Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

Investor Pitch Practice with David Weaver, Transitions Law Group & AngelLab

YouTube Live Stream Planning Meeting

Mary and David discussed going live on YouTube, with thGre content being edited before distribution through RSS feed and LinkedIn. They confirmed a link for the event, which was shared in the Zoom chat. Mary prepared to set up the YouTube live stream, ensuring the audio was properly configured to avoid feedback.

Mock Angels Program Revival Discussion

Mary and David discussed the revival of Mock Angels, a program where founders could present their businesses to potential...

Funding Tips for Startups with Allen Kopelman, Nationwide Payment Systems

Startup Funding Sources Discussion

Mary asked about alternative funding sources for startups beyond banks and friends/family. Allen clarified that their company is in the payments business, not the funding business, and explained that startups typically turn to Stripe and Square for payments processing. He noted that startups can only access additional funding once they start generating revenue through payment processing, otherwise they need to seek VCs or angel investors.

AI and SaaS Business Challenges

Allen discussed the challenges faced by...

Alternate Funding for Startups with Greg Roberts, The Roberts Consulting Agency

Alternate Funding Business Entry

Gregory explained how he entered the alternate funding space while working with a firm that helped launch CPA businesses. He noticed that business owners consistently requested funding as their primary need, but traditional banking options were insufficient as 98% of banks avoid lending to startups. This observation led him to research and partner with vetted funding companies to start his own alternate funding business.

Alternative Startup Financing Structures

Gregory explained that when banks reject loans for startups...

Pitching to an Investor with Gary Tomchuk from Evolutionary Ventures

Startup Investor Discussion Preparation

Mary and Gary discussed sharing relevant links and contact information, including Gary's LinkedIn profile, Evolutionary Ventures website, and his role as California representative for Investor Circle. Gary mentioned his work with impact investors and his involvement in a round table discussion about what investors want to hear from startups. The conversation then transitioned into the start of an interview for "Stuck? Time to Improv," where Mary welcomed Gary and introduced the topic of startups talking to investors.

Startup Funding...

Insurance Facts for Startups with Pete Shemetulskis from Marquee Benefit Advisors

Startup Insurance and Benefits

Mary and Pete discussed the importance of insurance for startups, particularly focusing on employee benefits. Pete explained that the need for insurance depends on the industry and organization type, noting that benefits are more crucial for organizations with high employee turnover or those seeking to attract and retain staff.

Business Insurance Requirements Discussion

Pete discussed insurance requirements for businesses, emphasizing the need for health insurance and workers' compensation coverage. He advised startups to find a trusted...

Use a Book to Showcase Your Expertise with Suzy Prudden from Itty Bitty Publishing

Book Marketing for Startups

Mary welcomed attendees to Stuck? Time to Improv! and introduced Suzy Prudden from Itty Bitty Publishing as an expert on using books as marketing tools for startups.

Business Benefits of Marketing Books

Suzy discussed various types of businesses that benefit from creating marketing books, including speakers, coaches, accountants, travel experts, website designers, ADHD coaches, medical professionals, sales experts, and even authors writing about space for children. She provided specific examples, such as an...

What an Investor Needs from a Startup with Randy Berholtz from Mesa Verde Venture Partners

Early-Stage Life Sciences Investing

Randy discussed his background in investing, explaining that he transitioned from being a lawyer with an MBA to working as a CEO and now invests through Mesa Verde Venture Partners, an early-stage life sciences venture fund in San Diego. He typically invests $500,000 to $1 million in US companies as the first VC investor, with an additional $1 million in reserves. Randy expressed his interest in identifying promising opportunities early and looking 20 years ahead in his investments.

...

Marketing Tips for Startups with Alesha Henley from A Dose of Insight.

Startup Marketing Strategy Discussion

Mary and Alesha discussed key tips for startups, focusing on the importance of clearly defining the target audience rather than marketing to everyone. Alesha emphasized that social media should be used for personal engagement rather than just transactional purposes, as building trust with potential customers is essential for business growth.

