What Company Is Offering:
Zenoss provides a complete suite of software and services to help you succeed monitoring your IT infrastructure.
To support your unique needs, we offer several paths to success. Choose the offering(s) that make sense for your situation, budget and expertise.
Everything we do is based on Zenoss Core, our award-winning open source IT management platform. Our software provides a single, integrated solution for monitoring your entire IT infrastructure: network, servers, applications, across the full lifecycle: inventory, configuration, availability, performance, events, logs and alerts.
Through our unique approach our goal is to overcome the common hurdles to achieving effective IT monitoring and management. Read about the successes of Zenoss customers and watch video testimonials here.
Unique Features:
With Zenoss’ latest update you can now use their Google Maps mashup to monitor your network geographically. Updates appear in real time and it’s interactive, so you can draw connections between locations, and check the status of individual locations. The Ajax dashboard uses drag and drop editing for easy control and navigation.
More at:http://www.zenoss.com/
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Agendize is an online marketing tool which deals in Click to call and Call to Action solutions
What Company Is Offering:
AgendiZe offers the only complete suite of proven advertising call-to-action tools. With AgendiZe, any business from large online directory publishers to newspaper classifieds, from web megastores to individual small or mid-size businesses can powerfully transform online ads into actionable ads.
Exploiting the new era of the social consumer, AgendiZe makes ads and websites actionable by multiplying social attention points across over 50 communication services and devices.
How It Works:
Agendize has developed a product called AgendizeMe which turns ads into opportunities for customer action. There are eight customizable buttons which gives consumers more possibilities for interaction. For instance, the ‘Call Now’ button lets customers leave their phone number so you can call them back. Customers can also choose where to receive/move content you provide to their agendas, cell phones, PDA’s, IM’s and social networks. All of these buttons are included in the AgendizeMe pack for $49 a year. Solutions for directories, classifieds and other businesses are also available.
More at:http://www.agendize.com/
AgendiZe offers the only complete suite of proven advertising call-to-action tools. With AgendiZe, any business from large online directory publishers to newspaper classifieds, from web megastores to individual small or mid-size businesses can powerfully transform online ads into actionable ads.
Exploiting the new era of the social consumer, AgendiZe makes ads and websites actionable by multiplying social attention points across over 50 communication services and devices.
How It Works:
Agendize has developed a product called AgendizeMe which turns ads into opportunities for customer action. There are eight customizable buttons which gives consumers more possibilities for interaction. For instance, the ‘Call Now’ button lets customers leave their phone number so you can call them back. Customers can also choose where to receive/move content you provide to their agendas, cell phones, PDA’s, IM’s and social networks. All of these buttons are included in the AgendizeMe pack for $49 a year. Solutions for directories, classifieds and other businesses are also available.
More at:http://www.agendize.com/
With LeadsExplorer you can get information on clients and potential buyers
What Company's Purpose:
Getting leads is one of the hardest parts of the sales cycle.
Allowing your sales staff to take advantage of the knowledge about your website visitors.
Currently your website generates leads by the contact form, newsletter or download registration.
Which is great, but only a minority of visitors ver registers for downloads or info.
Many more people visit your site, without you knowing anything about them.
Money has been spent to attract visitors to your website, but most visitors pass without leaving anything trail or indication for you to work on.
You got to analyze their actions, identify them !
Grab the trails they leave by visiting your website.
Find out impact of e-mail campaigns
Find out about reaction of cold calls
Get sales to act, when Companies visit your websit.
How It Works:
With LeadsExplorer you can get information on clients and potential buyers. LeadsExplorer helps you gather information on, customers, ex customers, competitors, financially related aspects such as investors and media such as newspapers and magazine articles about your site. All of this information will help you get a better idea of who your clients are and what they want. LeadsExplorer does not require additional software. Get a better idea of who your clients are by using LeadsExplorer.
More at:http://www.leadsexplorer.com/
Getting leads is one of the hardest parts of the sales cycle.
Allowing your sales staff to take advantage of the knowledge about your website visitors.
Currently your website generates leads by the contact form, newsletter or download registration.
Which is great, but only a minority of visitors ver registers for downloads or info.
Many more people visit your site, without you knowing anything about them.
