Hi All,
I've been away from this blog for quite awhile and I'm planning to start writing again. I've just been extremely busy between my latest startup and other projects that I've really had no time to write about my business insights.
That said, if anyone from the audience would like to share some thoughts of their own, please contact us through the contact form about what you would like to write about and perhaps the editor can set up a guest post.
Now that I've made a brief statement about my hiatus, you all know I don't make senseless posts, so lets talk about something productive:
Many of you are curious to know how TVDeck (my startup) is doing, so I will breakdown some information for you.
-We've seen great growth in search traffic -60% of traffic now comes from search.
-We're covering local news, tracking more than 100 major U.S. cities, in a simple fashion.
-We've spent exactly $0.00 on SEO (search engine optimization).
-The statup's not profitable, yet. It's been a couple months since launch.
So what are you working on?
Tweet me and let me know.
There's A Problem...
The internet has a handful of problems, of which the biggest one is that there is a lot of good information on the web, that is not being noticed, while the spam-formation is getting too much attention. Now, this might be obvious, but it can be really irritating to a person trying to find something specific, and either not yielding any results or having to sit in front of their computer searching for 15 minutes before they find something relevant.
But there's a bigger problem inside this problem. Some information isn't properly indexed by search engines, specifically videos. Even Google's video search hasn't mastered the concept of showing very good results for a video search query.
So what's the deal?
Most, if not all of you reading this right now, know that I've been working on a new project called TVDeck. A lot of you have been eager to find out what it is all about. Today's the day you will find out what it's all about.
TVDeck cannot be defined as one simple thing. It could be classified as a video search engine, a feed reader, or a relationship-saver.
First, lets look at the aspect of video search. I started TVDeck because it was absolutely a pain whenever I was looking for relevant and recent videos on a certain topic. Sure, there's YouTube, but I couldn't always find what I was looking for, even if it was on there. And many times I came across either worthless videos or spam videos, promoting garbage. One of the goals that I have for TVDeck is to create a centralized video search engine that presents all relevant video sources and of course; spam-free- in a timely manner for the user.
One of the other uses for the site, is that it doubles as a feed reader. A lot of people are consuming varieties of internet television shows, but they need a channel guide for it. This is what TVDeck does. You can pick and choose what you want to watch or even add your own shows that might not be available on the site and have everything in one stop. When a show has a new episode up, all you do is check your MyTVDeck, and it will show you there's a new episode. Saves time.
And now, the Relationship-Saver
A lot of relationships go through road bumps, then there is the time where two people make up, but it is always tough to decide how to break the ice after a disagreement. Now, I'm not giving guarantees, but food.tvdeck.com can really amaze your significant other, even if you can't cook Mac and Cheese. You're partner can't say you never did anything sweet for them (guys) if you cook them a fancy dinner, now can they? There are a lot of great sources at food.tvdeck even if you don't know where to start.
TVDeck is a business, but it is a business that is making sense of a problem.
The web is changing. The way we consume media is changing. Remember when your grandfather used to read the paper every morning? Then your father used to. But then you started reading blogs? The future genertaion won't even read blogs. They will watch them.
Everything is becoming video based (vlogs). Personally I am starting to read less and less and watching more and more. Why? Because it's easy. Reading takes time, watching - I can do while I'm doing something else or even just listen.
I envision the future will need to make sense of web video and I'm trying to contribute to that cause- starting now.
Sign-up and get internet television, on demand.
But there's a bigger problem inside this problem. Some information isn't properly indexed by search engines, specifically videos. Even Google's video search hasn't mastered the concept of showing very good results for a video search query.
So what's the deal?
Most, if not all of you reading this right now, know that I've been working on a new project called TVDeck. A lot of you have been eager to find out what it is all about. Today's the day you will find out what it's all about.
TVDeck cannot be defined as one simple thing. It could be classified as a video search engine, a feed reader, or a relationship-saver.