Effective Marketing Audience Strategies

Alesha emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience's demographics and their preferred social media platforms for effective marketing. She highlighted...

Entrepreneurship for Engineers with Richard Bowling, MicroPod Global Engineer Entrepreneur Academy

Engineer Entrepreneur Transition Challenges

Richard identified the primary challenge for engineers transitioning to entrepreneurship as overthinking the process, particularly struggling with business development, marketing, and validation rather than technical aspects. He noted that engineers must make a significant professional mindset shift from seeking perfect solutions to launching products despite uncertainty. Richard explained that his program, Micropod Global Engineer Entrepreneur Academy, uses micro-hacks to help engineers transition, including concepts like "action precedes clarity" and the "70% rule."

Product Development and Customer Engagement

...

AEO tips and tricks with Dotty Scott from AskDotty.com

AEO Definition and Optimization

Dotty Scott explained that AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) refers to optimization within artificial intelligence platforms like Claude, Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Gemini, clarifying that all related acronyms represent the same concept.

Answer Engine Optimization Strategies

Mary and Dotty Scott discussed answer engine optimization (AEO), explaining that people are increasingly asking questions directly rather than using traditional keyword searches. They noted that users are now starting their searches within AI chat platforms like ChatGPT and Claude rather than traditional...

Social Media Mistakes to Avoid with Heather Havenwood, Haven Media

Social Media Mistakes by Startups

Heather identified two major social media mistakes startups make: not having a clear spokesperson, especially for larger companies and tech firms, and failing to align their messaging with what resonates with their audience rather than just explaining their technology.

Tech Sales Messaging Best Practices

Heather discussed common mistakes tech companies make in their sales messaging, emphasizing the importance of understanding their target audience and articulating their value proposition effectively. Mary agreed, highlighting the need to focus...

https://www.impactcfo.net

Family Business Challenges with Lowell Mora from Impact CFO

Family Business Challenges Discussion

Lowell discussed the unique challenges of family businesses, highlighting that the family aspect creates complications regardless of the number of family members involved. He shared his personal experience of being advised against working in family businesses but eventually being drawn back to them. Lowell noted that in family-owned businesses, the enterprise often serves as both the business owner's and the family's livelihood, with some challenges being generational in nature.

Family Business Identity and Ownership<...

Networking Tips with Mary Scott, PitchSTL

Startup Networking Strategies Discussion

Mary discussed the importance of networking and follow-up for startups seeking customers and investors. She emphasized that in-person networking is more effective than Zoom, and highlighted the value of leaving contact information, particularly through LinkedIn. Mary also shared a strategy for introverts to initiate conversations by asking others about themselves, which helps build connections and gather valuable information about potential networking contacts.

Networking Follow-up Strategies

Mary explained the three key components for effective follow-up after networking: Information (sharing useful links or...

https://businessriff.com

Dan Lauer from Maryville University talks about Tips for Veteran Startups

Veteran Entrepreneur Funding Challenges

Mary discussed her podcast "Stuck? Time to Improv" with Dan Lauer from Maryville University, focusing on challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs. Dan identified early-stage capital as a key challenge, noting that while there are good education and networking programs available, veterans often struggle to access funding for equipment and business setup. He emphasized the importance of accelerator programs like Techstars and Y Combinator, which provide not just capital but also resources such as intern support...

https://businessriff.com

Tina Kadish, From Job to Joy, talks about Entrepreneur Mindset

Developing Entrepreneurial Mindset for Startups

Mary and Tina discussed the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset for startups. Tina explained that transitioning from a corporate career to entrepreneurship requires shifting from following others to taking control of one's life and business. She emphasized that an entrepreneurial mindset is crucial for embracing uncertainty and maintaining a growth mindset while building a business.