Money has been spent to attract visitors to your website, but most visitors pass without leaving anything trail or indication for you to work on.
You got to analyze their actions, identify them !
Grab the trails they leave by visiting your website.
Find out impact of e-mail campaigns
Find out about reaction of cold calls
Get sales to act, when Companies visit your websit.
How It Works:
With LeadsExplorer you can get information on clients and potential buyers. LeadsExplorer helps you gather information on, customers, ex customers, competitors, financially related aspects such as investors and media such as newspapers and magazine articles about your site. All of this information will help you get a better idea of who your clients are and what they want. LeadsExplorer does not require additional software. Get a better idea of who your clients are by using LeadsExplorer.
More at:http://www.leadsexplorer.com/
“You Be the VC" Become Your Own CEO
What Company Is Offering:Start networking with other entrepreneurs, inventors, and dreamers like yourself. Brainstorm, get ideas, meet new friends, and maybe even find your future business partner or investor
How It Started And How It Works:
Bang Ventures has launched “You Be the VC,” a new web site where entrepreneurs can submit their Web-based business ideas and the public can vote on the one’s they like best. Ultimately, the public will decide on the three ideas they like best, which Bang Ventures will then fund, in addition to providing programming resources, management support and office space in Cambridge, Mass.
Along the way, the public votes on various tasks that entrepreneurs complete, such as a preliminary analysis and a video pitch. This is designed to model the real investment process, which usually consists of many steps.
The competition is looking specifically for web applications that can be brought to market quickly, so if you’re just one or two people with a cool idea, “You Be the VC” might be worth checking out.
More at:http://www.youbethevc.com/
How It Started And How It Works:
Bang Ventures has launched “You Be the VC,” a new web site where entrepreneurs can submit their Web-based business ideas and the public can vote on the one’s they like best. Ultimately, the public will decide on the three ideas they like best, which Bang Ventures will then fund, in addition to providing programming resources, management support and office space in Cambridge, Mass.
Along the way, the public votes on various tasks that entrepreneurs complete, such as a preliminary analysis and a video pitch. This is designed to model the real investment process, which usually consists of many steps.
The competition is looking specifically for web applications that can be brought to market quickly, so if you’re just one or two people with a cool idea, “You Be the VC” might be worth checking out.
More at:http://www.youbethevc.com/
Google Contest
Google.org, the search giant’s non-profit organization, is launching an initiative called the “Innovate or Die Pedal-Powered Machine Challenge.” The contest aims to encourage inventors to design environmentally friendly bikes that cause zero emissions, and will reward $5,000 to the best invention, and free bikes for the top 5 finalists. Inventors are also asked to submit their inventions via video on a YouTube group that has been setup.
For the contest, Google has partnered with Specialized Bikes and Goodby Silverstein & Partners.
More at:http://www.google.org/
For the contest, Google has partnered with Specialized Bikes and Goodby Silverstein & Partners.
More at:http://www.google.org/
Fortumo For Mobile Or SMS-Based Business
What Company Is Offering:
Fortumo has opened up to invitation holders, and it turns out it’s a wizard generator for creating mobile businesses.
Whether you’ve never even pondered creating an SMS-based business, or you’re an old hand at it, it seems Fortumo can help you get going in a matter of minutes. The focus of the service is currently on four types of SMS tools: SMS-info, SMS-campaign, SMS-chatbox, and Premium SMS-connectivity.
How It Works:
SMS-info and SMS-campaign involve you getting people to send a message to a short code address to receive information and you, in turn, getting paid for each SMS sent. The SMS-chatbox tool allows you to add a paid-chat or advertisement column to your blog for people to send out messages. The premium tool is meant only for those experienced in setting up mobile applications and feel comfortable having more of a free hand in their service’s creation.
With this new app, even a one person operation can get set up and running with their own SMS application and business. For the time being, the services work only with the countries of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
more at:http://www.fortumo.com/
Fortumo has opened up to invitation holders, and it turns out it’s a wizard generator for creating mobile businesses.
Whether you’ve never even pondered creating an SMS-based business, or you’re an old hand at it, it seems Fortumo can help you get going in a matter of minutes. The focus of the service is currently on four types of SMS tools: SMS-info, SMS-campaign, SMS-chatbox, and Premium SMS-connectivity.
