Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

by Mary Scott

Entrepreneurship Marketing

Season 2024

Ed Lahue - The Technical Business Model Canvas for Startups

Ed Lahue from the Missouri SBDC talks about the Technical Business Canvas for Startups Mary and Ed discussed the importance of understanding the tech business model canvas, focusing on identifying customer needs and developing a unique value proposition. Ed shared his experience in product development and the significance of thorough research for successful product launches. Lastly, Mary announced plans for future seminars featuring Ed, with a focus on the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, and confirmed future communication between them. Mary and Ed discussed the tech business model canvas. Ed clarified that he teaches a series called "Painting the Tech Business Model Canvas" which is a six-week webinar. Mary agreed to send Ed all the links related to their discussion and asked if he would like her to share a link to one of his seminars in the comments. The conversation then transitioned into an introduction for their audience, with Mary welcoming everyone and introducing Ed as their special guest to discuss the tech business model canvas. Tech Startups, Target Customers, and Value Proposition Ed and Mary discussed the importance of tech startups understanding the problems they aim to solve and identifying their target customers. They emphasized the need for a unique value proposition and urged startups to focus on the customer's perspective. They also discussed the complexity of identifying the customer and the challenges in articulating a clear value proposition. Ed and Mary stressed the significance of the business model canvas and custom discovery interviews in this process. They also highlighted the value of learning from failures and utilizing local small business development centers for guidance.

Paul Riat - Startups and the Press

https://bizblip.com Paul Riat from bizblip talks about Startups & the Press Startups, Press, and Ideation Strategies Mary and Paul discussed the importance of startups engaging with the press. Paul emphasized that the press can connect startups with people outside of their network, which is crucial for building a successful business. He also highlighted the role of pitch competitions and mentors in providing feedback during the ideation phase. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of startups being able to tell their story effectively, particularly when they are ready to launch their product or service. Engaging Journalists for Startup Promotion Paul and Mary discussed the importance of engaging with journalists to promote a startup's story. Paul emphasized the need for founders to be honest with journalists, provide concise information about their product, and be immediately available for follow-up. He also highlighted the importance of having a crisis communication plan in place in case of negative events. Mary agreed and added that founders should be responsive to journalists at all times and never say "no comment." They also discussed the benefits of reaching out to journalists in the tech startup industry in the St. Louis region.

Adam Kirsch - The Entrepreneur Mindset

Adam Kirsch, mindset expert, talks about the Entrepreneur Mindset and Thought TrapsEntrepreneurial Mindset, Embracing Mistakes, and Being AwareMary and Adam emphasized the importance of a positive entrepreneurial mindset for startup success. They discussed the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities, and the need for founders to differentiate themselves through unique experiences. They also highlighted the common challenges that entrepreneurs face, such as imposter syndrome and escalation of commitment, and stressed the importance of self-awareness, open communication, and honesty in managing these issues. Lastly, Mary encouraged attendees to book a synergy call with her to support their start-ups.

Francine Juhlin- The Importance of Story

Francine Juhlin from Personal Change Warriors talks about the importance of Story to Startups Using Personal Experience to Connect With Clients Francine shared her journey of using personal experience to connect with clients and promote her products. She emphasized the importance of sharing one's story and identifying the root cause of one's struggles to create a relatable narrative. Mary agreed and highlighted that a strong story can help investors connect with a founder on a personal level. Mary also advised Francine to delve deeper into her reasons for helping others in her business pitch to demonstrate her passion and drive. Francine then shared a story about a client, a holistic health coach for children, who used her own difficult experience to establish her business and help others. https://personalchangewarriors.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PersonalChangeWarriors

Jennifer Layman - Marketing for Startups

Jennifer Layman, Forward Thinking Marketing with Purpose gives startup tips on marketing www.forwardthinkingbook.com Marketing With Purpose for Startups Mary and Jennifer discussed the concept of 'Marketing with Purpose' in the context of startups. Jennifer, who specializes in forward-thinking marketing, shared her insights on the importance of strategy before implementation in marketing tips for new businesses. Despite some technical issues with the recording, the discussion was set to continue with Jennifer providing further insights based on her 18 years of experience working with startups. Consistent Marketing for Startups Discussed Jennifer emphasized the importance of consistent marketing for startups, highlighting that it's an ongoing responsibility, not a one-time task. She stressed the need for a regular schedule of communication through various channels and maintaining a consistent brand image to ensure easy recognition by customers. Mary agreed, noting the necessity of a varied but value-added message, and Jennifer gave examples of how minor changes, such as a shorter name, could be implemented while retaining the core brand identity. Sustainable Marketing Strategies for Targeting Best Customers Jennifer emphasized the importance of understanding and consistently targeting a business's best customers with relevant messaging. She stressed the need for a sustainable marketing plan that efficiently allocates time and budget. Mary highlighted the necessity of knowing where one's customers are and meeting them where they are most active. Jennifer further underscored that marketing should be considered a long-term commitment and not a one-time task. Both agreed on the importance of continuously refining marketing strategies to adapt to changing business needs and customer preferences.

