Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

di Mary Scott

Imprenditoria Marketing

Stagione 2025

Michael Berlingo - Student Interns for Startups

https://starteryou.com Michael Berlingo from Starteryou talks about using Students as a Resource for Startups. Student Resources for Startup Success Mary and Michael discussed the benefits of using students as a resource for startups. Michael explained that students are eager, passionate, and can be shaped and molded to develop various skills beyond their initial role. He emphasized that students can be turned into versatile generalists, which is valuable for startups with small employee sizes and budgets. They also discussed how Starter U, Michael's organization, trains students in multiple areas of development to prepare them for various roles in the tech industry. Student Employment Platform Opportunities Michael and Mary discussed the benefits and potential roles for students working on a platform focused on student employment, particularly in marketing and tech-related positions. Michael highlighted the advantages of remote work for students, including managing social media, creating content, and serving as student ambassadors. Mary suggested using students for beta testing and market research, while Michael agreed and emphasized students' adaptability and proficiency with tools like AI. Starter U: Student Internship Platform Mary and Michael discussed the features of Starter U, a platform that connects students with employers for internships. They explained that students can search for investors, create pitch decks, and find internships, both paid and unpaid. Michael noted that Starter U lists whether internships are paid or unpaid to avoid confusion. They also compared Starter U to other job platforms like Handshake, highlighting Starter U's focus on internships and its lower cost. Internships as Scalable Hiring Solution Michael discussed the challenges startups face in hiring and suggested utilizing interns as a scalable solution. He emphasized the benefits of offering unpaid internships for college credit, as it provides students with valuable experience and the potential for future employment. Mary highlighted the success of local universities in connecting students with small businesses through internships. The conversation concluded with Mary encouraging startups to book a call with her for further support. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblingo/ Starteryou Events Page: https://luma.com/starteryou?k=c

Chris Jackson on Vision-Market-Sales for Startups

Chris Jackson from EOS Worldwide talks about Vision-Market-Sales for Startups Focus and Speed for Startups Chris emphasized the importance of focus for early-stage businesses, highlighting the need to define their core problem and target market rather than trying to solve multiple issues simultaneously. He noted that founders often underestimate the importance of anticipating problems and learning from failures, suggesting that rapid iteration and customer validation are crucial for success. Chris advised against spending too much time on non-essential details like websites, advocating instead for getting products into the market quickly to test and validate their viability. AI and Customer Interaction Insights Mary and Chris discussed the importance of understanding customer needs and the role of AI in software development. Chris emphasized that AI tools reflect the developer's communication style and suggested that emotional and soft skills, often associated with arts and liberal arts, will become more important as AI handles rigorous engineering tasks. They agreed that knowing oneself and finding a suitable spokesperson are crucial for effective customer interaction. Balancing Tech and Sales Strategy Chris emphasized the importance of balancing technical work with sales efforts, suggesting that while AI can handle complex coding tasks, entrepreneurs should focus more on articulating their product's value and solving customer problems. He highlighted EOS as a simple yet effective tool for crystallizing an organization's vision and aligning leadership teams, which is crucial for mobilizing teams to execute against that vision. Mary agreed with these insights and encouraged entrepreneurs to seek further information on EOS and connect with Chris for additional support. EOS Website: https://www.EOSworldwide.com/chris-jackson LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherjackson1 To book appointments: https://www.calendly.com/chris-jackson-eosworldwide And a site that helps businesses understand the procurement process and navigating the corporate landscape: https://www.impactnestconsulting.com

Sue Schuster - Partnerships for Startups

https://BizFi.io https://biz-fi.io/sue-schuster https://bizfi.io/funding-options/ Sue Schuster from BizFi.io talks about what makes good Partnerships for Startups Benefits and Risks of Partnerships Mary and Sue discussed the importance of partnerships in business, emphasizing that a good partnership should be mutually beneficial and help both parties achieve their goals. Sue explained that partnerships are valuable because they provide access to skills and expertise that one party may lack, and she noted that while co-founders can be successful, there are risks involved, such as differing visions for the business. Mary and Sue also touched on the idea of solopreneurship, with Sue suggesting that it can be effective for those who are good at delegating, allowing them to maintain control while still benefiting from a second-in-command's contributions. Strategies for Successful Business Partnerships Sue discussed her approach to evaluating potential business partners, emphasizing the importance of chemistry, shared humor, and overall compatibility. She explained that she often hires people for their personality and potential before determining their specific role, highlighting the value of energy and knowledge in partnerships. Mary inquired about the differences between co-founder partnerships and project-based collaborations, to which Sue responded that these relationships can vary significantly, including legal aspects like co-ownership and different roles, but often involve equitable compensation. Co-founder vs. Client Relationship Insights Sue Schuster from BizFi.IO discussed the differences between co-founder relationships and client relationships in business, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and legal documentation in partnerships. She advised startups to be cautious when forming partnerships, particularly with family or long-time friends, and recommended creating clear operating agreements and ownership documents while relationships are still positive. Mary Scott from Business Roof concluded the segment by encouraging startups to book calls for business advice and promoting the next episode of Stop Time to Improv.

