a second prospective customer yielded identical results.  Ouch. Eric KoefootWed, 30 Apr 2008 14:46:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:577http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/572/Default.aspx#Comments2http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=572http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=572&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/572/Default.aspxIn a great article in the Wall Street Journal today, Rebecca Buckman wrote about how business applications are becoming much more web-like.  It's about time!Eric KoefootTue, 22 Apr 2008 13:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:572http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/564/Starting-a-Company-in-a-Recession.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=564http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=564&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/564/Starting-a-Company-in-a-Recession.aspx As much as the White House likes to deny it, we're in a recession.  As an entrepreneur, perhaps you are asking, "is a recession a good time to start a business?" My vote is yes! The way I see it, any time is a good time to start a company.  Some times may be better than others, but it is all a matter of degree.  Once bitten by the entrepreneurial bug, postponing doing your startup is a very, very hard thing to do.  It's like when you have both arms full of, say, groceries, and you get a wicked itch on your leg.  The more you think about it, the more it itches.  It only gets worse, never better.  Sooner or later you need to put the bags down and scratch the itch.  Same with a startup - the itch only gets worse the more you think about it.  Caught in bureaucratic meetings?  Itch.  Watching your peers build companies?  Itch itch.  Thinking, no knowing, that you have what it takes to build a great company.  Itch! Eric KoefootMon, 14 Apr 2008 14:38:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:564http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/555/Is-It-a-Feature-or-a-Product.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=555http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=555&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/555/Is-It-a-Feature-or-a-Product.aspx Almost every time I see a series of business plans, a few of them stand out as more features than products.  Features are nice, but products make companies. So you have a business idea, and you're building a business plan.  But you keep struggling on how people are going to find, buy, and use what you have created.  Perhaps the issue is not with your business smarts or knowledge of marketing... perhaps you have a feature and not a product.  Features are almost always neat, clever, unique, and impressive.  But a business needs more than a "neat" factor, it needs the ability to engage customers and earn revenues. Eric KoefootFri, 04 Apr 2008 20:46:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:555http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/548/Default.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=548http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=548&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/548/Default.aspx As an investor, board member, and 4-time entrepreneur, I am constantly amazed by the number of business ideas that are pitched that just don't make sense.  And I am not talking about some amazing wisdom or insight that I possess (or more likely do not possess), rather I am talking about business ideas that just don't pass the test of common sense. Ideas that don't make sense are often ideas that don't scale, that have lousy margins, or that are not differentiated in any meaningful manner.  They are ideas that have not thought out sales, marketing, or overall customer acquisition and retention.  They are ideas that are features and not products (more on this one in a future blog).  And they are ideas that the team executing on it just don't have experience with in the past. Eric KoefootMon, 24 Mar 2008 17:39:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:548http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/535/Cash-Flow-Is-Still-King-in-a-Startup.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=535http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=535&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/535/Cash-Flow-Is-Still-King-in-a-Startup.aspx The discussions about saving money in your startup continues, and there are a lot of good ideas out there.  But in this thrifty environment, is the workaholic the best hire? Just a few weeks back I wrote about how cash flow is king in a startup.  And maybe you saw the recent postings by NYC Entrepreneur and super-blogger Jason Calacanis.  Jason wrote recently about how to save money in your startup, and he created a whirlwind on controversy around a few of his ideas, particularly the one about dedication.  I think he has a lot of very good ideas in his list (and there are quite a few in the posted comments below his original blog), and every entrepreneur should take these ideas to heart.  Eric KoefootFri, 14 Mar 2008 22:41:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:535http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/521/The-Entrepreneur-Ecosystem--What-Goes-Around.aspx#Comments2http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=521http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=521&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/521/The-Entrepreneur-Ecosystem--What-Goes-Around.aspx Even though the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the DC area is nothing like Silicon Valley or Boston, it nonetheless has an excellent sence of community and collaboration.  We need to keep it going... As I am have been evaluating ideas for my next company in the past few months, I have been pleasantly surprised by the willingness of fellow entrepreneurs in the DC area to help out.  I for one have always had that philosophy -- help out your colleagues, friends, and other entrepreneurs because it is the decent thing to do.  That might mean being a sounding board for ideas, helping beta test software, connecting companies to funding, or helping people find talent for their growing companies.  Eric KoefootThu, 28 Feb 2008 17:23:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:521http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/509/Mindshare-Alumni-Reunion.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=509http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=509&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/509/Mindshare-Alumni-Reunion.aspxI've been to many networking events over the years, but few hold a candle to Monday night's Mindshare Alumni Reunion.The press have reported that attendance was over 260 people at the Mindshare Alumni Reunion at the Palm Tyson's Corner, and I believe it.  I can truly say that just about "everybody who is anybody" in the DC-area entrepreneurial-technology community was there in person -- or then had a darned good excuse not to be there. Eric KoefootWed, 13 Feb 2008 21:40:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:509http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/500/The-New-York-Giants-and-Startups.aspx#Comments1http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=500http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=500&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/500/The-New-York-Giants-and-Startups.aspx I could not let the week pass without a comment on the Superbowl.  