Darcella Craven - Corporate Transparency and the BOI Form

Darcella Craven, Regional Advocate at the US Small Business Administration talks about the BOI form that ALL businesses must complete & submit. Pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act, EVERY business has to fill out a BOI form, so find your EIN number & a pdf of your passport or drivers license, and go to https://www.fincen.gov/boi to fill out the form so you don't get fined. Takes about 10 minutes if you're prepared. Small Business Advocacy and Compliance Discussion Mary Scott from BusinessRiff introduced Darcella Craven, the regional advocate for the Small Business Administration's office of advocacy, who discussed the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) form. This form, developed by the Financial Crime Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in 2022, aims to ensure corporate transparency and verify the authenticity of business owners' claims about their citizenship. Darcella explained that all small businesses are required to complete this form, which includes details of any possible exemptions and associated costs, and the deadline varies depending on when the business started. Mary emphasized the importance of having a marketing person, accountant, and lawyer on a small business team to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

Ray Edwards - SCORE Mentors & Resources

https://www.score.org/stlouis Ray Edwards from Service Corps of Retired Executives talks about the mentoring and services provided by SCORE SCORE: Mentoring Services for Startups and Businesses Mary Scott and Ray Edwards discussed the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a 50-year-old organization that offers mentoring services to startups and established businesses. Ray emphasized that SCORE volunteers are actively engaged in the business community and offer expertise in various fields, including manufacturing, marketing, sales, production, supply chain, accounting, and human resources. He also clarified that SCORE volunteers are not just retired executives, but also those who are still working and engaged in the entrepreneurial community. SCORE Services and Startup Resources Ray from SCORE discussed the organization's services, which include a robust website, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring. He emphasized that SCORE serves clients at their point of need, whether they are beginners or have advanced business knowledge. Ray also highlighted that SCORE has helped create hundreds of jobs in the St. Louis community. Mary from Business Riff recommended SCORE as a valuable resource for startups and encouraged them to contact SCORE for assistance. Ray agreed to share the Startup Resources Guide with the SCORE members and expressed interest in attending Pitch STL.

Melissa Brown - Mentors for Startups

Melissa Brown from the Duree Center at Lindenwood University talks about the Mentor Program Mentors' Role in Startup Success Mary Scott from BusinessRiff and Melissa from the Duree Center at Lindenwood University discussed the importance of mentors for startups. Melissa, who is involved in expanding the mentor network at the Duree Center, emphasized that mentors can offer valuable advice and help founders navigate various aspects of running a business. She also mentioned the 'Startup Space' platform, which pairs mentors and mentees based on stage of business, functional area, or industry. Mary and Melissa also discussed the possibility of Mary becoming a mentor herself, with Melissa offering to guide her through the process.

Susan De Robertis - Focus on What Matters

Https://www.susanderobertis.co Susan De Robertis, consultant at SDR Consulting gives startup tips to Focus on What Matters book a call with her at the QR code on the screen or go to Https://calendly.com/susanderobertis28 Startup Success Strategies and Funding Sources Mary and Susan discussed the importance of focusing on what matters for startup businesses to be successful. Susan emphasized the need for startups to have a clear vision, purpose, and adequate funding to get started. She also stressed the significance of having a support network and utilizing various funding sources, including personal savings, friends and family, angel investors, and business loans. Susan and Mary further highlighted that startups should prioritize marketing and visibility to generate sales and that initial investments should be directed towards these aspects. The discussion underscored the importance of staying focused on the business's goals and not getting caught up in operational details. Customer Engagement, Marketing, and Business Numbers for Startups Mary and Susan discussed the importance of customer engagement, marketing, and understanding one's business numbers for startups. They emphasized that a visible and active presence is key to attract and retain customers, and that consulting with professionals can be beneficial but learning about the basics themselves is crucial. They also highlighted the need to know one's target market and to focus on their specific needs and pain points. Furthermore, they underscored the significance of having a team of experts in different areas to ensure the success of the business.

Bridget Hom - Get Stuck on "Ready"

https://stuckonready.com Bridget Hom from Bridge to Freedom Coaching discusses why Startups should be Stuck on Ready. Mary and Bridget had a conversation about the importance of being "stuck on ready" for startups. Bridget underscored the significance of problem awareness and solution seeking, as well as the need to take imperfect action. She also highlighted the dangers of inaction, the necessity of being ready before feeling ready, and the trap of shiny object syndrome. Furthermore, Bridget emphasized the importance of being laser-focused on success, communicating worthiness, and showing up well and authentically. Lastly, she offered to share the unedited recording of the meeting on her social media platforms. Startup Readiness: Imperfect Action and Worthy Communication Mary and Bridget discussed the importance of being "stuck on ready" for startups. Bridget emphasized the need for problem awareness and solution seeking, and the importance of taking imperfect action. She also highlighted the dangers of inaction, the necessity of being ready before feeling ready, and the trap of shiny object syndrome. Bridget stressed the importance of being laser-focused on success, communicating worthiness, and showing up well and authentically. https://stuckonready.com Bridget Hom from Bridge to Freedom Coaching discusses why Startups should be Stuck on Ready.

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