If You Think an Expert is Expensive, Try Hiring an Amateur

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computer-troubleI have a colleague and supplier (an information technology specialist) who earns a significant part of his income fixing disasters. He gets lots of work from clients who thought they were computer savvy and capable of building their own network or website (WRONG!) or after having assembling a team of independent specialists who do not understand the overall underlying structure of a system (NOT A GOOD IDEA!)  As a result, they got themselves in all kinds of trouble, like accidentally deleting their important system files, or breaking key system components that brought their site down.

This IT guy understands my tendency to play around with the computer programs without any programming experience. As a result, he created a simple solution: while I retain complete access to all the information, I will never, ever know the passwords for any computer operation.

Entrepreneurs are not alone in thinking that they can do anything, that they can’t afford extra resources; they think they have to do everything, are paranoid about trusting others, or don’t think it is important enough to require a particular expertise. This approach is just simply absurd. [Read more…]

The Perils of Exaggeration

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brian-williams“….After being forced down after being hit by an RPG.” With this exaggeration, just a few simple words, the career of well-respected newsman, Brian Williams, was in jeopardy.

I call it, “the perils of exaggeration.” And, it can be found on TV, and in every method of social media. From politicians to celebrities and from reality TV stars to business executives. It is so tempting to sort of spice up a routine story, a flat sales quarter, how much your product will be improved, and when it’s expected off the assembly line. [Read more…]

How to lose business really, really quickly

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angry-faceI was searching for a marketing professional recently to do some work on my company’s website.  The promises made on some of these professional sites seem to promise the moon, or at least “number 1 on Google in record time.”  Things like that.

But can these marketing pros really do what they say?

I am not one to just take someone’s word for it; I like to do the homework (after all, that’s what I counsel my clients to do!). [Read more…]

Small Business Video Library

Small Business Video Library

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Then these video resources must be worth millions!

Watch and learn new and important ways you can improve your business.  Contact the Startup Connection team if you have any questions, comments, or just aren’t even sure where to begin.

Call Us Today.  914-632-6977

Email: bshlensky@startupconnection.net

About Startup Connection

About Startup Connection

We’re changing the way entrepreneurs succeed in the business world. We provide the right knowledge at the right time.

Rather than providing success tips, we deal with how to resolve the challenges of running a business. Bert Shlensky started Startup Connection because he believes clients need more hands-on help on the “how” instead of the “what” than is generally available for start ups.  Watch this video to learn about our philosophy, and how Startup Connection can help your business succeed.

Passion and Reality

Passion and Reality

An entrepreneur needs to understand and express their passion. For an entrepreneur to succeed, they have to use this passion to overcome any obstacles or challenges that might come their way.

What about reality? Many entrepreneurs overlook key elements in running a successful business, often ignoring details and analysis. It’s no wonder so many small businesses fail.

In order to succeed, entrepreneurs must allow their passion to drive them, but have reality guide them to where they need to be. Let the expert team at Startup Connection help you through that process.

The Chicken and the Egg

The Chicken and the Egg

People often ask an entrepreneur’s version of the old chicken or the egg puzzle: which comes first, the idea, planning, or financing?  Which is more important?  Watch this video to find out the answer.

Let Startup Connection help you get all your ducks (or chickens) in a row, so you can help your business grow and make more money.

Learn to Think Outside the Box

Learn to Think Outside the Box

Businesses talk about creating an environment that encourages innovation, change, openness, and so on. They believe that getting employees motivated with some good ol’ “rah rah” enthusiasm will make their workers feel good and inspire them to be more productive and innovative. They couldn’t be more wrong.

We at Startup Connection believe in trying some simple, practical ideas and approaches that work to foster true productivity and innovation.

Do You Have a Marketing Plan?

Do You Have a Marketing Plan?

Do you have a marketing plan? You don’t? Then you’d better get one. If you don’t have a road map for targeting the right product to the right people in the right way, keep your website on MySpace and start buying truckloads of lottery tickets.

Let the expert team at Startup Connection help you achieve the success you deserve. Contact us NOW for free help with YOUR business!

Learn to Think Outside the Box

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Businesses talk about creating an environment that encourages innovation, change, openness, and so on. They believe that getting employees motivated with some good ol’ “rah rah” enthusiasm will make their workers feel good and inspire them to be more productive and innovative. They couldn’t be more wrong. You need to learn to think outside the box.

[Read more…]