First, lets look at the aspect of video search. I started TVDeck because it was absolutely a pain whenever I was looking for relevant and recent videos on a certain topic. Sure, there's YouTube, but I couldn't always find what I was looking for, even if it was on there. And many times I came across either worthless videos or spam videos, promoting garbage. One of the goals that I have for TVDeck is to create a centralized video search engine that presents all relevant video sources and of course; spam-free- in a timely manner for the user.
One of the other uses for the site, is that it doubles as a feed reader. A lot of people are consuming varieties of internet television shows, but they need a channel guide for it. This is what TVDeck does. You can pick and choose what you want to watch or even add your own shows that might not be available on the site and have everything in one stop. When a show has a new episode up, all you do is check your MyTVDeck, and it will show you there's a new episode. Saves time.
And now, the Relationship-Saver
A lot of relationships go through road bumps, then there is the time where two people make up, but it is always tough to decide how to break the ice after a disagreement. Now, I'm not giving guarantees, but food.tvdeck.com can really amaze your significant other, even if you can't cook Mac and Cheese. You're partner can't say you never did anything sweet for them (guys) if you cook them a fancy dinner, now can they? There are a lot of great sources at food.tvdeck even if you don't know where to start.
TVDeck is a business, but it is a business that is making sense of a problem.
The web is changing. The way we consume media is changing. Remember when your grandfather used to read the paper every morning? Then your father used to. But then you started reading blogs? The future genertaion won't even read blogs. They will watch them.
Everything is becoming video based (vlogs). Personally I am starting to read less and less and watching more and more. Why? Because it's easy. Reading takes time, watching - I can do while I'm doing something else or even just listen.
I envision the future will need to make sense of web video and I'm trying to contribute to that cause- starting now.
Sign-up and get internet television, on demand.
So...You Have An Idea?
Before I start I just want to say there are two types of entrepreneurs... "REAL" and "FAKE"...
1) I would never partner up with a person I have "met" through Twitter. This doesn't mean I wouldn't ever do business with a person I met throught Twitter, but not until I at least meet the person face to face. It surprises me how people constantly try to pitch to me their thoughts, starting an email with- "I found you on Twitter"...I mean...really?
2) Why would I invest in someone's idea, when they are not an engineer (coder) or designer?
3) Business people really add no value to a startup...and that is not just my opinion, it's the opinion of many. Watch this presentation if you have not already, it has a wealth of info for startup entrepreneurs.
4) Besides my own involvement in someone else's "startup" or startup idea, often times I hear entrepreneurs say they don't want to put a dime up and invest anything, especially when they are not an engineer (coder) themselves!! -- Where in the world can you find (buy) or start a business without investing a nickel? Let me know as soon as you find out! And...why would an engineer work with you when you are bringing them an idea without compensating them? Business people (again) don't bring a lot to the table. I know A LOT of engineers who can present better than business people, among other things.
5) I'm not interested in hearing talk about some half baked idea. Seriously. I get way too many of these kinds of emails as well. "Hi- I'm _____ and I have a pitch for you!" No thanks. I'm not going to let you waste my money on your "lame" idea.
I could be more negative and add a ton of more points to what this whole "I'm an MBA with an idea for an internet company" theory, but that is unnecessary.
Regardless of being a business person, an engineer, or just a regular person, if an entrepreneur is serious about starting a company, don't talk. In my opinion, they should just act. And that means being serious too.
So what do you think? I know I kind of jumped across the board on this post...but please, tell me your thoughts!
And there is a saying I have:
"EITHER BRING CAPITAL OR SKILL TO THE TABLE, DON'T COME WITHOUT ONE OR THE OTHER!"
Where To Start A Startup?
I've met so many people to this date with 'ideas' to create the next big thing on the internet, but most of them lack the knowledge to take the first step and start...well a startup. I think this presentation by Aaron Patzer is a gold mine for any entrepreneur who is taking on the startup scene.
