It started over a year ago when I was asked if the current business economic climate was a good time to start up a Startup. Reflexively I answered yes. When asked why, I had to think about a bit and justify my quick reply. I responded that there were three reasons why it was a good time; 1) Because of the Internet, 2) Because of the Internet and finally, 3) Because of the Internet. 1) Whenever anyone has a great idea for something new and different, then its time is now and on the Internet that time can pass all too quickly when someone else with the same idea beats you to the market. 2) That due to the ubiquity of the Internet, building, launching, promoting and sustaining a business has never been easier to realize and enjoy. 3) Thanks to the technology and the services and tools that are available on the Internet to anyone and everyone, a business can be built overnight. The costs of a store front (web site), business services (SaaS based tools), market awareness and visibility and marketing reach (through Internet virtual sources and social networks), the lack of costly professional services (online access to such services) necessary to get started and to stay in business make starting a new business available to the next person with a great idea, a few dollars and the passion to see it through. Ten years ago it would have taken 10's of thousands of dollars to get a business started. Today it is easier than ever but it still requires the passions of the business founder to see it through. It has to become a love affair.
It has been just that; a love affair, for me several times in my career and along the way I picked up "Ways" to love your startup. In fact along the way I have picked up 50 "ways" to love your startup that became the book I have recently written. Each way represents a chapter on some phase of the development and support of a startup. But when it came time to number and name my chapters I realized that a book on how to build and succeed with a startup had no place for Chapters; at least a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 11; there are enough of those that occur without the help of a book. So each section of the book became a Way and 50 of them became 50 Ways to Love Your Startup. With a bit of humor and serious topics and suggestions my hopes for the book were to lead the reader through a step-by-step direction and considerations about creating and running a startup. Whether the book is read Chapter to Chapter, or Way to Way as I put it or as needed from time to time over the evolution of a startup my hopes are that this book could act as a reference guide of sorts and help answer questions or fill holes as the business takes shape. So this is a romance book for those who love their startup and the idea behind it and are prepared to enter into a business life changing relationship. This Blog then is a way to keep the channels open week to week as each Way is discussed and others share their thoughts about those 50 Ways to Love Your Startup. In short (or probably the long of it) over the next 50 weeks each Way will be put forth for open discussion. I hope you choose to become a part of it.
One more thing about the title of the book. It might sound similar to a Simon and Garfunkel song from the 70's; 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover. Paul Simon offered the following in the chorus:
You just slip out the back, Jack
Make a new plan, Stan
You don't need to be coy, Roy
Just get yourself free
Hop on the bus, Gus
You don't need to discuss much
Just drop off the key, Lee
And get yourself free
See anything wrong with the title and the chorus? Depending on how you count them, the chorus only offers five specific Ways to leave your lover. The chorus isn't even sung ten times to get you to the title of the song. My book and this Blog will deliver; 50 Ways to Love Your Startup. Starting next week and for the next 50 weeks we will explore those 50 ways. Next week we kick it off, with Way 1. It's about the big idea behind a startup; What's It About, Scout? In the interim you can jump ahead, visit Amazon.com and search for 50 Ways to Love Your Startup or click;
50 Ways To lo50 Ways to Love Your Startupve Your Startup
Buy the book and get ahead of the game and even this Blog. Let me know what you're thinking and what's on your mind. Become part of my Blog. Share what you know, Joe.
