I've been interviewed on a few podcasts about the economy and how its impacted startups/small businesses. Honestly, I'm bored talking about it. Get over it, make the most of the situation, and think ahead to the future about what you want to be and how you'll get there.
None the less, I talk a bit about it in this post. As well you can visit my Media Page (www.roguecfo.com/media.html) to hear the podcasts.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Video Blog 05 - How Would You Market Me?
In this heartfelt video post, I ask you, the entrepreneur, the startup, the small business owner... the visionary - how would you market if you were me? I do a lot of the traditional, and a lot of non traditional marketing, although I feel like there's plenty more I could be doing. How would you reach out to growing, dynamic small businesses in the dot.com/web 2.0 realm (my main target market)? Any ideas appreciated, and if I really love them maybe I'll even throw a out some kudos to you on my blog. If I drop dead love them you get your own video blog appreciation from me. What more could someone want!
Video Blog 04 - You Get What You Pay For
In this video blog, I talk about why you may want to reconsider that $250 business plan/financial forecast/investor presentation/etc. instead of ponying up for one prepared by a professional.
Hint: There's a reason it's only $250 compared to a couple grand.
Hint: There's a reason it's only $250 compared to a couple grand.
Video Blog 03 - 2009 Project Plans
In this video blog, I talks about what I have in store for 2009 and beyond. Mainly projections I'm working on to benefit you, the entrepreneur. Podcast course, entrepreneur tools consortium, ebook, and ultimately a full length, no bs book about starting a company.
Video Blog 02 - VC's Aren't So Bad Afterall
Once in awhile I'm taken by surprise when a new company I'm talking with starts badmouthing venture capitalists. I personally feel they add value (beyond their $$$) to your firm. Take a listen as to why.
Video Blog 01 - Introduction
I've FINALLY gotten around to coming up with some ideas for video blogs. People always say how they like the video on my site, interviews and all. It helps people connect, see that I'm a real person, I look like I belong in a startup, and I know what I'm talking about. I have a few blogs planned, if anyone has any suggestions of topics to talk about just let me know, chrisb@roguecfo.com
Until then, enjoy my introductory blog.
Until then, enjoy my introductory blog.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Further business model revamp
I think I've used the word startup too loosely the last few years. I've always said I want to help startups launch. Very true. But what stage startups? Idea stage? Seed? 2 Years in? While I love being a team member from the start, for the most part early stage companies just don't need a CFO. And while I may be able to help raise capital, write a business plan, give feedback, my TRUE passion is actually helping companies grow. Real, tangible growth.
I've worked on clearly defining what traits a prospective client of mine would have. They can easily be summed up as the 2 cliche terms often heard in the startup world: "Execution" and "Traction".
1. Companies have to have executed. Site has to be up, some staff hired, product ready to ship.
2. Companies have to have traction. Read: Revenue. I want companies with proven business models, someone is willing to pay for your service or product. Everyone THINKS people will flock to them, but proof is in the traction in this case.
Overall I've realized the companies I enjoy working with the most are where there is a long term, ongoing Outsourced CFO role.
I've worked on clearly defining what traits a prospective client of mine would have. They can easily be summed up as the 2 cliche terms often heard in the startup world: "Execution" and "Traction".
1. Companies have to have executed. Site has to be up, some staff hired, product ready to ship.
2. Companies have to have traction. Read: Revenue. I want companies with proven business models, someone is willing to pay for your service or product. Everyone THINKS people will flock to them, but proof is in the traction in this case.
Overall I've realized the companies I enjoy working with the most are where there is a long term, ongoing Outsourced CFO role.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Seattle
I've been in Seattle the last week, part personal part business. Great city, too bad its a touch cool and rainy. Looking forward to spending more time here this summer though.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Focused business model
I've switched to a narrower business model - Ongoing CFO for startups, with possible project work. No longer though do I help exclusively with helping companies find funding.