If you don't know who Aaron Patzer is, he just sold Mint.com to Intuit for about $170 Million. So check out the video below and let me know what you think!
If you don't know who Aaron Patzer is, he just sold Mint.com to Intuit for about $170 Million. So check out the video below and let me know what you think!
What I'm Working On
I always get emails asking me about my latest projects and how I can give feedback to people who are starting up a new company, from my experience in the past. So this time I am being proactive, and letting everyone know that I'm working on a new start-up; which everyone can keep an eye on & look forward to!
There is a lot of work needed to be done before we launch the site, but it is going to be like nothing ever done before. :)
Make sure you sign up at TVDeck.com to stay updated with what is going on there. And I will post articles here more about it. If you guys have any questions you can always contact me through the contact tab or sending me an email.
Please also join us at our Facebook fan page; because we love giving out free stuff; and our Twitter profile!
Creativity and Uniqueness = Success?
A lot of crap is on the internet about creating a unique business or being creative with your business endeavors, but nobody wants to hear that, so I won't talk about it. Instead, I will talk about a company that many probably don't know about, but this company is bringing in millions ($) in revenues.
The company is DNA 11. I just recently heard about the company and thought I should share it with everyone that reads this blog. The company was highlighted by Forbes, as one of many secret million dollar businesses, but that isn't even the amazing part. The company basically started in an apartment, with the two founders working with tools at their disposal. DNA 11 takes a little cheek swab and makes it into a piece of art for its customers.
Now imagine starting a business like DNA 11, it was started for $2,000, reported by Forbes. Now a days people think it takes ten's of thousands or hundreds to start something that will give a million dollar; plus revenue stream. Which is not the case. People just need to focus on what hasn't been done, which can be done for relatively less than say starting the next social network...
I'm not one to preach about "getting off your butt and working towards your dream," but I am one to say that with a little creativity and passion, there's no reason that an average Joe can't find something to turn into a business. Take the sock guy for example. He is making millions selling socks to people.
But back to DNA 11, aside from the success of the business or how they started- think about the PROFITABILITY! Because after all- it's the bottom line that put's money in business owners pockets...or takes money away from them.
Aside from doing a little DNA work and printing costs, the little customer service involved, if any- it's all PROFIT! Look at their website- play around with prices and sizes and you will see what I am talking about. It's brilliant!
And the beauty is that there is internet involved. Maybe they didn't start on the internet, but instead in the real world, and then took their company online. Nonetheless, the internet has empowered them to take a leap and bring in the big bucks and supply personalized and unique artwork to the world!
The very bottom line is that I love what this company does and as soon as I find the right spot for my own DNA portrait, I'm probably going to get one for myself! (Of course the biggest one available) I thought about putting one in my room, so I could stare at my DNA pattern all the time.
So tell me- Do you have any crazy business ideas? Are you going to attempt to create a business out of something very different? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on DNA 11, also. Please, share your opinions.
The company is DNA 11. I just recently heard about the company and thought I should share it with everyone that reads this blog. The company was highlighted by Forbes, as one of many secret million dollar businesses, but that isn't even the amazing part. The company basically started in an apartment, with the two founders working with tools at their disposal. DNA 11 takes a little cheek swab and makes it into a piece of art for its customers.
Now imagine starting a business like DNA 11, it was started for $2,000, reported by Forbes. Now a days people think it takes ten's of thousands or hundreds to start something that will give a million dollar; plus revenue stream. Which is not the case. People just need to focus on what hasn't been done, which can be done for relatively less than say starting the next social network...
I'm not one to preach about "getting off your butt and working towards your dream," but I am one to say that with a little creativity and passion, there's no reason that an average Joe can't find something to turn into a business. Take the sock guy for example. He is making millions selling socks to people.
But back to DNA 11, aside from the success of the business or how they started- think about the PROFITABILITY! Because after all- it's the bottom line that put's money in business owners pockets...or takes money away from them.
