Category Archives: Hedging against downturns

Have you experienced your “Every Three-Million Dollar Crisis?”

Here is a phenomenon I discovered over time when dealing with many small start-ups in their early revenue period.  A very predictable series of rotating crises seemed to befall most every one of these young companies.  These became so predictable … Continue reading

Posted in Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 1 Comment

So, what if you run out of money?

Money in the bank is like oil in the car. Certainly, you have many ways you are pulled every day, both tactical and strategic. But when money is the issue, your time, energy and focus are drained from other important … Continue reading

Posted in Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 5 Comments

Avoid “The tyranny of the new office” syndrome.

[wdm_image_effects effect=”no_effect” animation=”bounce” shape=”no_shape” color=”#000″ social=”” title=”new-office” description=”new-office” id=”3210″ show=”hover” counter=”0″ size=”medium”/] One of the most obvious observations I make with growing company CEO’s is that planning for a new office is done with an optimistic view of the future, … Continue reading

Posted in Growth!, Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 3 Comments

Sign short term leases early on. Move as you grow.

[wdm_image_effects effect=”no_effect” animation=”zoomIn” shape=”no_shape” color=”#000″ social=”” title=”avoid-LT-c” description=”avoid-LT-commitments” id=”3205″ show=”hover” counter=”0″ size=”medium”/] Avoid long-term commitments. It is statistically true that at least half of the young companies funded by angel or venture investors will not survive three years from funding … Continue reading

Posted in Growth!, Hedging against downturns | 1 Comment

Are you uncomfortable with home-based workers?

Do home-based employees work with the same dedication and productivity as those in office cubicles next to each other? That depends upon the management as much as the employee.  I have a friend who is a CEO of a recruiting … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Hedging against downturns | 2 Comments

Are you ready to take on an office lease?

Rent your first office with caution.  Several years ago, I became involved with a Southeast Asian company looking to expand into the United States.  During the discussions with the CEO about hiring North American managers, he made it clear that … Continue reading

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Will tech kill your job?

[wdm_image_effects effect=”effectc1″ animation=”slideInLeft” shape=”square” color=”#ffffff” social=”” title=”” description=”” id=”2988″ show=”hover” counter=”0″ size=”large”/] Stop me if you’ve heard this story before. “My job as a (newspaper publisher telephone installer, stockbroker, travel agent, retail store manager) is safe as this economy continues … Continue reading

Posted in Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 2 Comments

Five ways we are surviving long term

Dave’s note: This week we invite long-time CEO of Quicksilver Software to respond to our question: “How have you remained relevant in the gaming software business over so many years?” He and his company have worked in the video game … Continue reading

Posted in Depending upon others, Finding your ideal niche, Hedging against downturns | Leave a comment

Sometimes your gut is the best you’ve got.

Years ago I led a deal and invested in a company that looked like it had lots of promise to disrupt the women’s clothing industry with special algorithms and an online store.  But something had bothered me from the very … Continue reading

Posted in Growth!, Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 4 Comments

I sat in my own safety net while weaving it.

Editor’s note: Berni Jubb was an Inc.500 entrepreneur, after years as a senior marketing manager of a large computer company.  He regained his senses, and now runs a small resort and restaurant in Costa Rica. By Berni Jubb My First Startup… … Continue reading

Posted in Finding your ideal niche, Hedging against downturns, Protecting the business | 2 Comments