Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

por Mary Scott

Emprendimiento Mercadotecnia

Temporada 2025

Maiko Sakai - Use a Quiz to Generate Leads

https://maikosakai.com https://businessriff.com Maiko Sakai from Airtight Concepts talks about Using Quizes to Generate Leads for Startups Quiz Design Strategies for Startups Mary and Maiko discussed the differences between quizzes and surveys, emphasizing that quizzes focus on the user's experience while surveys focus on organizational data. Maiko advised startups to create engaging quizzes tailored to their business model, suggesting educational quizzes for SaaS companies and product recommendation quizzes for physical product startups. She recommended talking to potential customers to understand their needs and using 7-13 questions to create distinct archetypes. Maiko also advised against intuitive quiz creation processes and recommended starting from the desired outcomes, using the MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) concept to ensure comprehensive and non-overlapping results. Quiz Project Collaboration Discussion Mary and Maiko discussed Maiko's expertise in creating quizzes and audits for startups, with Mary expressing interest in hiring Maiko for a quiz project. Maiko offered to provide a PDF blueprint and conduct a quick audit, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaboration. Free 10-Step Quiz Creation Blueprint: https://maikosakai.com https://linkedin.com/in/maikosakai https://x.com/maikosakaibiz https://threads.net/maikosakaibiz

Maartje van Krieken - Managing Chaos for Startups

Maartje van Krieken from The Chaos Games Consulting talks about 'turning business chaos around" The main topic of their discussion was to provide tips to startups on how to prioritize and increase productivity amidst chaos. Decision-Making Hygiene in Startups In the meeting, Mary and Maartje discussed the importance of decision-making hygiene in startups. Maartje emphasized the need for clear decision-making frameworks, such as the Stanford method, to avoid biases and make informed decisions. She also highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholders' decision-making processes and tailoring pitches accordingly. Mary agreed, noting that startups often struggle with focus and the need for multiple pitch decks. Maartje offered her services as a mentor for further guidance, and Mary encouraged startups to reach out to her for support. They also discussed the importance of decision-making hygiene in startups, with Maartje emphasizing the need for clear decision-making frameworks and understanding stakeholders' decision-making processes. Mary agreed, noting that startups often struggle with focus and the need for multiple pitch decks, and Maartje offered her services as a mentor for further guidance.

Chukwudum Chukwudebelu - the Developmental stages of a Startup

Chukwudum Chukwudebelu from the ChumEffect talk about the Developmental stages of a Startup Developmental Stages for Startups Mary and Chumze discussed the concept of developmental stages for startups, with Chumze sharing his personal experience of launching a business prematurely and reflecting on his mistakes. Chumze explained that businesses go through different stages, like babies, toddlers, teenagers, and adults, and each stage requires a different approach. He emphasized the importance of managing expectations and understanding the life cycle of a business. Chumze also mentioned that he has written a book on this topic and plans to write more series in the future. Aligning Expectations in Business Integration Mary and Chumze discussed the importance of understanding a business's unique needs and style of integration into the world, likening it to raising a baby. They emphasized the need for support, resources, and skills when starting a business, and the importance of aligning expectations. Chumze shared his personal experience of losing money in his first business and rebuilding it with the help of his older brother. They also discussed the need for financial mentors and the allocation of time for a business when working a 9-to-5 job. Chumze highlighted the crucial phase of hiring the first employee, which can make or break a business. .Business Growth Stages: Baby to Adult Mary and Chumze discussed the growth stages of a business, likening it to a person's life. They agreed that a business is like a baby when it's just starting, with a focus on structure and systems. As the business grows, it becomes like a teenager, making money but lacking operational structure, and finally, it becomes an adult, with a solid foundation and ability to expand quickly. Chumze emphasized the importance of having a system in place for adult companies, making them easier to consult for. Mary appreciated the analogy and Chumze's approach to business growth. Chumze also shared his book's website, https://businessasababy.com.