How It Works:
SMS-info and SMS-campaign involve you getting people to send a message to a short code address to receive information and you, in turn, getting paid for each SMS sent. The SMS-chatbox tool allows you to add a paid-chat or advertisement column to your blog for people to send out messages. The premium tool is meant only for those experienced in setting up mobile applications and feel comfortable having more of a free hand in their service’s creation.
With this new app, even a one person operation can get set up and running with their own SMS application and business. For the time being, the services work only with the countries of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
more at:http://www.fortumo.com/
ZiiTrend is a new social prediction site
What Company Is Offering:
ZiiTrend is a new social prediction site that wants you to help predict the future on just about any subject you can think of.
Whatever your question or interest may be, you can join up on ZiiTrend and try to work with others to see what the future holds. You can browse for already existing questions and vote on them, or you can create your own question to try to get a prediction.
How It Works:
Questions are grouped in to a number of categories including finance, technology, politics, sports and entertainment. As each Ziibo (their name for users) votes, the site collects that data to make a prediction. Say you think candidate a will win the Presidential election next year, and so do 33% of other users. That candidate will then be assigned a ZiiValue of 33% and this will state the chance of the prediction coming true.
Once the predicted event has passed, the site will be updated to reflect how close the prediction came to being true, letting you know how good you really are at figuring things out. This will also help the software in future ZiiValue calculations in an effort to make it more and more accurate.
So why not put on your Nostradamus costume and give it a try to see how good you are at predicting what the future holds for all of us.
More at:http://www.ziitrend.com/
Via-Mash
ZiiTrend is a new social prediction site that wants you to help predict the future on just about any subject you can think of.
Whatever your question or interest may be, you can join up on ZiiTrend and try to work with others to see what the future holds. You can browse for already existing questions and vote on them, or you can create your own question to try to get a prediction.
How It Works:
Questions are grouped in to a number of categories including finance, technology, politics, sports and entertainment. As each Ziibo (their name for users) votes, the site collects that data to make a prediction. Say you think candidate a will win the Presidential election next year, and so do 33% of other users. That candidate will then be assigned a ZiiValue of 33% and this will state the chance of the prediction coming true.
Once the predicted event has passed, the site will be updated to reflect how close the prediction came to being true, letting you know how good you really are at figuring things out. This will also help the software in future ZiiValue calculations in an effort to make it more and more accurate.
So why not put on your Nostradamus costume and give it a try to see how good you are at predicting what the future holds for all of us.
More at:http://www.ziitrend.com/
Via-Mash
Myxer is a mobile media sharing company for site visitors to mobilize their content
What Company Is Offering:
Myxer is a mobile media sharing company that lets web publishers offer a way for site visitors to mobilize their content, launching here at DEMO. With the Myxer widget, site visitors can send content to their mobile phones with drag’n'drop ease and almost instant results.
How It Works:
There’s a button publishers place on their website inviting site visitors to launch the widget. Content can then be dragged over the widget, and immediately downloaded. Both videos and images can be sent to a mobile phone, and publishers can also use this platform to sell their content. You select the price and description of various content items on your site, like an instructional video, and site visitors have the option of downloading it directly to their mobile phones. There’s also an option for users to keep this as a desktop widget for themselves, collecting various types of media from around th web. You can’t yet mobilze selected text, but this option will be added in the near future, and will show up on your cell phone as a text message. Other ways in which this widget is being used is for downloading ringtones and mobile wallpaper.
Another neat thing that Myxer has don is found a way to distribute its mobile content through Twitter, where a daily ringtone is made available by the company. If you’re receiving your Twitter updates on your ell phone, then you can opt to add Myxer’s Twitter ringtone directly to your cell phone. I like this particular use of Twitter for content distribution, as I think tat Twitter cold be used in many, many was for just this. So it’s always interesting to see what ways this is actually achieved by companies.
More at:http://www.myxertones.com/default/
Myxer is a mobile media sharing company that lets web publishers offer a way for site visitors to mobilize their content, launching here at DEMO. With the Myxer widget, site visitors can send content to their mobile phones with drag’n'drop ease and almost instant results.