No, not the game itself (Hey, I am a Bears fan), but about what it means to startups.  What, you may ask, does the Superbowl have to do with early stage companies?  Well, as a huge fan of football analogies, this is pretty easy. Eric KoefootThu, 07 Feb 2008 22:15:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:500http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/490/Great-Ideas-No-Money.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=490http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=490&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/490/Great-Ideas-No-Money.aspx I attended an angel investor "pitch session" yesterday to hear four companies present.  On balance, all four were interesting, compelling ideas presented by smart people. Whether they get funded or not, time will tell. I'd say that over the past 10-15 years of my career as an Internet entrepreneur, coach, advisor, board member, and angel investor, I've seen over 400 business plan presentations. Yet overall, so few companies ultimately get funded in any meaningful way. Why? Eric KoefootMon, 04 Feb 2008 15:30:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:490http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/483/The-Secret-of-Silicon-Valley.aspx#Comments5http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=483http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=483&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/483/The-Secret-of-Silicon-Valley.aspx Why does Silicon Valley turn out so many companies and so many entrepreneurs?  It's the network, baby. I've been spending a lot of time with startup CEOs here in the Mid-Atlantic region recently, and as a group, they continue to amaze me.  DC is not known as a hotbed of entrepreneurs.  Sure, we have companies like AOL, MCI (pre-disaster), Blackboard, and so on.  But the total number of startups is but a small fraction of the startup Mecca, Silicon Valley.  Books have been written about this.  Millions (no, Billions) have been made by those mastering the Silicon Valley startup idea machine.  But in a nutshell, I think the reason it works is the Network.  Eric KoefootThu, 24 Jan 2008 19:30:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:483http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/473/When-Should-We-Seek-Funding.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=473http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=473&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/473/When-Should-We-Seek-Funding.aspx Seeking funding later rather than sooner serves the entrepreneur well.  The simple reason is that investors will value your company based on how many unknowns have been answered; the more you answer the higher the value (and the more of your baby you get to keep!)  Think of it as a poker game, where each card that is exposed determines more clearly the value of the hand in play.  Many VC’s like to refer to the desire to “turn one more card” as they talk about learning more about the company through its success (or failure).  The more cards you turn before you seek funding, the better.  So what do VCs want to know?  Here is a good starter list of areas that you will want as much traction on as possible before you seek funding... Eric KoefootWed, 16 Jan 2008 17:48:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:473http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/467/Cash-Flow-is-King-in-a-Startup.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=467http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=467&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/467/Cash-Flow-is-King-in-a-Startup.aspx Managing cash before and after raising funds is one of the most important skills for a successful startup; here are some tips to save a few bucks. As a veteran of four startups (and working on #5 now), I am frequently asked about fund raising.  But rarely am I asked about how to make funds go further.  In reality, every dollar not spent is more than equal to a dollar raised (you are not giving away any equity).  Most startups don't shoot for the moon and most don't need to spend as fast as they do.  In fact, there is often pressure from investors to spend, spend, spend.  Beware.  Your startup, if it is successful, will most likely take twice as long and cost twice as much money as you think.  Investors are often willing to put in more money, but that's you hard-earned equity that you see going out the door unnecessarily. Eric KoefootFri, 11 Jan 2008 15:29:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:467http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/453/MSN-Viacom-and-Innovation.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=453http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=453&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/453/MSN-Viacom-and-Innovation.aspx The MSN /Viacom deal was not so much about a big media deal, but more about lack of innovation from Microsoft. Microsoft (MSN) has been playing Johnny-come-lately to the Internet for 10 years now, and especially in the search and advertising arenas, they just can’t seem to fight Google (or even Yahoo) successfully. They made many claims over the past few years about how the new MSN search would combat Google and gain share.  And they were going to advertise at record levels to drive traffic to MSN.  Oops. Eric KoefootThu, 20 Dec 2007 18:26:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:453http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/452/Mobile-Advertising.aspx#Comments4http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=452http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=452&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/452/Mobile-Advertising.aspxWhat is the future of mobile advertising?  How big might it be and how soon?Eric KoefootThu, 20 Dec 2007 02:59:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:452http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/451/Social-Networking.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=451http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=451&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/451/Social-Networking.aspx How much money can chase social networking? Eric KoefootWed, 19 Dec 2007 03:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:451http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/450/The-Privacy-Debate.aspx#Comments0http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=93&ModuleID=399&ArticleID=450http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=450&PortalID=0&TabID=93http://www.amplifiernetwork.com/NetworkMenu/Bloggers/Blogs/tabid/93/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/450/The-Privacy-Debate.aspxPrivacy seems to be a hot topic over the past few weeks. Where is online privacy headed?  Will government or protesters protect our data?Eric KoefootMon, 17 Dec 2007 21:02:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:450