Shawni Jackson - the WBENC Certification Program

Shawni Jackson from the Women's Business Development Center talks about WBENC certification for women-owned startups WBENC Certification for Women-Owned Businesses Mary Scott from BusinessRiff and Shawnee Jackson from the Women's Business Development Center discussed the importance of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification for women-owned businesses. Shawnee explained that the certification provides access to government contracts and subcontracts, and that it is an asset that helps businesses compete. She also mentioned that the certification requires a business to be 51% or more female-owned and involves some documentation. Shawnee further discussed the services offered by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), including cohorts, regional meetings, and Kiva loaning. She also highlighted the importance of the Kiva funding program for startups. https://wbenc.org https://wbdc.org

Mel Lambert - Best Kept Library Secrets for Startups

Mel Lambert from the Kirkwood Public Library talks about Library Resources for Startups Mary Scott and Mel Lambert discussed the resources available at public libraries for startups, emphasizing the importance of asking librarians for information and the availability of industry data, market analytics, and digital resources. Mary also encouraged startups to book a call with her Library Resources for Startups Mary Scott and Mel Lambert discussed the resources available at public libraries for startups. Mel emphasized the importance of asking librarians for information, as they know where to find it. They highlighted the availability of industry data, market analytics, and digital resources like Statista and Ibis World. Mel also mentioned the library's role as a connector in the community, providing access to conference rooms and meeting spaces. They discussed the availability of digital books, apps, and skills-up products like LinkedIn Learning. Mel also mentioned the library's provision of equipment like scanners, printers, and even outdoor screens for events. The conversation concluded with the suggestion to use librarians as Google experts to find relevant and good information. https://kplmo.org/

Pooja Arshanapally - AI Prompts for Web Content

Pooja Arshanapally from The Content Repurposer talks about AI prompts for Startup Content Quick recap The meeting focused on the use of AI prompts for startups to create content, with Pooja sharing her experience and insights on developing an AI tool for generating website copy. Pooja emphasized the importance of starting small, using AI for repetitive tasks, and understanding the market through personal experience and client feedback. The discussion concluded with Pooja mentioning her upcoming AI prompt writer product launch. SummaryAI Prompts for Startups Content In the meeting, Mary and Pooja discussed the use of AI prompts for startups to create content. Pooja shared her experience of creating a tool that generates website copy based on market research questions. She emphasized the importance of starting small and using AI for repetitive tasks. Pooja also suggested that AI should not be used for market research questions as it lacks the personal experience of the individual. The conversation ended with Pooja sharing her tool's compatibility with various AI chatbots and the importance of understanding the market by asking past clients about their perception of the service provider. Pooja's AI Prompt Writer Launch Pooja discussed her upcoming launch of an AI prompt writer product, which will also include email and social media copy. She encouraged attendees to connect with her on LinkedIn for any questions. Mary thanked Pooja for her participation AI Prompt Writer Product - https://hi.switchy.io/AIPromptWriter Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pooja-arshanapally/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.content.repurposer/ Website - https://thecontentrepurposer.com/ Email - hello@thecontentrepurposer.com (if you have any questions)

Carmen Williams - Let Go and Delegate

Carmen Williams from Global Teams talks about How to Actually Let Go & Delegate Delegation for Business Success Carmen Williams from Global Teams discussed the importance of delegation for business success, particularly for startups. She shared her personal experience of hiring a virtual assistant to handle LinkedIn marketing, which helped her focus on discussions and ideas. Carmen emphasized the need for a detail-oriented and organized person to support business owners, and advised against delegating the strategy. She also highlighted the importance of scoping the right role and selecting the right person for the task. Mary Scott from BusinessRiff agreed with Carmen's points and encouraged startups to book a call with her for further assistance. https://globalteams.com.au