Reason why - very bluntly, I'm a professional, my time is valuable, and I'm not going to work for free to help you find capital, my compensation completely tied to the success. Not everyone gets funded, regardless of how attractive your company is, and it's hard to give 100% effort when there's less than a 50% chance of being paid for my efforts.
There's a very easy distinction - companies who call me and say "Chris we need help raising money" typically 1. don't have any and 2. if they do, are not willing to pay me for my time, since they believe $1M is right around the corner. I've also heard "well if you are able to do what you say you can, then you shouldn't be worried about us getting funding and you getting paid". Problem is it's not an automatic process. Just because you look for funding doesn't mean you automatically receive it. While I may have connections and a history of doing so, it still is no guarantee.
On the other hand, companies who call and say "Chris we need a CFO", then my ears perk up. Typically these people recognize the value in everything that I do, and their need for a financial executive on the team.
The VC model is invest in 10 companies, get paid off by 1. I'm not a VC though, and my model is work hard for people who are willing to pay for my time.
Reason why - very bluntly, I'm a professional, my time is valuable, and I'm not going to work for free to help you find capital, my compensation completely tied to the success. Not everyone gets funded, regardless of how attractive your company is, and it's hard to give 100% effort when there's less than a 50% chance of being paid for my efforts.
There's a very easy distinction - companies who call me and say "Chris we need help raising money" typically 1. don't have any and 2. if they do, are not willing to pay me for my time, since they believe $1M is right around the corner. I've also heard "well if you are able to do what you say you can, then you shouldn't be worried about us getting funding and you getting paid". Problem is it's not an automatic process. Just because you look for funding doesn't mean you automatically receive it. While I may have connections and a history of doing so, it still is no guarantee.
On the other hand, companies who call and say "Chris we need a CFO", then my ears perk up. Typically these people recognize the value in everything that I do, and their need for a financial executive on the team.
The VC model is invest in 10 companies, get paid off by 1. I'm not a VC though, and my model is work hard for people who are willing to pay for my time.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Interview on Build Your Business Radio posted
If you want to listen in to me discuss the economy and raising capital, listen in with Barbara Weltman and her Build Your Business Radio webshow.
It's in 2 sections, "Raising Capital In Tough Economic Times"
Raising Capital In Tough Econmic Times - Build Your Business Radio
It's in 2 sections, "Raising Capital In Tough Economic Times"
Raising Capital In Tough Econmic Times - Build Your Business Radio
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Need ideas for International Advertising
I've worked with companies in Canada, India and Africa so far, and would love to continue my global presence. Ideally, London & Tokyo would be 2 cities it'd be great to have clients in, and not just so I have a reason to go visit them.
What is the craigslist equivalent for London & Tokyo? Sure CL is there as well, but there must be other more dominant classifieds or sites. Currently most of my advertising in the U.S. is on Craigslist, Elance, Guru, placed Google & Facebook ads, and some direct email.
Any thoughts appreciated, feel free to comment or email: chrisb@roguecfo.com
What is the craigslist equivalent for London & Tokyo? Sure CL is there as well, but there must be other more dominant classifieds or sites. Currently most of my advertising in the U.S. is on Craigslist, Elance, Guru, placed Google & Facebook ads, and some direct email.
Any thoughts appreciated, feel free to comment or email: chrisb@roguecfo.com
Interview 3 coming soon
Will be interviewed for Build Your Business web radio this Monday, will post a link once it's up. Still waiting on Startup BizCast to post our interview as well, link to come.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
New interview
I was just interviewed for Startup BizCast. Will post a link once it airs. For now, anyone wanting to catch up on old episodes, take a listen. Great podcast.
Startup BizCast
Startup BizCast
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Monthly Rogue CFO Newsletter
I've created a monthly newsletter for those wanting to stay on top of all that is new in the world of entrepreneurism. I'll be sending out my first newsletter April 1st.
And of course, your info would never, ever be sold.
Sign up for the newsletter:
Rogue CFO Media Page
And of course, your info would never, ever be sold.
Sign up for the newsletter:
Rogue CFO Media Page
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