Types of Entrepreneurs Discussion

Mary discussed three types of entrepreneurs: those born to be entrepreneurs...

https://OpenPrairie.com

Jim Schultz from Open Prairie talks about Funding AgTech Startups

Agricultural Tech Investment Discussion

Mary welcomed attendees to the "Stuck Time to Improv" session and introduced Jim Schultz, an investor, as the guest speaker. The discussion focused on the agricultural tech industry, highlighting its potential for startup businesses and the importance of preparation when approaching investors.

Agtech Investment Strategy Requirements

Jim discussed his focus areas in agtech, including automation and robotics, data optimization for farmers, and biologic technologies replacing synthetic chemicals. He outlined three key requirements...

https://businessriff.com

https://tayloredanalytics.com

Financial Projections That Are Investor Ready with Kelvin Taylor, Taylored Analytics

Financial Projections for Entrepreneurs

Mary and Kelvin discussed the components of financial projections for entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on total addressable market (TAM) and its importance to investors. Kelvin explained that investors evaluate business scalability based on the size of the market opportunity, noting that a business with a larger market opportunity, such as $100 million versus $1 million, tends to have a higher valuation.

Financial Forecasting and Cash Flow

Kelvin discussed the...

https://businessriff.com

Mistakes Tech Startups Make with Stacia Thompson from Radiance Consulting & Coaching Groupe

Tech Founder Growth Challenges

Mary and Stacia discussed common mistakes made by tech founders, particularly during the dot-com crash when founders excelled at starting companies but lacked experience in running and growing them. Stacia noted that many tech startups failed after the initial growth stage due to insufficient operational expertise and failure to bring in experienced personnel. She also mentioned similar patterns emerging with the rise of AI, where companies are rushing to implement AI solutions without proper...

https://lushin.com

Ben Kniffen from LUSHIN talks about How to Set Up a Sales Team

Sales Team Development for Startups

Mary and Ben discussed the importance of building a sales team for startup scalability. Ben explained that companies typically start with founder-led sales but eventually need to transfer skills and hire team members, as sales roles are particularly challenging to fill. The discussion highlighted the need for startups to address sales team development as they grow beyond founder-led sales.

Founder Sales Hiring Best Practices

Ben discussed the common...

https://globalwelcom.com

How to Start a Coaching Business with Dr. Yvonne Oswald from Global Welcome

Coaching Business Startup Discussion

Dr. Yvonne Oswald was introduced as a guest expert from Global Welcome, and the discussion was set to cover topics including "Wealthy Mind, Wealthy Wallet" and business setup tips.

Coaching Business Best Practices

Dr. Yvonne shared insights on running a coaching business based on 30-40 years of experience. She advised that coaching businesses should prioritize simple websites over complex ones, recommending a single-page Wix site, and emphasized the importance...

https://www.lved.com

Terry Anderton from LVED talks about Negotiating Mistakes Startups Make

Startup Fundraising Mistakes to Avoid

Terry discussed common mistakes startups make when raising funds, particularly targeting the wrong investor types and check sizes, which can lead to a complex cap table with many investors. Terry advised that startups should aim for the largest check size from the fewest number of investors. The discussion also touched on crowdfunding as an alternative strategy, noting that platforms like StartEngine often set up separate entities to manage small contributions under specific regulatory constraints.<...

https://www.brightwings.io

Isaac Musselwhite from BrightWings talks about Why & How to Hire a Developer for your custom AI and Apps

Developer Hiring Benefits for Startups

Mary interviewed Isaac Musselwhite from BrightWings about the benefits of hiring a developer for startups. Isaac explained that non-technical founders often struggle to clearly communicate their vision to developers, leading to overcharging, incorrect builds, or project stalls. He noted that while AI tools can help founders progress further, they often create layers and features that may not work long-term, making developer involvement important for reworking or...

