Creating a test group to try your product or service can be highly valuable when starting your company. It is even valuable to us at Wicked Start as we continue as a startup. As an example of how a test or focus group can help, I’ll share with you what our team has been doing [...]
There’s a famous quote about learning to kiss from a book. The actual experience of that first lip lock with a partner is not something you can read about. Most people are young, innocent, and not well prepared. This same phrasing, sadly, describes certain entrepreneurs. I regularly read or hear of people who start businesses [...]
I could just tell you to subscribe to industry publications and join trade associations. They are very valuable, so do those things.However, I will tell you a little about why being part of these organizations and participating in these journals can help your business directly. In 1988, very few people had Macintoshes or any other [...]
It takes a lot to become a master of your industry. Most people aren’t born with the knowledge of their business and industry, and even those who grow up in a field usually have guidance or help at some point. Luke Skywalker had Obi Wan Kenobi and Yoda. Kwai Chang Caine had Master Po at [...]
We’ve previously written about how to learn to network and how to work the crowd on the Wicked Start blogs. But sometimes it is the simple things that can help you get going in your networking. The other day, I ran an event called Social Media Camp, during New York City’s Social Media Week. There [...]
It seems like a simple step when starting a business, but it is important to identify your industry. By knowing what category your new venture fits into, you can be aware of specific market conditions or trends that are more likely to affect you. How do you know? One simple way is to figure out [...]
Learning about your industry before you take the start-up plunge is a key factor in success. Your network can help youto find people with the experience and knowledge to help you succeed, or at least prevent you from making rookie mistakes. Find an industry association or trade group in your area to visit, and see who the [...]
At Wicked Start we hear from people who want to start a business all the time. I have heard Bryan Janeczko (Founder of Wicked Start) use the example of someone who wanted to start a bakery, and he asked for her experience. “Oh, I go there all the time and watch them,” she replied. “And I make [...]