Join us at SDWest 2008 March 3-7, the conference offers with both business and technology tracks and has an interesting mix of sessions for software entrepreneurs. In addition to the technology oriented sessions you would expect, the conference has added a “Business of Software” track that should prove valuable to folks in–or planning to be […]
SKMurphy goes to SDWest 2008 Read More »
Some tips on forming an advisory board that assume you are currently bootstrapping and will be soliciting advice and feedback from a variety of sources: friends, former co-workers, other entrepreneurs, customers, and partners.
Forming an Advisory Board Read More »
If your New Years Resolution is to speak more, you might be wonder where to go. One type of group that is always looking for speakers are local user groups. User groups offer an informal network and forum for the exchange of ideas, tips, and gotchas. With user groups I also include professional group because
Where Can I Find Speaking Engagements? Read More »
In a SaaS world where tools are more integrated and customizable, are VARs going away? How do SaaS companies reach customers? How should we compensate sales people? As a sales person, how will I make money if I work for a SaaS company? At this roundtable discussion we will exchange tips and gotchas and provide
SaaS Roundtable: VARs in a SaaS World Read More »
Software companies typically have to convince prospects to adopt new technologies based on their shared history, their service track record, and their ability to accurately predict and deliver real results that overcome the cost and friction of adopting new tools and methodologies. There are a number of lessons we draw on to help startups fostering
Fostering Technology Adoption: Early Customers & Early Revenue Read More »
I am an small business owner. We are virtual team and use many on-line tools. These are ones that we actually pay for and use everyday: Calendar: WebEx, Central Desktop Contacts: WebEx, Central Desktop Design: Lucky Oliver for photos Logo Design: Logo Company, Logoworks Managing Money: Quickbooks Wiki, On-line Docs & Spreadsheets: Central Desktop Project
On-line Tools for Startups Read More »
This event is Sold Out, No Walk-Ins accepted. Please sign up for waitlist we will be offering it again in 2008. Invest four hours now to save months later finding a path to revenue: most software startups fail after they have working functionality but before they find their market. You will leave this workshop with
Idea to Revenue on January 19, 2008 Read More »
Three tips for attending a trade show and scoping out breakthrough innovations: Start on the perimeter and work you way in to the main floor. All the innovation is in the startups booths on the outside. Before the show spend some time checking out exhibitors’ websites. Especially if you are not familiar with the company
Looking for Innovation at a Trade Show Read More »
How do you plan when you are in a small software startup? Big company methods are not a good fit. Here are three tips for planning a startup.
3 Tips for Entrepreneurs Planning a Startup Read More »
Q: I have an idea for a software product, how do I get started? Our answer is a series of twenty questions that will help you develop and refine your software product idea. See below for the first seven. We also cover these in our workshop Idea to Revenue, that gives you the time and
I Have an Idea for a Software Product, How Do I Get Started? Read More »
Getting feedback after engaging with a client or even after an introductory meeting with a prospect is important. A couple of survey tools that we use are iContact and Survey Monkey. They are easy to use and low cost. Survey Monkey has some nice templates. The survey tools are useful when you want to ask
Getting Feedback on your Work Read More »
e-News for Small Businesses is a free electronic mail service designed to provide tax information for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Subscribers receive information about important upcoming tax dates for SB/SE customers, what’s new for small businesses on the IRS Web site, reminders and tips to assist small businesses and self-employed taxpayers with tax
Free Small Business eNewsletter From IRS Read More »
Here is one question I get asked all the time: Is Blogging worthwhile way to promote your business or just a big, newfangled time suck? Our short answer is that you need a website for your business: one of the easiest ways to manage it and keep it up to date is to use a
Is Blogging Worthwhile? Read More »
Here are the social networks I participate in. I find them a good source for practical advice for running my business. LinkedIn www.linkedin.com Intuit’s Jumpup www.jumpup.com Bank of America Small Business http://smallbusinessonlinecommunity.bankofamerica.com Bootstrappers Breakfast www.bootstrappersbreakfast.com Check me out, my screen name is tshafer.
Social Networks for Running your Business Read More »
SaaS business models are proven and and gaining wide adoption. However they come with new issues: shorter release cycles, blurring of development team roles, and the need for new internal reporting and management controls now that you are responsible for the customers application infrastructure. Your development, support, sales, and product marketing folks must change how
SaaS Blurs Traditional Software Startup Roles Read More »
I had a chance to hear two VCs outline the benefits of a SaaS business model at the CINACon 2007 conference a on September 22.
Benefits of SaaS Business Model Read More »
I went to a good talk today at Software Business 2007 by Joe Gustafson from Brainshark on “Establishing and Growing a Successful SaaS Business.” Joe characterized Brainshark is “Tivo for Business Content” available when users want to consume it. He opened with the best part of a SaaS business: recurring predictable revenue makes it easier
Brainshark at Software Business 2007: SaaS = Service Read More »
This event is now SOLD OUT and no walk-ins will be accepted; we are offering it again on Saturday January 19 at the Moorpark Hotel in San Jose. Invest four hours now to save months later finding a path to revenue: most software startups fail after they have working functionality but before they find their
Idea to Revenue on December 6, 2007 Read More »
We are hosting a Peter Cohan event: “Create and Deliver Surprisingly Compelling Software Demonstrations” . Peter Cohan, a nationally recognized expert on software demo development who normally only consults to Fortune 500 firms. He offers only two “open enrollment” seminars every year that smaller companies can attend at a very reduced price, this one on
Peter Cohan’s Great Demo on Oct 13, 2007 Read More »
As you develop your presentation–and more importantly refine it in response to feedback–here are five things to remember when selling a new product.
Five Things to Remember When Selling A New Product Read More »
