Along with our many company profiles over the course of the year, we at SPN enjoy sprinkling in some hard-earned wisdom from some of the region’s most successful talent. Here are the most popular advice stories we published in the past year.
1. Don’t read this for motivation (Paul Jarrett)
Bulu Inc. co-founder and general life enthusiast Paul Jarrett shares the hard truth that “work is not always always” and offers up his five best tips for fostering a more disciplined work style. “Save your brain power and decision making ability for when it matters; it will increase your willpower for better discipline. It will pay in spades for everyone around you,” said Jarrett.
2. If you’re not selling, you’re not a startup (Karen Borchert)
Startup veteran Karen Borchert shares her cautionary tale about starting her company, doing all the startup things and then failing miserably. “We failed for exactly one reason: We weren’t selling. We got lost in the ‘gear’ of the startup life, and forgot to get some damn customers,” said Borchert.
3. The 4 startup problems nobody told you about (Mat Winegarden)
Iowa Startup Accelerator mentor-in-residence Mat Winegarden dishes on the truth about startup life and his key advice for how to deal with the problems every early-stage company faces.
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4. Are you ready to start your startup? Ask yourself these questions first (Eric Dinger)
Powderhook co-founder and CEO Eric Dinger shares his 10 personal filter questions for deciding when to pull the trigger on starting your startup. “If you’ve made it this far into the filter and your idea still works, then start. Now is most likely the best time,” said Dinger.
5. A Multi-Local Manifesto (Amy Gehling)
Designer and digital nomad Amy Gehling offers up her vision for more “multi-local” people who draw inspiration and collaboration from all different communities without having to “own” one to the exclusion of others.
6. 7 ways to hire (and retain) a rock star startup team (Marianne Worthington)
Speaking of Multi-Local, Kansas City/Lincoln team building expert Marianne Worthington drops some sage advice on how to hire for your company. “It doesn’t matter how much an employee likes you or your company; they won’t stay if you suck at managing,” writes Worthington.
7. The case for inclusive entrepreneurship (Dell Gines)
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Senior Community Development Advisor Dell Gines lays out a bold case for entrepreneurship as an engine for community renewal. He challenges traditional entrepreneurial communities to think beyond their comfort zone.
8. Entrepreneurship has levels of difficulty. Where should you start? (Grant Stanley)
Contemporary Analysis co-founder and Bric founder and CEO Grant Stanley outlines the career pathways for lifelong, hard core entrepreneurs. Not all entrepreneurship is the same, he argues. It’s a good idea to know where you are and where you’re going.
9. How to apply to an accelerator: Do’s and don’ts (Matt Boyd)
Former NMotion Program Manager Matt Boyd gives his insider take on reviewing accelerator applications and provides 3 “dos” and 3 “don’ts” for anyone looking to get into an accelerator program.
10. How to market your startup without breaking the law (Chris Brown)
Do you know about CAN-SPAM? Do you know how to look up trademark records? Venture Legal and b.Legal Marketing founder Chris Brown provides a few introductory things to consider when marketing your company.
