Jared Kleinert

The Techstars B2B Services Guide is live. This guide connects you with over 300 Techstars companies offering a wide range of B2B solutions  – from legal automation to employee benefits. Worth a look if you're scaling your business. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/gEs5pci9 

184

16 Comments

Good agencies and great agencies are separated by one thing. People. I used to think it was process too. But, I think most agencies have virtually the same process. The difference in good process v bad process are the people executing that process and the quality at which they do it and how much they care. The name of an agency matters virtually zero. The people within the agency matter, a lot. The size of the agency, most of the time, doesn't matter a TON. The quality of the TEAM at that agency, that you are working with, matters. 3 A players will accomplish more (and a higher quality output) than a bigger group of B + C players. All this to say, if you are looking to build a great agency, you must find A players who care about the success of the agency and the clients you serve, almost as much as you do. When you find them -- pay them extremely well. Invest in their success, their happiness, their future. Most of the 'bad' agencies I chat with, don't charge their clients enough, or have a good enough margin, to support a team of A players, and it shows. They have high employee churn. In turn, high client churn. And worse, overall morale is low. Great agencies are made up of A players. Play like a champion, today :)

34

6 Comments

One of the most common questions aspiring entrepreneurs face is, “How do I raise capital for my business?” This concern, while valid, often overshadows a more critical aspect of entrepreneurship: developing the necessary skills to build and run a successful business. Read: https://lnkd.in/eg3ypWds #DTCofficial #ideasthattransform #businessblogger #storiesthatmatter #entrepreneurship #essentialskills #capitalraising #businessdevelopment

5

1 Comment

What is pre-seed funding and why is it near impossible to secure? I am mentoring several ventures. They all ask the same thing. “Where can I get capital since I have NO REVENUE?” Pre-seed, or “family and friends” funding, is the initial step toward getting enough capital to develop a product. Since pre-seed money is the earliest part of the fundraising journey, few startups manage to secure capital at this stage. Most entrepreneurs in this situation have yet to get a product to market and may not even have a prototype. Convincing pre-seed investors to bet their hard-earned money on an idea that hasn’t been fully completed yet can be tough. But why is it so hard if since so many people want to support tomorrow’s future founders? 1) Lack of Customers/Traction: Investors often want to see some evidence that a startup has traction, whether that's in terms of user growth, revenue, or other metrics. Early-stage companies might not have these metrics yet. 2) Unclear Business Model: Startups might still be refining their business model or value proposition. Investors need to see a clear and compelling plan for how the business will make money- margins, rate of growth,… how will you get there. 3) Team and Execution: Investors are betting not just on the idea, but on the team’s ability to execute. A strong, experienced team can help mitigate some of the risks. Who is on your team? 4) Market Potential: Investors want to see a large, addressable market. If the market size is perceived as too small, it can be harder to secure funding. 5) Competition: Is your venture a stand out? I contend many founders I work with are thinking about their venture but not applying the details and the discipline needed to fully lean in and get their venture going. Show me your obsessive dedication to acquiring customers and I contend you might see pre-seed revenue come your way. 1909 FAU Tech Runway #LeanIn #Innovate TechNexus Venture Collaborative DePaul University

19

2 Comments

A simple yet effective growth hack: optimize your email signatures. Email signatures might seem minor, but they can significantly impact customer communications. A well-designed, branded email signature looks professional and conveys authority, showing effort and attention to detail. Beyond aesthetics, email signatures are excellent for networking. They display your role and contact information, making it easier for others to reach out to you. Include your company graphics in your signature. This small detail enhances how your emails are perceived and reinforces your brand with every message you send.

14

1 Comment

Seems to be an extra "something" to in-person interactions - compared to virtual - for establishing and building business (any?) relationships. Was one of the 3 things I discussed and expanded on in my recent substack post here: https://lnkd.in/gnJp3d3c

3

2 Comments