The core task for non-random entrepreneurship is effectively managing the uncertainty inherent in trying something new. Uncertainty is the flip side of the fat rewards sought both by entrepreneurs and established enterprises. The uncertainty facing entrepreneurs comes in a variety of forms—risk, complexity, ignorance, and indeterminism. While financial investors can make use of methods including syndication, insurance, and diversification to reduce uncertainty and risk, these are not available to entrepreneurs and managers. What, then, are the alternatives? Sull dismisses three common approaches: jumping onto an opportunity with no guidance; avoiding all risk; and operating in perpetual fire-fighting mode. Based on five years of study, Sull outlines an iterative experimentation model consisting of three steps.
Moved by Karl Popper’s mode of the scientific method as a process of conjectures and refutations, Sull sets out his view of disciplined entrepreneurships in three steps: Formulate a working hypothesis, assemble resources, and design and run experiments. The first step involves forming a model of the opportunity, the resources it requires, the value that success would create, and a plan to pursue it. To help entrepreneurs formulate a working hypothesis despite multiple kinds and levels of uncertainty, Sull urges them to “keep it fluid”; “be sure you have the right to an opinion”; and “identify deal killers and big bets.”
For step two—assemble resources—Sull says that the iterative experimentation approach can ease the difficult, time-consuming, easily-botched process of pulling resources away from their current uses. He suggests raising enough money to fund the next round of experiments, stabilizing the business model before making key hires; and outsourcing functions that distract you from critical experiments. On the second point, he notes research indicating that hiring too early can mean that firms “get the perfect CEO for the wrong business model.”
The final step—design and run experiments—involves understanding and applying a distinction between “partial experiments” and “holistic experiments”, then staging those experiments while avoiding “experiment creep”. Sull defines an experiment as “a test designed to reduce sources of uncertainty critical to the success of a new venture before deciding to commit additional resources.” Partial experiments enable the entrepreneur to uncover information about a single variable, whereas holistic experiments test multiple variables and interactions on a small scale. Sull believes that this process of iterative experimentation can bring discipline to entrepreneurship without snuffing out its essential spirit.
Via-Manyworlds
Saturday, November 10, 2007
I Do...Now I Don't, a site that matches people who are looking to sell engagement rings they no longer need
What Company Is Offering:
This social network is all about commiserating with others that have broken off their engagements or gotten a divorce. (I Do...Now I Don't), a site that matches people who are looking to sell engagement rings they no longer need or want with buyers who are in the market for a great deal. A home for people to share their relationship disasters or successes, vent about their ex's or rave about their newly single sex, provide tips on surviving a breakup or tips on how to do the breaking up and much, much more.
How It Works:
Users can share stories and advice without being judged.At least, that’s the ideal way to look at things. In reality, there’s fewer situations that receive more judgment. But the hope is that since you’re in a community with others in the same boat, you’re more likely to find others with a similar perspective. Most of the functions of this site operate in a similar manner to your average social network. There are blogs, photo albums, friending, private messages, featured articles, and the whole bit.
Why Is It Different:
What makes this network stand out from the rest (aside from the topic) is the top charts for break up songs and the auction section where you can get rid of that shiny, sparkling reminder of the relationship that just didn’t work out–the ring. Now we over at Mashable are not sure if this site is funny, or kind of sad. I kind of wish that the site would impose more of a sense of humor with its presentation–that would actually make it easier to get involved with the community. But there’s one thing you can’t deny about this site: it takes a very honest approach to the reality of relationships.
Other than commiserating, the advice given would be good for those that are in a serious relationship, or are about to get married. And that goes for the auction site too. It’s the people that are about to get married that would be buying up these second-hand rings. That being said, I Do…Now I Don’t would benefit from a little more appeal to those that are actually still with their significant other. The wedding industry is growing exponentially, and this site could take better advantage of that fact, even with its realistic approach to relationships. Blabbermash is another relationship advice site that’s recently launched.
More at:http://www.idonowidont.com/
This social network is all about commiserating with others that have broken off their engagements or gotten a divorce. (I Do...Now I Don't), a site that matches people who are looking to sell engagement rings they no longer need or want with buyers who are in the market for a great deal. A home for people to share their relationship disasters or successes, vent about their ex's or rave about their newly single sex, provide tips on surviving a breakup or tips on how to do the breaking up and much, much more.