Aside from doing a little DNA work and printing costs, the little customer service involved, if any- it's all PROFIT! Look at their website- play around with prices and sizes and you will see what I am talking about. It's brilliant!
And the beauty is that there is internet involved. Maybe they didn't start on the internet, but instead in the real world, and then took their company online. Nonetheless, the internet has empowered them to take a leap and bring in the big bucks and supply personalized and unique artwork to the world!
The very bottom line is that I love what this company does and as soon as I find the right spot for my own DNA portrait, I'm probably going to get one for myself! (Of course the biggest one available) I thought about putting one in my room, so I could stare at my DNA pattern all the time.
So tell me- Do you have any crazy business ideas? Are you going to attempt to create a business out of something very different? I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on DNA 11, also. Please, share your opinions.
How is Your Ecosystem?
Whether you work for someone or you run your own company, you should ask: "How is the ecosystem of my company?" The whole ecosystem consists of everything A-Z from pens and pencils that the company owns to the staff, suppliers, partners, etc. If a company is being ran across the board with a quality ecosystem, chances are that the company is more stable.
A lot of entrepreneurs put off minor problems or issues they face, which leads to big pot holes in the ecosystem, bringing down the quality of the whole network. It doesn't matter whether "Joe" is running a $10,000 company or a $100,000,000 company, he better make sure that his ecosystem is healthy or he is going to face problems from every direction.
"Things done right"
What the heck does that mean? I know numerous entrepreneurs who are running small companies and take shortcuts, but it all ends up affecting their ecosystem. Five years into the future when "Joe" is running that same company worth $10k previously, that small issue might turn into a big situation.
"The right staff"
It is tough for all entrepreneurs to find a great staff, at startup pay, but it isn't possible. A lot of entrepreneurs look to save in the short run or hire the underdogs, but that all plays out to a weaker ecosystem. If "average" employees are pumping out "average" work, that equates to an "average" company. Average doesn't cut it in this day and age.
"The right partnerships"
We all face this question regardless of any business we run. A partnership can range from which staff members work on what project or it can mean which people are on the advisory board of the company, or even companies that work with your company to get things done. If these bonds are weak, it hurts the ecosystem.
Sometimes there are ways to cut back and take route "B" instead of "A" and other times it will only make sense to take that route if an entrepreneur is willing to face a bigger pothole in the future. It doesn't always mean that there will be trouble, but in a company's infant days, if things are contributing "softly" to the ecosystem, it is hard to change course and make it a quality ecosystem in the future.
A lot of entrepreneurs put off minor problems or issues they face, which leads to big pot holes in the ecosystem, bringing down the quality of the whole network. It doesn't matter whether "Joe" is running a $10,000 company or a $100,000,000 company, he better make sure that his ecosystem is healthy or he is going to face problems from every direction.
"Things done right"
What the heck does that mean? I know numerous entrepreneurs who are running small companies and take shortcuts, but it all ends up affecting their ecosystem. Five years into the future when "Joe" is running that same company worth $10k previously, that small issue might turn into a big situation.
"The right staff"
It is tough for all entrepreneurs to find a great staff, at startup pay, but it isn't possible. A lot of entrepreneurs look to save in the short run or hire the underdogs, but that all plays out to a weaker ecosystem. If "average" employees are pumping out "average" work, that equates to an "average" company. Average doesn't cut it in this day and age.
"The right partnerships"
We all face this question regardless of any business we run. A partnership can range from which staff members work on what project or it can mean which people are on the advisory board of the company, or even companies that work with your company to get things done. If these bonds are weak, it hurts the ecosystem.
Sometimes there are ways to cut back and take route "B" instead of "A" and other times it will only make sense to take that route if an entrepreneur is willing to face a bigger pothole in the future. It doesn't always mean that there will be trouble, but in a company's infant days, if things are contributing "softly" to the ecosystem, it is hard to change course and make it a quality ecosystem in the future.
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