Gordon Firemark - The Cost to NOT Hire a Lawyer for Startups

Gordon Firemark, "The Podcast Lawyer" talks about What will cost a Startup if They Don't Use a Lawyer Legal Protection for Startup Founders Mary and Gordon discussed the importance of hiring a lawyer for startups to avoid costly mistakes. Gordon emphasized that founders often underestimate the legal risks and can lose their business or IP by not setting up the proper legal structure. He highlighted the dangers of operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership without protection, and the need for agreements to handle potential issues in business relationships. Gordon stressed that while founders may think they're saving money by skipping legal setup, they are actually gambling with their company's future. Contract Structure and Legal Advice Gordon shared a cautionary tale about a problematic collaboration that should have been structured as a contractor relationship, highlighting how mislabeling business arrangements can lead to legal complications and disputes. He emphasized the importance of consulting lawyers to properly structure business relationships and avoid securities law violations when dealing with investors or partners. Gordon stressed that using AI to draft contracts instead of legal professionals can result in unintended consequences, and advised against giving up equity too early without proper legal advice. Business Structure and IP Protection Gordon and Mary discussed the importance of having a proper business structure, separate business accounts, and protecting intellectual property. Gordon emphasized the need for written contracts with work-made-for-hire language for all employees and contractors, as well as early trademark registration to avoid potential conflicts. He shared a cautionary tale about a client who waited 13 years to register their podcast trademark, resulting in a lengthy and costly legal battle. They also touched on the risks of using AI-generated legal documents without proper guidance. Legal Advice for Startup Success Mary and Gordon discussed the importance of hiring a lawyer for startups, emphasizing that legal advice can prevent significant financial losses. Mary highlighted the need for startups to have a marketing person, accountant, and lawyer on their team, as each plays a crucial role in the business's success. Gordon agreed with this perspective and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share his insights. Mary mentioned she would provide Gordon's contact information and legal templates in the comments and encouraged attendees to book a call with her for further assistance. Easy Legal Templates: https://easylegaltamplates.com Easy Legal For Entrepreneurs (course/training with templates and expert guidance) https://easylegalforentrepreneurs.com The Podcast, Blog & New Media Producer’s Legal Survival Guide (ebook) https://podcastlawbook.com Easy Legal For Podcasters (course/training with templates, guidance and community) https://easylegalforpodcasters.com Upcoming Workshops and Webinars for creators and entrepreneurs: How To Protect Your Podcast: Easy, affordable legal strategies without expensive lawyers! – Https://podcastlaw.net Legal Protection for Online Entrepreneurs, Coaches & Courses – Https://law4courses.com Own Your Brand Before Someone Else Does! – Https://ownyourbrandnow.com

Natalie Krul - Using LinkedIn for Leads

https://kleverstrategies.com/ Natalie Krul from Klever Strategies talks about Using LinkedIn for Leads Why businesses should use LinkedIn inding target prospects on LinkedIn DetailsNatalie: Search capabilities depend on your LinkedIn plan (free, premium, or Sales Navigator) Natalie: Define your target audience using filters like demographics, geography, job titles, and keywords Natalie: Focus on second and third-degree connections as they're warmer prospects due to mutual connections Mary: Gave an example of looking for "founders or startups in the St. Louis Metro area" ConclusionDefine your ideal client profile before searching Use LinkedIn's search filters to find relevant prospects Focus on connections who are one or two degrees away from your network Discussion about how to approach prospects on LinkedIn without being pushy. DetailsNatalie: "Ditch the pitch" - approach outreach as relationship building rather than selling Natalie: Ensure your profile speaks to your target audience before reaching out Natalie: Start with a personalized connection request without pitching Mary: Introduced the "3 I's" follow-up framework: Introductions, Invitations, and Information Natalie: Endorsed Mary's approach, emphasizing providing value before selling ConclusionPersonalize connection requests without immediate pitching Focus on building relationships first, then results Provide value through content sharing, introductions, or invitations Engagement and follow-up techniques Natalie: Engage with prospects' content by liking and commenting on their posts Natalie: Endorse their skills to build goodwill Natalie: Follow up with valuable content relevant to their interests or pain points Natalie: Much of this engagement can be automated while still feeling personal Mary: Emphasized that building relationships leads to customer loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing ConclusionConsistent engagement is key to building relationships on LinkedIn Providing value should precede any sales conversations Focus on relationships first, then results LinkedIn Outreach Free Guide: Why Your LinkedIn Outreach Isn’t Working (And What to Do Instead): https://kleverstrategies.com/offers/#linkedinoutreachguide LinkedIn Outreach (book a clarity call): https://kleverstrategies.com/offers/#linkedinoutreach Get Your Smart Marketing System: https://kleverstrategies.com/smart-marketing-system/ Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-krul/