How It Works:
There’s a button publishers place on their website inviting site visitors to launch the widget. Content can then be dragged over the widget, and immediately downloaded. Both videos and images can be sent to a mobile phone, and publishers can also use this platform to sell their content. You select the price and description of various content items on your site, like an instructional video, and site visitors have the option of downloading it directly to their mobile phones. There’s also an option for users to keep this as a desktop widget for themselves, collecting various types of media from around th web. You can’t yet mobilze selected text, but this option will be added in the near future, and will show up on your cell phone as a text message. Other ways in which this widget is being used is for downloading ringtones and mobile wallpaper.
Another neat thing that Myxer has don is found a way to distribute its mobile content through Twitter, where a daily ringtone is made available by the company. If you’re receiving your Twitter updates on your ell phone, then you can opt to add Myxer’s Twitter ringtone directly to your cell phone. I like this particular use of Twitter for content distribution, as I think tat Twitter cold be used in many, many was for just this. So it’s always interesting to see what ways this is actually achieved by companies.
More at:http://www.myxertones.com/default/
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Best StartUP Challenge Contest
Amazon Web Services announced that they will be holding a STARTUP Challenge, or a contest of the best startup using their own API. The winner will receive $50,000 cash as well as $50,000 worth of AWS credits.
The grand prize winner will also receive mentoring sessions from an AWS technical expert, and an investment offer from Amazon. Four second place winners will receive $5,000 in AWS credits, and anyone that qualifies in the contest will receive $25 of AWS credits.
Amazon is wanting developers to come up with original ideas while also leveraging the pay-as-you-go technology offered by AWS. I think all of us are looking for originality and this contest may be what is needed to spur at least a little innovation.
More at: aws.amazon.com/startupchallenge no later than 11:59 P.M. (PT) on October 28, 2007.
The grand prize winner will also receive mentoring sessions from an AWS technical expert, and an investment offer from Amazon. Four second place winners will receive $5,000 in AWS credits, and anyone that qualifies in the contest will receive $25 of AWS credits.
Amazon is wanting developers to come up with original ideas while also leveraging the pay-as-you-go technology offered by AWS. I think all of us are looking for originality and this contest may be what is needed to spur at least a little innovation.
More at: aws.amazon.com/startupchallenge no later than 11:59 P.M. (PT) on October 28, 2007.
Why do so many entrepreneurs lose focus?
Why do so many entrepreneurs lose focus? The same reason they became entrepreneurs in the first place: ferocious ambition. Entrepreneurs are dreamers; restraint is unnatural.
When it comes to staying focused, here are some lessons to keep in mind.
Perfect One Idea First
Start-up Internet company Kiko was off to a terrific launch in 2005. The online calendar service was attracting high-profile investors, impressing industry luminaries and garnering fantastic press with its new product. By all accounts, Kiko was ready to take off.
But instead, a year later, the company went from being at the top of its game to being auctioned off on eBay (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) for $258,000. What happened?
Many speculated that Google's (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) new calendar service spelled Kiko's demise. But if you ask the founders and investors behind the company, it wasn't just about losing to Google. It was also about losing focus on their product.
“One of the reasons Kiko died was that the founders spent several months working on another project," says YCombinator's Paul Graham, a Kiko investor. "If they'd spent those months working on Kiko instead, they might have been far enough along to withstand Google calendar when it came out.”
Graham admits that focus alone may not have been enough to survive Google's onslaught, but it would have given Kiko a fighting chance.
Don't Attack Too Many Problems At Once
Face it: You don't have enough money, time, brains and limbs to fix everything that's wrong with your company. That's why you have to focus on the handful of issues that truly demand attention.
Jessica Livingston, author of Founders at Work, has profiled dozens of start-ups. Many have struggled to maintain their focus--even companies that eventually sold shares to the public.
Take TiVo. In its formative years, TiVo (nasdaq: TIVO - news - people ) wanted to build a network server that could provide an array of home-media services, from movies to music. Soon enough, writes Livingston, the company realized its snazzy box would not only be complicated to install, it would be hard for customers to understand. TiVo's decision: Focus on one killer application and branch out later on.
That "killer app" was the digital video recorder, or DVR--now a market unto itself. TiVo's current market cap: nearly $600 million.
