This series of posts has proven popular so thought I would re-post the complete list with hyperlinks. Enjoy.
1. Brokered introductions
2. Partner marketing
3. Direct outreach & appointment setting
4. Tele-prospecting/tele-surveys
5. Guaranteed lead generation programs
6. Sponsored email blasts
7. On-line advertising
8. Email newsletter nurture programs
9. Direct mail
10. Events
11. Market awareness – self generated
12. Market awareness – through a PR firm
13. Analysts
14. Print advertising
Boston College is no longer going to give incoming freshman email (via ReadWriteWeb). They'll get an address that will forward to their preferred existing inbox vs. an actual inbox. Here's the story.
This is an interesting story and touches on a trend we will see more of as younger folks enter the workforce with their on-line identities already established. Of course, the workplace is different than college and the need for proper partitions between what is public and private will become even more important as will the ability to centralize, manage, and integrate the various message flows that come and go.
Unfortunately many of these points have been learned by living them. If you are looking at an early stage company, make sure you get a true understanding of the state of the business. The longer a start up has been around, the more "scar tissue" from previous decisions, actions, and mistakes.
The 'experience' and background of the team, representations made by employees or recruiters, cash in the bank, investor/VC support, etc. are really not enough to accurately gauge an opportunity.
Everyone is selling so be sure to get to the core of the business quickly. Here's a handful of questions I suggest you get answers to before taking a position:
The answers to these questions will tell you if you are staring at a turnaround opportunity or a growth opportunity. You can then decide what you're up for as both have their pros and cons.
Oh and get a demo. If they can't show it to you or if they do and it's not compelling, you'll have a great indication of what lies ahead.
For each level of openness and collaboration, there is an equal or greater security concern.
Keep your users' data sacred and make its protection a priority.
I'll be in San Jose, CA for the SIIA On-Demand conference this week. If you are going to be there or in the area and would like to meet up, shoot me an email robertcpease at gmail dot com or ping me on twitter http://twitter.com/replytoall.
Gist CEO TA McCann did a really nice presentation at Friday morning's NWEN venture breakfast in Bellevue about launching a start up and going from "0-25mph." Some really great advice and nuggets in here. Here's his blog post on it.
It was a great crowd and I made some new friends which is always a benefit of these types of gatherings.
Also, if you haven't signed up for the Gist beta, you can do so here.
http://docs.google.com/EmbedSlideshow?docid=dccqkkbj_67qd78rcc
Keep this in mind – it is always easier to go from a simple product to a more complex one than the other way around.
A classic 'shoot your dreams' down critique of start up pitches is that something is a feature vs. a product. Newsflash – all products start as features. How you grow them, make them valuable to your customers, and position them within a broader ecosystem of other products is what makes a company scale and a product roadmap shine.
Start simple. If you are trying to take something complex and "dumb it down" make sure you have both the support and tolerance of investors as well as other members of the team as it is a tough road.
US in the worst part of recession now. You decide if you believe the economists surveyed for this WSJ piece. Maybe no place to go but up?
As a tribute to Google's news that they will be subleasing 1/3 of Googleplex North here in Kirkland, I thought I would highlight a Gary Allen song sharing the title of this post.
I like Gary's music and suggest you check him out – sort of a back to basic country heavy on the soul.
Video goes in and out of focus but best I could find…
Tenacious.
This word has been used to describe me in the past and while it may be a euphemism for other less flattering adjectives, I'll gladly take the label.
Will Price posted on tenacity today highlighting the ups and (mostly) downs of Abraham LIncoln's career.
Look no further for inspiration and be comfortable knowing you must fail to ultimately succeed.
Venture Vice 