What started out as an unknown editorial adventure back in March 2011 (launching the Red Rocket blog), has resulted in my writing 101 Startup Lessons--An Entrepreneur's Handbook for executives of aspiring startups. This is my small contribution back to the startup ecosystem which has treated me so well over the years. The next adventure will be getting it published! Keep this list handy, as your future business needs arise. And, thanks for forwarding this list to your entrepreneurial friends that you think may also benefit from such lessons.
Below are the 101 Startup Lessons (sorted by major business topic):
STRATEGY
Lesson #1: Drivers of Success for Startups. Do I Have a Good Idea?
Lesson #7: Key Components for Writing a Business Plan
Lesson #11: Considering Incubators or Accelerators for Your Startup
Lesson #12: How to Structure Your Board of Directors or Advisory Board
Lesson #17: Pitfalls to Avoid When Joining Someone Else's Startup
Lesson #19: How to Identify Your Competition
Lesson #37: The Plusses and Minuses of Franchising
Lesson #38: Things to Consider When Buying a Business
Lesson #43: Examples of Barriers to Entry For Your Business
Lesson #45: Find a Business Mentor or Business Coach
Lesson #63: Determining Exit Options for Your Startup
Lesson #64: How to Find Buyers for Your Business
Lesson #65: How to Structure the Sale of Your Business
Lesson #81: Considerations for Global Expansion
Lesson #96: Vertical vs. Horizontal Growth Options
Lesson #100: The Definitive Checklist for Startup Success
GENERAL BUSINESS
Lesson #3: The Importance of Timing & Luck for Your Startup
Lesson #8: Startups Require Flexibility to Optimize Business Model
Lesson #28: Expect the Unexpected -- Always Have a Cushion
Lesson #29: No Matter How Bad it Gets, Persistence Wins
Lesson #31: The Power of a Pivot -- Thinking Out of the Box
Lesson #39: The Art of Negotiation
Lesson #40: Focus! Focus! Focus! Build One Business at a Time.
Lesson #47: The Importance of Networking
Lesson #50: Do What You Love!! Passion Drives Success.
Lesson #71: Launch Fast! Fail Fast!
Lesson #85: Tap Into Your Local Startup Ecosystem
Lesson #86: Perception Often Outshines Reality
Lesson #87: The Art of Decision Making
Lesson #90: Proper Business Etiquette for Startups
Lesson #92: Building Your Personal Brand
SALES & MARKETING
Lesson #6: Structuring Strategic Partnerships for Your Startup
Lesson #20: Setting Product & Pricing Strategy for Your Startup
Lesson #21: Setting a Sales & Marketing Plan for Your Startup
Lesson #22: How to Calculate ROI on Your Marketing Spend
Lesson #23: How to Design Effective Advertising Copy & Creatives
Lesson #24: How to Choose a Name for Your Startup
Lesson #25: How to Structure Your Sales Team & Procedures
Lesson #26: Designing Sales Incentives to Motivate Your Sales Team
Lesson #44: The Importance of Blogging
Lesson #48: Trade Show Strategies for Startups
Lesson #52: Viral Marketing Via Social Media
Lesson #53: Search Engine Marketing Strategies
Lesson #54: Incorporate Video Into Your Marketing Efforts
Lesson #68: Mobile Apps & Location-Based Services
Lesson #69: The Marketing Power of Free Publicity
Lesson #72: The 10 Basics of Website Design
Lesson #74: Brand Building for Your Startup
Lesson #77: The Basics of Email Marketing
Lesson #79: Determining Customer Lifetime Value
Lesson #88: The Basics of Online Display Ads
Lesson #95: The Basics of Telemarketing
Lesson #98: Securing a Government Contract
Lesson #99: The Basics of Direct Mail Marketing
FINANCE
Lesson #4: How to Raise Capital for Your Startup
Lesson #5: Finding Angel Investors for Your Startup
Lesson #10: How Best to Approach VC's or Angel Investors
Lesson #27: How VC's Define a Backable Management Team
Lesson #32: How to Value Your Startup Business
Lesson #49: How to Get a Loan, or Not!!
Lesson #61: Set Up Proper Accounting Controls
Lesson #66: Preparing for a Due Diligence Process
Lesson #67: Managing Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable
Lesson #78: How to Build a Budget
Lesson #97: Securing a Small Business Grant
HUMAN RESOURCES
Lesson #2: Building The Right Team for Your Startup
Lesson #9: Spreading Equity to Key Employees & Partners
Lesson #13: Creating the Right Culture for Your Startup
Lesson #14: The Role of a Startup CEO
Lesson #15: Hands-On vs. Hands-Off Management of Startups
Lesson #16: The Plusses & Minuses of Virtual Employees
Lesson #18: The Right Work-Life Balance for a Startup
Lesson #30: When to Hire Employees vs. Contractors vs. Crowdsources
Lesson #34: How Best to Recruit Employees For Your Startup
Lesson #35: How to Read Resumes & Screen Employee Candidates
Lesson #42: Is Working With Family Members a Good Idea?
Lesson #51: No Public Displays of Rejection
Lesson #55: Creating a Healthy Office Environment
Lesson #58: How to Determine Employee Compensation
Lesson #59: Determining Employee Benefits for Your Startup
Lesson #60: Importance of Employee Handbooks
Lesson #75: How to Implement Layoffs
Lesson #76: How to Implement an Employee Change
Lesson #83: Startup Roles & Responsibilities
Lesson #93: Make Your Employees Feel Appreciated
OPERATIONS & ADMINISTRATION
Lesson #33: The Importance of Customer Service
Lesson #41: Security Considerations for Your Startup
Lesson #56: Frequent Legal Questions of Startups
Lesson #62: Insurance Protection for Startups
Lesson #70: Protect Your Intellectual Property
Lesson #73: Consumer Usability Testing
Lesson #80: Pitfalls to Avoid When Reeling in the Whale
Lesson #82: Project Management & Prioritization
TECHNOLOGY
Lesson #36: Picking the Best Technology for Your Web Startup
OTHER
Lesson #46: 23 Motivational Quotes for Entrepreneurs
Lesson #57: Required Reading for Startup Entrepreneurs
Lesson #84: Lady Gaga--An Entrepreneurial Case Study
Lesson #89: Startup Lessons from Scrabble
Lesson #91: My Entrepreneurial Heroes
Lesson #94: Netflix--A User Experience Meltdown
Lesson #101: The Plusses & Minuses of Entrepreneurship
For future lessons, please follow me at: www.twitter.com/georgedeeb
