Elements of Sustainable Companies

I found this on sequoia.com - food for thought to all start-ups. According to Sequoia companies that do well have the following characterisitcs:

Clarity of Purpose
Summarize the company's business on the back of a business card.

Large Markets
Address existing markets poised for rapid growth or change. A market on the path to a $1B potential allows for error and time for real margins to develop.

Rich Customers
Target customers who will move fast and pay a premium for a unique offering.

Focus
Customers will only buy a simple product with a singular value proposition.

Pain Killers
Pick the one thing that is of burning importance to the customer then delight them with a compelling solution.

Think Differently
Constantly challenge conventional wisdom. Take the contrarian route. Create novel solutions. Outwit the competition.

Team DNA
A company’s DNA is set in the first 90 days. All team members are the smartest or most clever in their domain. "A" level founders attract an "A" level team.

Agility
Stealth and speed will usually help beat-out large companies.

Frugality
Focus spending on what's critical. Spend only on the priorities and maximize profitability.

Inferno
Start with only a little money. It forces discipline and focus. A huge market with customers yearning for a product developed by great engineers requires very little firepower.

If.....

If you had a free session with a business coach what questions would you be asking ? Your answers will help me to better serve my clients by better meeting their needs.

If you are on Facebook please join my Starting out in Business group.

Free (yes, free) books on business

Webooks has some fairly good books on starting a business and starting specific types of business.

The Courage to take the first step

Feeling nervous about starting a business ? I thought this list entitled: "The Key to Changing Course is to Start" was very apt. Aimed at people wanting to start their own business, it's just as applicable to anyone who wants to follow their dream, find their bliss.

1. Start where you are

2. Start hanging out with the right crowd

3. Start tuning into your gifts

4. Start listening more to yourself and less to others

5. Start letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect

6. Start taking action

If we can help you get your business started visit our website and read more about our services.

Facebook Group

I've started a new group on Facebook - Starting out in business. My plan is to put useful information there for people thinking about or starting up a business. Membership is open so feel free to join !

Getting started !

I thought this list entitled: "The Key to Changing Course is to Start" was very apt - I have just recorded the key points here and added a few comments of my own.

1. Start where you are

2. Start hanging out with the right crowd (if you want to be an entrepreneur, mix with entrepreneurs)

3. Start tuning into your gifts (or follow your passions)

4. Start listening more to yourself and less to others

5. Start letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect (this is why my website took 2 years to get on line - I wanted it to be perfect. Then Lynda Goldman said -"and meanwhile you're not out there - you need to be out there" - I got out there even though the site is very much a work in progress)

6. Start taking action

So- if we can help you get your business started visit our website and read more about our services.