How It Works:
Users can share stories and advice without being judged.At least, that’s the ideal way to look at things. In reality, there’s fewer situations that receive more judgment. But the hope is that since you’re in a community with others in the same boat, you’re more likely to find others with a similar perspective. Most of the functions of this site operate in a similar manner to your average social network. There are blogs, photo albums, friending, private messages, featured articles, and the whole bit.
Why Is It Different:
What makes this network stand out from the rest (aside from the topic) is the top charts for break up songs and the auction section where you can get rid of that shiny, sparkling reminder of the relationship that just didn’t work out–the ring. Now we over at Mashable are not sure if this site is funny, or kind of sad. I kind of wish that the site would impose more of a sense of humor with its presentation–that would actually make it easier to get involved with the community. But there’s one thing you can’t deny about this site: it takes a very honest approach to the reality of relationships.
Other than commiserating, the advice given would be good for those that are in a serious relationship, or are about to get married. And that goes for the auction site too. It’s the people that are about to get married that would be buying up these second-hand rings. That being said, I Do…Now I Don’t would benefit from a little more appeal to those that are actually still with their significant other. The wedding industry is growing exponentially, and this site could take better advantage of that fact, even with its realistic approach to relationships. Blabbermash is another relationship advice site that’s recently launched.
More at:http://www.idonowidont.com/
TeethYou---Share Shopping Experience
What Company Is Offering:
TeethYou is a network that gets people connected with friends, strangers and others who share what they have just bought lately. It is to share not only what products you bought, but also how you feel the life.
TeethYou gives shopping fans a place for showing off what they’ve actually purchased.
Taiwan-based TeethYou, aims to help shoppers around the globe share the details of what they’ve just bought.
How it Works:
To list a purchase, users enter a short description of the item along with its price and any post-purchase thoughts about it; photos can be uploaded as well. Registering on TeethYou is free, and all entries are broadcast instantly on MSN. TeethYou also functions as a social network, allowing users to make friends and track their purchases. Wish lists can be created as well.
The concept is a good one: Sharing the details of actual purchases could appeal to shopping addicts and ‘casual voyeurs’ alike, tapping into a common interest in things like What’s in my bag photos on Flickr. Savvy marketers should be interested, too—what better way to get the pulse of your customers? Could be a good one to bring to a market near you....
More at: www.teethyou.com
TeethYou is a network that gets people connected with friends, strangers and others who share what they have just bought lately. It is to share not only what products you bought, but also how you feel the life.
TeethYou gives shopping fans a place for showing off what they’ve actually purchased.
Taiwan-based TeethYou, aims to help shoppers around the globe share the details of what they’ve just bought.
How it Works:
To list a purchase, users enter a short description of the item along with its price and any post-purchase thoughts about it; photos can be uploaded as well. Registering on TeethYou is free, and all entries are broadcast instantly on MSN. TeethYou also functions as a social network, allowing users to make friends and track their purchases. Wish lists can be created as well.
The concept is a good one: Sharing the details of actual purchases could appeal to shopping addicts and ‘casual voyeurs’ alike, tapping into a common interest in things like What’s in my bag photos on Flickr. Savvy marketers should be interested, too—what better way to get the pulse of your customers? Could be a good one to bring to a market near you....
More at: www.teethyou.com
MerchantCircle Got $10MM in Funding from Square 1 Bank and Equity Investors
About Company:
MerchantCircle helps you tap into the power of the Local Internet to reach these potential local customers, who are online right now, searching for deals, recommendations and information in your community. We created simple tools to help you to promote your products and services, and designed our site to get your business listed higher in search engine results on engines such as Google and Yahoo.(I reviewd this site 2days back).
How Much they Got From VCs:
The largest and fastest growing online network of local business owners in the nation, has received $10MM in funding from Square 1 Bank and equity investors Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Disney’s Steamboat Ventures, and from new financing partners IAC (NASDAQ: IACI - News) among others. The funding validates the company’s business model and allows MerchantCircle to pursue acquisition opportunities becoming available. The deal dramatically accelerates MerchantCircle’s strategy to become the most effective channel for connecting local businesses with local consumers.