Tiffany Rawson - Basic Strategy for Startups

https://monumentalstrides.com Tiffany Rawson from Monumental Strides talks about basic strategies for startups What strategies should you have? Know your long term plan. Where do you see your company in 5 years? ten years? What are revenue & expense projections? How big is the team? But, importantly, you need to think about what is your Impact? On community, on industry, on your employees, on customers lives, etc. And, how is this business serving you, the Founder? Decisions made today should set you up for your future goals. And you need to be able to measure the effect of those decisions. How to really strategize all this? First, Dream big. You don't need to know how to get there, yet, just know what your longterm intentions are. For example, Tiffany wants to build her business to sell it, so she doesn't have her name in the name of the business. She sets up systems that can be duplicated by others. She builds a team, etc. so the business can operate sustainably without her. Things may shift & change over the years, but decisions will be made in terms of ultimately being able to sell the business. Know your longterm goal & apply it to current decision making. Second, write it down. Make it real. Then think about the shorter term things you have to do to meet the longterm goals: daily, weekly, quarterly, etc. It may be people systems. quantify your perspective. What's your business plan? Your service model? Your standard operating procedures (SOP)? Don't be afraid to change your vision. It should grow & evolve as your business grows & evolves. Pivoting is part of the startup journey. Look at plans frequently & revise if necessary.

Alfredo Matthew III - Revenue & Focus for Startups

Alfredo Matthew III from SPCC.1 talks about Revenue & Focus for Startups Startup Success: Validation, Revenue, Profit Mary and Alfredo discussed key strategies for startups to succeed, emphasizing the importance of customer validation, revenue generation, and profitability. Alfredo highlighted the need for startups to focus on securing early customers, building a tiered service or product offering, and gradually increasing contract values. He stressed the significance of understanding break-even points and net profitability, warning that many businesses fail to cross the revenue chasm between $2 million and $5 million. Mary and Alfredo agreed that startups must validate their ideas, generate revenue, and ensure profitability to create a valuable business that can attract investors or be acquired. Business Connections and Startup Opportunities Mary, representing BusinessRiff, met with Alfredo Matthew III from SPCC.1 to discuss potential business connections and opportunities. They briefly exchanged information about their respective organizations and discussed the benefits of booking a call with Mary for startup success. Mary expressed her goal of connecting startups with valuable resources and invited Alfredo to join future Stuck? Time to Improv! sessions.

Ken Miller - Virtual Assistants for Startups

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/ Ken Miller from AIVAlution talks about How to Know When to Hire a V.A. Choosing Between Onshore and Offshore VAs Ken explained the differences between onshore and offshore virtual assistants, noting that onshore VAs typically cost $20-25 per hour while offshore VAs cost $6-7 per hour. He advised that startups should hire a VA when they become overwhelmed by mundane, repetitive tasks, as this indicates they are running out of time to invest in their business. Ken emphasized his own experience running multiple businesses and the importance of recognizing when to delegate tasks to maintain business growth. Virtual Assistants for Task Management Ken discussed the benefits of using virtual assistants (VAs) to handle repetitive tasks such as email management, social media, and calendar scheduling. He shared his experience with four VAs who have different skill sets and highlighted how they have significantly freed up his time. Ken explained that his executive VA, who has been with him for a while, handles multiple email inboxes and knows which emails require his attention, while also managing his calendar effectively. Virtual Assistant Hiring Best Practices Ken shared his experience with hiring virtual assistants (VAs) and managing access to his business accounts. He emphasized the importance of conducting thorough due diligence when hiring offshore VAs and suggested interviewing multiple candidates to build trust. Ken also highlighted the benefits of using VAs and artificial intelligence for business scaling, expressing regret for not embracing these tools earlier in his entrepreneurial journey. Mary encouraged startups to leverage Ken's advice for success and invited viewers to book a call with her at BusinessRiff.com for further assistance.

