006: 4 Keys to a Scalable Startup with Venture Capital Author, Paul Ahlstrom

The mentor dynamic is a key component of success, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. Too many entrepreneurs embrace the "lone-wolf" strategy with a fierce independence and desire to grind it out alone. The reality is that every entrepreneurial success story is built upon a network of relationships, advocates, mentors, and supporters.  "No individual has sufficient experience, education, native ability, and knowledge to ensure the accumulation of a great fortune without the cooperation of other people."-Napoleon Hill

23 Juni 201716min

Narrowing your startup into a specific niche might seem counter-intuitive in the early stages of development. "What if I get it wrong?" "How can I possibly say no to willing customers?" This is a narrative familiar to most founders, especially during the pivotal stages of validation. The truth is that finding a niche is the only way to differentiate yourself in today's noisy market. Playing it safe just doesn't work anymore, and my guest, Nick Wood shares how hard work, sales mastery, and a passion for entrepreneurship have evolved into a niche platform known as Kholo.  Talking Points  The value of hard work - Setting big goals and how to double down.  Making the transition from sales to entrepreneurship How to convert a customer pain into a viable startup Validating your solution through customers and channel partners Finding your niche - embracing feedback and being willing to pivot Knowing your strengths and how to leverage them How to create messaging that resonates with your customer Sales challenges of entrepreneurship

20 Juni 201732min

This might be the perfect case study on the topic of crowdfunding and the lean startup. My guest is Bryson Hill, co-founder and CEO of Daplie, a startup that offers the internet's first personal at-home cloud server that anyone can set up and use. Their mantra is to "Take back the internet" and Bryson joins us to share the exciting trajectory that is going to fundamentally change the internet.  Daplie is also the first company to launch simultaneous equity and reward crowdfunding campaigns. On this episode, we are going to dig into the founding story of Daplie in context of the lean startup method. We’ll talk about the pros and con’s of crowdfunding, and the secret sauce that has enabled Daplie to hit a grand slam in their first inning!

13 Juni 201737min

“More than 90% of startups fail, due primarily to self-destruction rather than competition. For the less than 10% of startups that do succeed, most encounter several near death experiences along the way.”  - Startup Genome This week, we take a closer look at the causes of startup failure. Considering that 70% of failures are attributed to premature scaling, it's imperative that entrepreneurs understand the startup framework as well as the red flags and warning signs of premature scaling.   For more information, visit www.salesfounders.com/blog

9 Juni 201714min

Episode Summary  Entrepreneurship seems to be commonly associated with stigma of crazy hours, high stress, and a constant need for multi-tasking. Ironically, these are three of the most devastating forces to your productivity and success. The reality is that most of us misuse the the most powerful asset we have - our brain! James Garrett is the creator of Brain by Design, a coaching and consulting company that translates what scientists know about the brain into practical tools that anyone can use to increase their creativity, decrease stress, and be more productive. James joins us this week to explore the brain-science of entrepreneurship and tackle 7 commonly adopted myths of entrepreneurship and explain how to leverage the power of your brain to boost productivity, creativity, and success. Talking Points On this episode we discuss: Why hard work is not always the best way to ensure productivity. Understanding the executive and creative modes of your brain. How your Brain reacts to Stress.  The power of meditation.  Flow states and time management.  The myth of multitasking Decision fatigue and micro decisions

6 Juni 201739min

This week, we take a closer look at the stages of startup growth. Entrepreneurs who discipline themselves to follow proven methods of validation and growth can drastically reduce the threats of premature scaling. In episode 1, Paul Ahlstrom suggested that "premature scaling is often a result of doing many of the right things, in the wrong order." Join us as we explore the objectives and blindspots that face entrepreneurs in each stage, as well as the resources available to help you define your startup roadmap.    For more information, visit www.salesfounders.com

2 Juni 201717min

One of the biggest hurdles facing entrepreneurs is raising capital! It's hard enough to decode the red tape and fine print of most investment vehicles, not to mention the unlikely chance you will find yourself in a position where the amount of equity or "skin" required justifies the capital offered. With over $531 billion dollars funding startups in the US each year, it's time we explore some strategies to give some leverage to entrepreneurs.     My guest this week, Leo Kanell, is the founder of Fundwise capital and author of the business funding formula. Leo is passionate about providing funding tools, startup education and growth solutions for entrepreneurs. Leo and his team have helped secure over $150 Million in funding for clients across the country. The best part, is his strategies are focused on helping entrepreneurs retain equity and control of their companies. On this episode, Leo walks through the common pitfalls of early stage funding and explains how he helps entrepreneurs gain the understanding and tools that will help them scale into revenue.  For more information visit www.salesfounders.com/blog

31 Maj 201739min

Who you are is a direct result of the questions you ask! Asking is at the foundation of every great opportunity. The problem is that most people aren't thinking big enough. There is a limitless supply of success, fortune, abundance, and happiness all around you. The only way to get it, is to ask for it.  "Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers." –Tony Robbins For more information, visit us at www.salesfounders.com/blog

26 Maj 201712min