What VCs Says:
The innovation of MerchantCircle’s “merchant-first” business model is the type of advanced vision that sustains the success of our region,” said Ron Kundich, SVP Manager, Square 1 Bank Silicon Valley, “I have been impressed by MerchantCircle’s strong growth and look forward to a long term partnership.”
How They Are Progressing:
MerchantCircle has attracted more than 300,000 local merchants in eighteen months. Local business owners use MerchantCircle to create web sites, manage their online reputation, write blogs, send newsletters, publish coupons, and connect with other business owners in their communities. In their new relationship with Square 1 Bank, Merchant Circle will gain access to Square 1’s full network of banking services, comprehensive financial expertise and signature service.
More At:http://www.merchantcircle.com/
MerchantCircle helps you tap into the power of the Local Internet to reach these potential local customers, who are online right now, searching for deals, recommendations and information in your community. We created simple tools to help you to promote your products and services, and designed our site to get your business listed higher in search engine results on engines such as Google and Yahoo.(I reviewd this site 2days back).
How Much they Got From VCs:
The largest and fastest growing online network of local business owners in the nation, has received $10MM in funding from Square 1 Bank and equity investors Rustic Canyon Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Disney’s Steamboat Ventures, and from new financing partners IAC (NASDAQ: IACI - News) among others. The funding validates the company’s business model and allows MerchantCircle to pursue acquisition opportunities becoming available. The deal dramatically accelerates MerchantCircle’s strategy to become the most effective channel for connecting local businesses with local consumers.
What VCs Says:
The innovation of MerchantCircle’s “merchant-first” business model is the type of advanced vision that sustains the success of our region,” said Ron Kundich, SVP Manager, Square 1 Bank Silicon Valley, “I have been impressed by MerchantCircle’s strong growth and look forward to a long term partnership.”
How They Are Progressing:
MerchantCircle has attracted more than 300,000 local merchants in eighteen months. Local business owners use MerchantCircle to create web sites, manage their online reputation, write blogs, send newsletters, publish coupons, and connect with other business owners in their communities. In their new relationship with Square 1 Bank, Merchant Circle will gain access to Square 1’s full network of banking services, comprehensive financial expertise and signature service.
More At:http://www.merchantcircle.com/
Fandango----Lauches Its Application On Facebook
What is Fandango:
Fandango, the largest movie ticketing service, sells tickets to approximately 15,000 screens and 1,300 theaters. One of the Web's top movie destinations (according to Nielsen//NetRatings), Fandango entertains and informs moviegoers with reviews, commentary and trailers, and offers the ability to quickly select a film, plan where and when to see it, and buy tickets up to 45 days in advance.
Updates:
The leading moviegoer destination, announced a new application on Facebook Platform, enabling movie studios, film distributors, production companies, theaters and other organizations with Facebook Pages to enhance their movie-related content with showtimes and ticketing capabilities (along with other value-added features for moviegoers who access these pages).
Facebook Pages allow users to interact and affiliate with organizations and businesses, like movie studios, in the same way they interact with other user profiles.
For consumers, this new relationship provides Facebook's 52 million active users with direct access to show times and ticketing for more than 15,000 screens in the Fandango network (representing the widest selection of theaters in the United States). The new application will enable Fandango users to invite their Facebook friends to join them at the movies.Fandango's application was built on Facebook Platform, a development platform that enables companies and engineers to integrate with Facebook and gain access to millions of users. Platform was recently expanded to Facebook Pages, allowing businesses and organizations on Facebook to add applications onto their pages and enable users to interact with them.
More at:http://www.fandango.com/
Fandango, the largest movie ticketing service, sells tickets to approximately 15,000 screens and 1,300 theaters. One of the Web's top movie destinations (according to Nielsen//NetRatings), Fandango entertains and informs moviegoers with reviews, commentary and trailers, and offers the ability to quickly select a film, plan where and when to see it, and buy tickets up to 45 days in advance.
Updates:
The leading moviegoer destination, announced a new application on Facebook Platform, enabling movie studios, film distributors, production companies, theaters and other organizations with Facebook Pages to enhance their movie-related content with showtimes and ticketing capabilities (along with other value-added features for moviegoers who access these pages).
