De-risk Your Startup By Doing It Again: The Joy Of Getting The Band Back Together
By John Greathouse | July 7, 2010
In 1980, following the breakup of the American band The Eagles, Don Henley was asked when the group would reunite. His response, “When hell freezes over.” 
Surprisingly, hell froze over 14-years later, when The Eagles launched a highly lucrative tour and TV special. According to Guitarist Glenn Frey, “We never broke up, we just took a 14-year vacation.”
The story is familiar. A young band gets into music for the sex, drugs and fame. They record a few songs, have a couple hits and then hit the road. The rigors of touring, along with the instant notoriety and unending public scrutiny cause the band to disintegrate, often to the point of declaring they will never work together again.
In many cases, once the money (and sex and drugs) run out, the band members forget the days of rancor and only recall the “good old days” when creating something from nothing was fun. Eventually one of the band mates swallows their pride, picks up the phone and proposes a reunion tour. A similar phenomenon occurs in the startup world, without the drugs or drama endemic in the music industry.
Topics: Entrepreneur, Launching Venture, Team Building, The Fringe | No Comments »
Talks: Jason Nazar on how to Persuade
By John Greathouse | June 1, 2010
Below is a talk on Persuasion by the co-founder of Docstop, Jason Nazar.
Find out how getting he got his start-up funded using his knowledge of persuasion, sales, and even hypnotherapy:
Watch Jason Nazar’s talk on persuasion.
Full Bio:
Jason Nazar CEO and Co-Founder of Docstoc
Jason is the Co-Founder and CEO of Docstoc.com, the premier online community to find and share professional documents. Before starting Docstoc, he was a partner in a venture consulting firm in Los Angeles where he worked with dozens of startups. He holds have a BA from UCSB and his JD/MBA from Pepperdine University, where he was the Student Body President of both Universities.
Topics: Entrepreneur, Networking, Venture Capital, Video | 1 Comment »
TMP Talks: Michael Crandell on Cloud Computing
By John Greathouse | May 11, 2010
Below is a talk on Cloud Computing from the University of California Santa Barbara’s Technology Management Program, by Michael Crandell.
I think you will be surprised by what the CEO of this industry-leading cloud computing has to say about the future of the Cloud.
Full Bio:
Michael Crandell, CEO and Founder of Right Scale
Michael Crandell is the CEO and a founder of RightScale, where he provides the vision and direction for the company as it pioneers innovative ways to bring the power of cloud computing to any organization. Crandell is a frequent speaker at cloud computing industry conferences, and he has played a major role in helping establish and promote openness and transparency in the cloud market. Prior to RightScale, he served as CEO at several Internet Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) companies and as executive vice president at eFax.com. Crandell received his B.A. from Stanford University and completed graduate studies at Harvard University.
Topics: Entrepreneur, Video | No Comments »
Making Revenue Sharing And Cost Savings Deals Work – Sharing Means Caring
By John Greathouse | April 7, 2010
During the height of the dotbomb bubble, numerous companies struck Barney deals. These spurious partnerships had no substance and were initiated for the sole purpose of sending out a press release. They were dubbed Barney deals because the structure of such relationships was so lightweight that the underlying agreements merely affirmed the companies’ mutual affection, as articulated in Barney’s theme song, “I love you, you love me. We’re a great big family.”
Despite the pathetic nature of Barney deals, the big purple dinosaur offered sound business advice to entrepreneurs in a TV episode entitled, “Sharing means caring.” Barney realized that caring entails a willingness to share the risks and rewards associated with a mutually advantageous relationship. Leverage the purple dinosaur’s wisdom and seek business partnerships which are based upon sharing the results, as opposed to deals in which one party trades their money for promises.
Topics: Entrepreneur, Partnerships, The Fringe | 2 Comments »
Maximize Your Exit By Not Selling Your Company
By John Greathouse | March 16, 2010
In 1987, a representative of Michael Jackson approached the modest Sycamore Valley ranch house and knocked on the door. The owner of the ranch was shocked by the visitor’s message. He told the homeowner that he represented someone who wanted to purchase the ranch at a substantial premium over its current fair market value. He also indicated that the offer was non-negotiable and the home owner had to respond either “Yes” or “No” in a matter of hours.
Although this is a somewhat unusual real estate transaction, it reflects a surprisingly common scenario in the world of mergers and acquisitions, with one important distinction.
Topics: Entrepreneur, Strategic Planning, The Fringe | 3 Comments »
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