The Lean Canvas John Jonelis Remember when you wrote that 50 page business plan—the one that nobody actually read? Well, you never have to do it again! Now you can put it all on ONE PAGE. It’s called the BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS, a.k.a. the LEAN CANVAS. It’s fast. It’s visual. It’s a living document. It’s the new tool of choice among startups, big business, and major universities. I’m at my old school, taking in the big , all-day "entrepreneur@nu" conference and they just … [Read more...]
Startups Should Foster The Best Possible Work Environments
May 18, 2013 By 1 Comment
As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve started a number of successful companies and each had a unique feel (even though many were in the same industry). The specific work environment of each was different too. Creating the best possible workplace for each company was an important priority to me. It’s easy to overlook the work environment when starting a company, but I’ve found it to be a key factor in a business’ success. When thinking about the type of environment I wanted for my … [Read more...]
THE TWO LAWS
May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
IMSA Kids at MIT Enterprise Forum John Jonelis From a special correspondent - Mark T. Wayne: Frankly sir, I am flabbergasted! This is something beyond my experience! Think of it. High school students turned serious entrepreneurs. These are children in suit and tie—teams of them politely waiting to speak in turn without interrupting the others. Not so much as a spit wad—do you hear me? Not one! That in itself is cause for more than casual interest. And no fluff here, sir! These kids seek … [Read more...]
WHAT’S CLEAN
May 1, 2013 By
Impact Engine - Part 6 John Jonelis ~ VERBATIM from a special correspondent ~ Loop Lonagan here. I’m at a place where my natural greed ‘n’ avarice can do some good fer dis poor worn-out world. This is the Chicago CleanTech Competition—what you might call a race between high-tech global janitorial services. Ten distinguished judges will pick the best o’ da best—companies that’re really doin’ somethin’ to deal with the mess we’re makin’ outa our little corner o' … [Read more...]
7 Tips’s From A Winner
January 19, 2013 By
Funding Feeding Frenzy - Part 5 John Jonelis VERBATIM transcript of Loop Lonagan’s recorded notes. Loop Lonagan here. I’m gonna go full circle at dis Funding Feeding Frenzy. No, I ain’t drunk—well maybe I am by now—but what I mean is, I’m goin’ back to the start o' this event. After all that stuff I already talked about, I’m finally gettin’ ‘round to the first speaker at the FFF—Palette App—the company that won last time. Like I said, I seen the pitch … [Read more...]
Are You Thinking Too #Small and Dooming Your Small #Business To #Failure? @fbsmallbiz @ATTSmallBiz
January 18, 2013 By
Summary: One problem that many small business owners run into is simply thinking too small. I often have readers writing to me asking for helping getting their business ideas off the ground. I also often hear from folks who have run their small businesses into the ground. There are five key areas where you can think too small -- and doom your business to failure. Niche Too Small Is your niche too small? Finding a small market to target with your business is key to success, but … [Read more...]
SHARK TANK MEETS THE APPRENTICE
November 23, 2012 By
Funding Feeding Frenzy - Part 1 John Jonelis The big Funding Feeding Frenzy is almost upon us again. Loop Lonogan covered this event last time and here’s his transcript—verbatim: Loop Lonagan here. I’m at the Funding Feeding Frenzy 'n' there must be more'n 1000 people here and lots more goin' in and out all day. If you wanna see what’s happening in the Chicago Startup Community, this is the place to be and you can do it all in one single day. But don’t ferget—there’s sharks … [Read more...]
THE POLITICS OF INVESTING
November 4, 2012 By
The Chicago Innovation Awards – Part 4 John Jonelis I’m at 40,000 feet on Loren Bukkett’s Gulfstream G450 trying to squeeze out his views on two accolades at the Chicago Innovation Awards—the ones they gave to Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel. So far Loren is holding out on me. I splash the last of the Hennessy into our snifters when this doggerel runs through my head: Loren pontificates that prizes to politicians will puncture their perfect performance and I ponder what … [Read more...]
THE SECRET OF HARD TIMES
October 29, 2012 By
The Chicago Innovation Awards – Part 1 John Jonelis I’m talking to investing legend, Loren Bukkett—the Prophet of Pekin, immediately after a big event in Chicago. “Twelve whole years,” he says. “A hundred percent of their winners are all still in business. And tonight they break that perfect record.” He’s talking about the winners of the Chicago Innovation Awards and he’s got my attention. Which companies are going down? This guy is seemingly unassuming. Uncombed hair. … [Read more...]
The Skilled Entrepreneur
August 2, 2012 By
How does a good entrepreneur succeed in todays world? Simple, they make things people want to buy. The challenging part is to be selfless and open your mind to new ideas. You will actually need to get inside the head of your consumer to find out what he or she wants in a product. This will require you to think of one simple question to ask "What is it I can do for you?" Think of ways you will be able to help first and take second. … [Read more...]
