You know those old MGM movies about ancient Rome where there would invariably be the scene where the long boats were rowing off to sea to battle somebody. Everyone rolled their arms in unison, each oar reached the same height before plummeting with the same precision into the water. The captain kept time, beating a drum; the rowers would chant to keep the rhythm. Thus, the rowers were accountable to the captain.
Fast forward to today’s business environment. What if the tasks of a business were not achieved in a timely manner? What if the bookkeeping went astray? What if the market analysis for the month was not completed? Each item on a business owner’s “to do” list should be considered like an oar on a Roman long boat. OK, maybe we’re stretching things a bit, but there’s a reason.
Without the rowers keeping time, keeping watch, the boat goes off kilter. In today’s world, businesses require the same such accountability to keep from losing precious time, dollars, or opportunities. [Read more…]
Get passionate about your business. But keep it real. What we mean by that is to combine the two. Most businesses from an apple orchard to providing Zumba classes began because of the passion of the founder for that idea. It’s that desire to use a specific a gift, or put passed down experience to work, that creates an enjoyable worklife, that finally supports the business owner, and provides jobs for others. That inner spark that nags you to start your business and keeps you excited is what we call passion. Remember that feeling, breathe it in, put up reminders in your office, in your car so you don’t forget it. 
Starting a business is a bit like dieting, playing golf, or managing one’s health. Thousands of experts make lots of money telling you what you need to be successful. While the majority of the advice is excellent, most people fail in the execution, which is what I mean by the how in starting a business. In essence, it is essential to understand it is not what but how in starting a business. Below is a simple example.
What is marketing? Is it advertising? Yes. Is it promotion? Yes. Something newsworthy? Yes. Public relations? Yes. Is marketing just about anything that gets your brand out there for the public to consume directly or subconsciously? Yes. At Startup Connection we recognize the unusual ability small agile firms have to successfully focus on and carry out successful “mini” marketing strategies. These strategies, help differentiate the new guys on the block from the competition. We constantly work to help startup firms create and take advantage of mini marketing opportunities. A simple example, a restaurant client who gives kids their own dough to make a small roll and then bakes it for them. 
Of course, you have a plan to make money. That’s why you started a business. Actually, the question runs far deeper than that answer. You need a “pro forma income statement”. I know what you’re thinking,