Facebook Pages allow users to interact and affiliate with organizations and businesses, like movie studios, in the same way they interact with other user profiles.
For consumers, this new relationship provides Facebook's 52 million active users with direct access to show times and ticketing for more than 15,000 screens in the Fandango network (representing the widest selection of theaters in the United States). The new application will enable Fandango users to invite their Facebook friends to join them at the movies.Fandango's application was built on Facebook Platform, a development platform that enables companies and engineers to integrate with Facebook and gain access to millions of users. Platform was recently expanded to Facebook Pages, allowing businesses and organizations on Facebook to add applications onto their pages and enable users to interact with them.
More at:http://www.fandango.com/
Ebyte.com ----For Sharing ,Searching,Computer Hardware And Electronics Products
What Company is Offering:
Build your own custom search results. You can easily do this by tagging products with the keywords you want. All products are taggable, and all tagged keywords are used to weigh products in search results and can be used to build your own custom search for the products you want.
How It Works:
Ebyte.com provides a way to easily search and browse through a huge catalog of computer hardware and electronics products, while providing a dynamic platform for users to share their knowledge and opinions about products, interact with a community of tech enthusiasts, and recommend products to others.
If you are passionate about technology, Ebyte.com is waiting for you. They’ve recently released version 2 of Ebyte.com. With it comes many improvements and added features to the site. Most importantly they have improved the checkout process dramatically. They have made it even easier for you to place orders and choose different secure payment methods. And also you don’t have to be a member to order on Ebyte.com.
More at:http://www.ebyte.com/
Build your own custom search results. You can easily do this by tagging products with the keywords you want. All products are taggable, and all tagged keywords are used to weigh products in search results and can be used to build your own custom search for the products you want.
How It Works:
Ebyte.com provides a way to easily search and browse through a huge catalog of computer hardware and electronics products, while providing a dynamic platform for users to share their knowledge and opinions about products, interact with a community of tech enthusiasts, and recommend products to others.
If you are passionate about technology, Ebyte.com is waiting for you. They’ve recently released version 2 of Ebyte.com. With it comes many improvements and added features to the site. Most importantly they have improved the checkout process dramatically. They have made it even easier for you to place orders and choose different secure payment methods. And also you don’t have to be a member to order on Ebyte.com.
More at:http://www.ebyte.com/
GotCast.com---Promote Yourself,Get Cast And Become Famous
What Company Is Offering:
GotCast simply brings both undiscovered stars and Hollywood Executives to the same place. Now you can get in front of the Casting Directors and Agents that can launch your career.
Until now, getting there was nearly impossible for everyone.
Aside from moving to Hollywood and hoping to get discovered, the only chance you may have had was to show up at a talent competition or send a video to a TV Network - both of these never seem to work. At the same time, Casting Directors from major networks and top Talent Agents are constantly trying to find new talent to appear on their shows, and they are having just as hard of a time finding you!
How It Works:
Gotcast helps you create your unique identity by uploading your photos and audition videos.
Once you have your profile setup, you can audition for one of our castings. Once you’ve entered, work to get as many votes you can so that you become a finalist. And don’t worry, you’re not on your own… GotCast has great tools that you can use to reach out to all of your fans!
Our Top 10 talent profiles move onto a final round where Hollywood Casting Directors and Agents review their audition videos and ultimately choose one winner to work on a specific on-camera role. That winner is flown out to Hollywood where they meet face to face with people within the industry; they experience Hollywood like a star, and finally work on their project.
More at:http://www.gotcast.com/
GotCast simply brings both undiscovered stars and Hollywood Executives to the same place. Now you can get in front of the Casting Directors and Agents that can launch your career.
Until now, getting there was nearly impossible for everyone.
Aside from moving to Hollywood and hoping to get discovered, the only chance you may have had was to show up at a talent competition or send a video to a TV Network - both of these never seem to work. At the same time, Casting Directors from major networks and top Talent Agents are constantly trying to find new talent to appear on their shows, and they are having just as hard of a time finding you!
How It Works:
Gotcast helps you create your unique identity by uploading your photos and audition videos.
Once you have your profile setup, you can audition for one of our castings. Once you’ve entered, work to get as many votes you can so that you become a finalist. And don’t worry, you’re not on your own… GotCast has great tools that you can use to reach out to all of your fans!