Laura Burkemper - Pain Storming & other techniques for Startups

https://businessriff.com https://scaleblazer.com Laura Burkemper from ScaleBlazer talks about Pain Storming & other ways to approach a challenge Mary and Laura discussed various brainstorming and problem-solving techniques, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and teamwork in entrepreneurship. They highlighted the significance of these techniques in identifying unique solutions to existing problems in the market. Laura also stressed the importance of having a strong network and product-market fit for business success. Brainstorming Techniques for Entrepreneurial Success In the meeting, Mary and Laura discussed various techniques for brainstorming and problem-solving, including painstorming, the SCAMPER model, and SWOT analysis. SCAMPER stands for Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse or Rearrange. They emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives and teamwork in entrepreneurship, and how these techniques can help identify unique solutions to existing problems in the market. Laura also highlighted the significance of having a strong network and product-market fit for business success.

Regina Crandall - Library Events & Resources for Startups

Regina Crandall from the St. Louis County Library talks about Small Business & Nonprofit Conference Regina and Mary discussed the benefits of attending the St. Louis County Library's small business and nonprofit conference, highlighting the library's extensive business resources, networking opportunities, and community building. They also discussed upcoming conferences and events, with Regina mentioning a conference in St. Louis. And the business resources of libraries are available nationwide, so Startups should take full advantage of their local libraries, particularly if they have a Business Center. St. Louis County Library Conference Benefits Regina and Mary discussed the benefits of attending the St. Louis County Library's small business and nonprofit conference. Regina highlighted the library's extensive business resources, including free access to industry trends, best practices, and essential skills, as well as local experts. She emphasized the importance of networking and community building at the conference, and the opportunity to interact with other startups. Mary agreed, noting the value of in-person interaction and the opportunity to access resources that would otherwise be costly. Regina also mentioned the library's one-on-one assistance program, "Book a Librarian," and the availability of research databases for market research. Mary suggested that people could use these resources to create a business plan. Upcoming Conferences and Event Planning Regina and Mary discussed upcoming conferences and events. Regina mentioned a conference in St. Louis on October 8th, 9th, and 10th, with sessions on the 8th and 9th at the New Clark family branch and a virtual session on the 10th. Tuesday, May 13, 9:30-12:30 STL BizConnect: Linking Entrepreneurs to Resources At this business resource fair, connect and engage with organizations in the St. Louis area entrepreneurial ecosystem to learn about free or low cost support and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners. Adults. No registration required.

Josh Dix - Stay Sane Wearing All the Hats

https://www.joshdixcounseling.com/career-and-workplace-challenges https://www.joshdixcounseling.com/training Josh Dix from LeadershipXD talks about Staying Sane Wearing All the Hats Mary Scott and Josh Dix discussed the challenges of wearing multiple hats in a startup, emphasizing the importance of mindset shifts, delegating tasks, and maintaining a healthy relationship with work. They also highlighted the significance of self-care, setting boundaries, and recognizing signs of burnout in maintaining a healthy work environment. Maintaining Sanity in Entrepreneurial Chaos Mary and Josh discussed the challenges of wearing multiple hats in a startup, particularly for founders. Josh emphasized the importance of mindset shifts, such as delegating tasks and trusting others, to prevent burnout. He also highlighted the need for a healthy relationship with work and a sense of self outside of work. The conversation focused on strategies for maintaining sanity and balance in a demanding entrepreneurial environment. Work-Life Balance and Burnout Prevention Josh Dix and Mary discussed the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in their work. JD emphasized the need to manage pace and volume of work, and to recognize signs of burnout such as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of self-efficacy. He also highlighted the significance of healthy conflict resolution and communication in maintaining a healthy work environment. Mary agreed, suggesting the need for setting office hours and having a dedicated workspace to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Mary concludes the interview with Josh Dix, thanking him for his advice and mentioning that contact information will be provided in the comments. She then promotes her own services at https://businessriff.com, encouraging startups to book a call with her for success.

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