C.J. Gilbert - Website Essentials for Startups

C. J. Gilbert from Jungle Studios talks about website essentials for Startups Startup Website Goals Discussion Mary and CJ discussed the importance of setting clear goals for a startup's website, with sales being a common objective. CJ emphasized the need to consider what the website should achieve for both the business and its customers, highlighting the value of including educational resources, information, and forms. They also touched on the process of creating and sharing content across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Domain and Website Strategy Discussion Mary and C discussed the importance of selecting a domain related to the company and creating an ideal customer profile to target effectively. They explored the technical aspects of building a website, such as determining the website's purpose, considering e-commerce capabilities, and deciding on additional features like membership programs or protected content areas. Benefits of Hiring Professional Web Developers https://jungle-studios.com/meet-cj C advises that while building a website oneself is possible, hiring a professional is often beneficial, as a poorly designed website can negatively impact perceptions of a business's professionalism. They emphasize the importance of choosing a web developer with whom one can build a good relationship, ensuring they provide necessary training and access to backend systems. Mary and C agree that while tools like Canva and YouTube tutorials can be helpful, they are not substitutes for working with a skilled web developer who understands internet marketing. Startups' Website Control Strategy Mary discussed the importance of startups focusing on their own websites as the primary online asset they can fully control. She emphasized that while having a presence on other platforms is valuable for reaching potential customers, these platforms ultimately belong to someone else. Mary advised startups to use their websites as a hub to bring people back to their own network and email list for direct communication. Website Best Practices for Startups CJ Gilbert from Jungle Studios discussed the importance of regularly updating and backing up websites, emphasizing the need for fresh backups and security fixes. He highlighted that a common mistake startups make is focusing on aesthetics over clear messaging, and he noted that websites are dynamic, allowing businesses to adapt as they grow. CJ also advised startups to create a basic website with their picture, contact information, and answers to clients' main questions. Mary Scott from Business Riff encouraged startups to book a call for further support and concluded the segment. - FREE GIFT - CJ's Video Course - Make Your Website Work For You! - https://www.mywebsitesafari.com/ CJ’s Resources for You & Your Network: https://jungle-studios.com/meet-cj

Randy Lieberman - R&D Tax Credits for Startups

https://earnd.co Randy Lieberman from Earnd talks about R&D Tax credits for Startups Startup Tax Credits for Innovation Mary Scott from Business Riff welcomed Randy Lieberman from Earned to discuss research and development tax credits for startups. Randy explained that these tax credits are stimuli promoting innovation in the United States, covering work from ideation to testing done by employees or contractors. He clarified that the credits can be applied against taxes, including payroll taxes, to stimulate innovation and competitiveness. Tax Credits for Pre-Revenue Companies Randy explained that companies can carry over tax credits for 20 years and use them to offset payroll taxes, even for pre-revenue companies. He clarified that these credits apply to wages paid to developers, independent contractors, and cloud development efforts, particularly in AI and software development. Mary understood that these credits could be valuable for companies in their fifth year of operation when profits are likely to be high. Research Credits Application Process Randy explained the process for applying research credits, which involves meeting with companies to assess their qualified research projects in hard sciences like AI, computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. They help companies calculate expenses, document efforts, and coordinate with CPAs for filings, with the added benefit that companies no longer need to capitalize expenses over five years due to recent legislative changes. Startup Tax Credits and IP Protection Mary and Randy discussed the importance of research and development tax credits for startups and emphasized the need for employment agreements with employees and independent contractors to protect intellectual property. Randy highlighted the significance of making structuring decisions early to ensure investments are well-placed and intellectual property rights are secured. Mary encouraged startups to book a call with her for further assistance and mentioned that they would provide information about Randy's company for interested parties. What are R&D Tax Credits and How Do They Work. https://www.earnd.co/what-are-rd-tax-credits-and-how-do-they-work/ This article is purposely presented in a Q&A format for easy navigation. I have also attached a sector-specific Insight focused on the Software and Technology sector as an example. We have Insights focused on other industry sectors available too, covering Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Consumer Packaged Goods, Energy, Manufacturing, Material Science, MedTech, and Transportation. In my Nolodex profile, I have a brochure detailing my company mission, value proposition, and several customer success stories.

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