Our Top 10 talent profiles move onto a final round where Hollywood Casting Directors and Agents review their audition videos and ultimately choose one winner to work on a specific on-camera role. That winner is flown out to Hollywood where they meet face to face with people within the industry; they experience Hollywood like a star, and finally work on their project.
More at:http://www.gotcast.com/
TheFoundBin.com----Searh For Your Lost And Found Items
What Company Is Offering:
TheFoundBin.com is the largest online collection of free lost and found listings. With the fastest growing lost and found community they fight to help stop lost stuff!Search the largest online listing of lost and found items! Whether you lost your dog, your cat, your favorite watch ... or your brother, we can help you find it!
100% FREE for everyone!
Powerful mapping feature makes searching a breeze
As anonymous as you want it to be.
Send auto alerts to local BinPoint locations to find your item fast.
How It Works:
Start your search for your lost and found items using the search box to the left.For example,Shelter Info
Every second counts! Don't spend countless hours or even days driving to or contacting every local organization in your area. Let us do the work for you. Good samaritan and other volunteer organizations are typically overworked and underfunded. Oftentimes the chance that they'll have adequate room for your pet are slim.
TheFoundBin.com makes it easy for you and for them. Once you're realized your pet may be lost, log on to TheFoundBin.com and register your pet for free! Upon registering, an automated e-mail will be sent to registered local shelters, rescue groups, and other lost animal organizations in your area, alerting them to your lost pet. If your pet is found, you'll be notified directly either via e-mail or phone (depending on your preference when registering). It's fast, easy, and free!
More at:http://www.thefoundbin.com/
TheFoundBin.com is the largest online collection of free lost and found listings. With the fastest growing lost and found community they fight to help stop lost stuff!Search the largest online listing of lost and found items! Whether you lost your dog, your cat, your favorite watch ... or your brother, we can help you find it!
100% FREE for everyone!
Powerful mapping feature makes searching a breeze
As anonymous as you want it to be.
Send auto alerts to local BinPoint locations to find your item fast.
How It Works:
Start your search for your lost and found items using the search box to the left.For example,Shelter Info
Every second counts! Don't spend countless hours or even days driving to or contacting every local organization in your area. Let us do the work for you. Good samaritan and other volunteer organizations are typically overworked and underfunded. Oftentimes the chance that they'll have adequate room for your pet are slim.
TheFoundBin.com makes it easy for you and for them. Once you're realized your pet may be lost, log on to TheFoundBin.com and register your pet for free! Upon registering, an automated e-mail will be sent to registered local shelters, rescue groups, and other lost animal organizations in your area, alerting them to your lost pet. If your pet is found, you'll be notified directly either via e-mail or phone (depending on your preference when registering). It's fast, easy, and free!
More at:http://www.thefoundbin.com/
Domodomain---Transforms Anonymous Website Clicks Into Actionable Sales And Marketing Intelligence
What Company Is Offering:
Domodomain Professional is an on-demand website lead prospecting and generation tool for anyone who would benefit from identifying and profiling the business visitors to their company web site.
How It Works:
Domodomain transforms anonymous website clicks into actionable sales and marketing intelligence with no software to install. Domodomain transforms the concept of Web Analytics, from a statistical analysis tool into a window onto visitor browsing experience. Domodomain's easy-to-use service provides actionable web visitor intelligence to enhance any CRM platform, marketing or sales activity. Domodomain provides visitor company names and information, playback of the visit and an intuitive analysis of the products and services in which the visitor appeared to show an interest during the browsing session.
More at:http://www.domodomain.com/
Domodomain Professional is an on-demand website lead prospecting and generation tool for anyone who would benefit from identifying and profiling the business visitors to their company web site.
How It Works:
Domodomain transforms anonymous website clicks into actionable sales and marketing intelligence with no software to install. Domodomain transforms the concept of Web Analytics, from a statistical analysis tool into a window onto visitor browsing experience. Domodomain's easy-to-use service provides actionable web visitor intelligence to enhance any CRM platform, marketing or sales activity. Domodomain provides visitor company names and information, playback of the visit and an intuitive analysis of the products and services in which the visitor appeared to show an interest during the browsing session.
More at:http://www.domodomain.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