Michael Morrison from MichaelDMorrison.com discusses Principles to Scale & Sell Your Business

GPS System for Business Success

Michael explained his GPS system for business success, which starts with Guiding Principles that include purpose, product, target audience, and mission. He described these principles as essential for setting direction before creating a business plan, though he noted that traditional business plans can be tedious for many people to complete.

Candidate Assessment and Fit Strategies

Michael explained the importance of having the right people in place, emphasizing the need to assess candidates based on...

https://grandipr.uk/why-your-content-is-at-risk

Céleste, The Empress of Trademarks, from GRAND IPR talks about Trademarks for Startups

Trademark and Intellectual Property Discussion

Mary and Céleste discussed trademarks and intellectual property. Céleste explained that trademarks are unique identifiers, like logos, that must meet certain criteria to be registered. She emphasized that trademarks should be viewed as an investment rather than an expense for business growth and longevity. Céleste also mentioned her updated book "Build It Protected, Leverage It," which covers intellectual property in nine major jurisdictions.

Trademark Symbols Expl...

www.darlinglocal.com

All About Google Profiles with Craig Darling from Darling Local

Google Profiles for Startups Discussion

Google Business Profile Setup

Craig Darling explained that a Google Business Profile is a business listing that helps direct signals from social media channels to search engines like Google, Bing, and Apple. He described the process of creating one as simple, involving visiting business.google.com and following the steps. Craig mentioned that he has recently helped three people set up their Google Business profiles without charging a fee during one-on-one sessions.

https://businessriff.com

Pitching Made Easy with Mary Scott

In this episode of "Stuck? Time to Improv!," Mary Scott from BusinessRiff provided basic pitching tips for startups seeking funding or customers. She emphasized starting with a concise 30-second pitch that introduces the speaker's name, company, the problem they solve, for whom, and the benefits the client derives. Then the speaker's unique qualifications. Mary demonstrated her own pitch example, highlighting how she helps inventors, product, and tech startups get resources and connections they need to validate ideas, learn to pitch successfully and get money from investors...

https://surffinancialbrokers.com

Chris Castanes from Surf Financial Brokers gives basic insurance tips for startups

Startup Insurance Basics Explained

Mary and Chris discussed the importance of insurance for startups, focusing on liability insurance and workers' compensation. Chris explained that liability insurance protects businesses from claims of bodily harm or property damage, both on and off premises. He also described workers' comp, noting that it covers employees who are injured on the job, and mentioned ghost policies as an alternative for self-employed individuals or those with few employees. Chris emphasized that while workers' comp...

Oliver Mitchell from ff Venture Capital talks about AI & Robotics Startups

AI and Robotics Investment Insights

Oliver Mitchell, an investor at ff Venture Capital, shared his extensive experience in AI and robotics investments, including his time at Autonomy Ventures where he made significant exits. He discussed his current role at FF, where he focuses on DeepTech investments, and his work on the boards of companies like Plus One, Burrow, and Civrox. Oliver also mentioned his book "A Startup Field Guide in the Age of Robots and AI," which offers insights from 30 industry leaders and provides...

Louise Pooley from Pooley Accounting Services talks about Taking Care of Your Money

Financial Mistakes in Startup Failures

Louise discussed common financial mistakes that lead to startup failures, highlighting the importance of proper cash flow planning during the early non-profitable phase and establishing a solid financial management system. She emphasized the need to separate business and personal finances by opening a dedicated business bank account and avoiding co-mingling funds, which can create tax complications with the IRS. Louise also warned about the consequences of inadequate tax planning, including unexpected tax debts and penalties for late...

https://JustinePetersen.org

Robert Boyle from Justine Petersen talks about CDFIs

CDFIs: Supporting Underserved Communities

Mary introduced Robert Boyle from Justine Peterson, a CDFI in St. Louis, to discuss the importance of CDFIs for startups. Robert explained that CDFIs, or Community Development Financial Institutions, were established by the U.S. Department of Treasury in the mid-90s to assist underserved communities and business owners. He mentioned that CDFIs come under the CDFI Fund and can provide various financial services, including New Market Tax Credits, to support community development and small businesses.

