Where Tech Startups Come Up Short.From the Journal of the Heartland Angels
By John Ortbal
Far too many start-ups in the technology sector launch a great product with distinct advantages over competitors but fail to gain a solid footing in their marketplace. One of the major reasons is lack of adequate investment in what I call a solid marketing infrastructure. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Influence, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation.
Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Characters, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Faith, Politics
by Terry Flanagan
Your next opportunity may be right under your nose. When people with common values and objectives—coachable individuals with unique expertise come together, they can deliver value in a very short timeframe. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, High Tech, Low Tech, Relationships, Startup Companies, Startups
by Tom Lemanski
From the SMART Leadership Archives
With the aid of the film, Apollo 13, let’s briefly consider the concept of failure and its role in innovation, problem solving and decision-making.
The Apollo 13 movie documents the heroic efforts of the NASA flight team in successfully returning their crew of three astronauts to earth in their ill-fated, aborted, mission to land on the moon. There’s a compelling scene where the flight engineers discuss the crippled space craft’s desperate power situation that concludes with Flight Director Gene Kranz’s (portrayed by Ed Harris as pictured at left) determined declaration:
“Failure is not an option.”
Filed under Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Influence, Low Tech, Relationships, Startups
By Bill Blaire – Private Equity Investor
As told to John Jonelis
I’m sittin’ way in the back o’ this crowd so’s I can duck outa here fast. That’s just in case this meetin’ gets outa hand like the last time. It ain’t like I don’t enjoy mixin’ it up—you know I do. Thirty years in the Local #1 boilermakers don’t make a guy soft. But if they haul me off to the lockup again, maybe they throw away the key this time. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
From the City’s Hardest Rocking Startup
by Jeff Segal – Message Therapist
What’s your favorite place to hear live music in Chicago? What makes it rock? Don’t tell me—tell Gigity.TV, a Chicago startup that live streams concerts from local venues. Continue reading
Filed under Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
John Jonelis
What happens when, instead of manufacturing a product with cheap labor overseas, you can select a design from the internet and download it the same way you purchase music and then create the product at the point of sale? Good-bye supply chain. Hello customization. Continue reading
Filed under Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
Michael Pollack of Rocket Fuel Labs
Verbatim, Part 4 – John Jonelis
“If it doesn’t work, get a bigger hammer.” – Butch Fischer, Local #1 Boilermaker Foreman.
Entrepreneurs need a wide array of management and technology talent to build truly extraordinary companies. How do you fill those gaps while remaining lean? Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
by storied business consultant, Joe Perogi,
as told to John Jonelis –
Been hearin’ complaints ‘n’ controversy about Techweek this year. People gripe so you figure there’s gotta be a good reason, right? Yeah, I hear you. Yer sayin’, where there’s smoke there’s fire. But all them critics completely miss THE HIDDEN ROOM that you and me stumple upon—the hidden room that makes this thing truly amazing. Now the dust is settled, lemme take you on a tour o’ what I seen. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Politics, Startup Companies, Startups
Michael Pollack of Rocket Fuel Labs
Verbatim, Part 3 – John Jonelis
I’m continuing a conversation with Michael Pollack, CEO of Rocket Fuel Labs at the huge 1871 space here in Chicago. We’ve covered a lot of ground and I think it’s time to get down to the business itself. Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
Michael Pollack of Rocket Fuel Labs
Verbatim, Part 2 – John Jonelis
“My firm, adamant business philosophy is that I sincerely and always want to under-promise and over-deliver.” Michael Pollack Continue reading
Filed under Biography, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
Loop Lonagan and John Jonelis
“I still sez he ain’t nothin but a well-dressed snake oil salesman. Too smooth. Too articulate. Voice too modjoo—madju—modulated. Continue reading
Filed under Characters, Conflict, Entrepreneur, High Tech, Low Tech
Controlled Design Management – Part 1
Controlled Design Management – Part 2
Controlled Design Management – Part 3
Controlled Design Management – Part 4
How Hyperlocal Social Economies Evolve
Investors Losing Patience with Pivots
Millennials are Becoming Obsolete–Already!
Chicago–the Best Incubator in America?
Driving Value When Funding Runs Low
The 10 Commandments of Startups
Your Business and Your Children
The Hidden Danger in Your Data
Underestimating the Competition
The Girl in the Black Leather Pants
The Apprentice Meets Digital Boot Camp
Fear of Failure Is Not an Option
The Secret World of 3D Printing
Fascination of a Thought Leader
If We Build it, They Will Come
Shark Tank Meets The Apprentice
The Gamemaker's Father 