...

https://www.logisticssales.com/

Daman Grewal from LogisticsSales.com gives Sales Tips for Startups

Summary

Sales Strategies for Startup Success

Mary welcomed Daman Grewal to the show to discuss sales strategies for startups, emphasizing the importance of sales before revenue generation. Daman shared his experience visiting St. Louis and acknowledged Mary's introduction. The conversation set the stage for a discussion on sales techniques, with Daman's expertise in logistics sales to be highlighted in the upcoming segment.

Reframing Sales as Customer Service

Daman and Mary discussed misconceptions about...

https://evolutionaccelerator.co

Alex Chompff from Evolution Ventures Fund Management talks about Getting Investors to Lean In.

Startup Support and Collaboration InsightsS

Mary welcomed Alex Chompff from Evolution Ventures to the Stuck? Time to Improv! podcast, where they discussed the importance of supporting startups and their journey to success. Alex expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share insights with the community and emphasized the value of collaboration in the startup ecosystem.

Narrative Focus for Startup Investors

Alex advised early-stage startup founders to focus on developing a compelling narrative when...

Startup Tree https://hssu-cie.startuptree.co/

Kristy Jackson from the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harris-Stowe State University talking about challenges to minority founders

Supporting Minority Entrepreneurs in St. Louis

Mary and Kristy discussed the challenges minority founders face, including funding gaps, knowledge gaps, and a lack of mentorship and sponsorship. Kristy, as the Executive Director of the Center of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Harris Stowe State University, highlighted their entrepreneurship program's efforts to address these issues by providing resources and support to St. Louis entrepreneurs. They also mentioned Kristy's personal...

https://www.farzanachohan.com/

Dr. Farzana Chohan from Optimized Excellence talks about AI for Startups

AI Strategies for Startup Success

Mary introduces Dr. Farzana Chohan from Optimized Excellence to discuss AI strategies for startups. They plan to explore common mistakes startups make when approaching AI and how to work effectively with it.

AI Adoption: Fear vs. Blindness

Dr. Chohan discussed the two extreme approaches to AI: fear and blind adoption. She emphasized the need for leaders to learn about AI and its potential benefits for their specific business areas...

https://tencapital.group/

Hall Martin from TEN Capital talks about Success Factors in Early Stage Diligence

Due Diligence for Startup Investors

Mary and Hall discussed the importance of due diligence for early-stage startups. Hall explained that investors examine pitch decks, legal structures, cap tables, financial projections, and revenue models to assess a company's potential. He emphasized the need for entrepreneurs to demonstrate knowledge of their business and to show evidence of support from others, such as family and previous customers. Hall also stressed the importance of being transparent about a startup's current stage...

Kent Voran from SCORE talks about What Type of Business Are You.

Business Structure Selection Guide

Mary and Kent discussed the different types of business structures, including sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability companies, and corporations (C-Corp and S-Corp). Kent emphasized the importance of considering factors such as tax liability, personal liability exposure, operational setup, funding options, and future growth when choosing a business structure. He encouraged early planning and evaluation of business goals to make an informed decision.

Business Structure Pros and Cons

Kent explained the pros and cons of sole...

https://businessriff.com

Marie Patterson from InfinityPath Ventures talks about AI infrastructure for Startups

AI Infrastructure: Hardware and Software

Marie explained that AI infrastructure encompasses both hardware and software components at the server and chip levels, including supporting systems like cooling and power supplies. She emphasized the importance of creating "frictionless planes" for software solutions to drive efficiency, particularly for companies that sell AI as their product. Marie clarified that AI infrastructure benefits are not limited to companies that primarily use AI, as many businesses leverage it in various aspects like marketing, production...

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...

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...

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...