Identify The Real Opportunities
Sometimes the challenge is not focusing on one value proposition, but being flexible enough to recognize when another is more compelling. It's not uncommon that entrepreneurs find their greatest opportunities in products they didn't even realize they were building.
Flickr, the popular photo-sharing site, started life as one feature of a totally different concept: a multiplayer online game called “Game Neverending." Soon the developers started noticing that their photo-sharing feature was stealing the show.
The founders knew they didn't have the time and resources to work on both opportunities, so they shifted their focus (with some regret at the time) to Flickr. Good move: In 2005 Yahoo! (nasdaq: YHOO - news - people ) shelled out a reported $20 to $30 million for Flickr, now the cornerstone of the Web portal's popular photo-hosting service.
Stick To What You're Good At
Yes, the world is full of opportunities. But the key to making money is recognizing the thing you can do better than the competition.
In his book, Focus: The Future of Your Company Depends on It, author Al Ries describes how behemoths like Dell Computer (nasdaq: DELL - news - people ), Home Depot (nyse: HD - news - people ) and Best Buy (nyse: BBY - news - people ) have all built powerful franchises based on one simple concept: being good at one thing.
Like your high school English teacher said: "Keep it simple, stupid."
Via-Forbes
When it comes to staying focused, here are some lessons to keep in mind.
Perfect One Idea First
Start-up Internet company Kiko was off to a terrific launch in 2005. The online calendar service was attracting high-profile investors, impressing industry luminaries and garnering fantastic press with its new product. By all accounts, Kiko was ready to take off.
But instead, a year later, the company went from being at the top of its game to being auctioned off on eBay (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) for $258,000. What happened?
Many speculated that Google's (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) new calendar service spelled Kiko's demise. But if you ask the founders and investors behind the company, it wasn't just about losing to Google. It was also about losing focus on their product.
“One of the reasons Kiko died was that the founders spent several months working on another project," says YCombinator's Paul Graham, a Kiko investor. "If they'd spent those months working on Kiko instead, they might have been far enough along to withstand Google calendar when it came out.”
Graham admits that focus alone may not have been enough to survive Google's onslaught, but it would have given Kiko a fighting chance.
Don't Attack Too Many Problems At Once
Face it: You don't have enough money, time, brains and limbs to fix everything that's wrong with your company. That's why you have to focus on the handful of issues that truly demand attention.
Jessica Livingston, author of Founders at Work, has profiled dozens of start-ups. Many have struggled to maintain their focus--even companies that eventually sold shares to the public.
Take TiVo. In its formative years, TiVo (nasdaq: TIVO - news - people ) wanted to build a network server that could provide an array of home-media services, from movies to music. Soon enough, writes Livingston, the company realized its snazzy box would not only be complicated to install, it would be hard for customers to understand. TiVo's decision: Focus on one killer application and branch out later on.
That "killer app" was the digital video recorder, or DVR--now a market unto itself. TiVo's current market cap: nearly $600 million.
Identify The Real Opportunities
Sometimes the challenge is not focusing on one value proposition, but being flexible enough to recognize when another is more compelling. It's not uncommon that entrepreneurs find their greatest opportunities in products they didn't even realize they were building.
Flickr, the popular photo-sharing site, started life as one feature of a totally different concept: a multiplayer online game called “Game Neverending." Soon the developers started noticing that their photo-sharing feature was stealing the show.
The founders knew they didn't have the time and resources to work on both opportunities, so they shifted their focus (with some regret at the time) to Flickr. Good move: In 2005 Yahoo! (nasdaq: YHOO - news - people ) shelled out a reported $20 to $30 million for Flickr, now the cornerstone of the Web portal's popular photo-hosting service.
Stick To What You're Good At
Yes, the world is full of opportunities. But the key to making money is recognizing the thing you can do better than the competition.
In his book, Focus: The Future of Your Company Depends on It, author Al Ries describes how behemoths like Dell Computer (nasdaq: DELL - news - people ), Home Depot (nyse: HD - news - people ) and Best Buy (nyse: BBY - news - people ) have all built powerful franchises based on one simple concept: being good at one thing.
Like your high school English teacher said: "Keep it simple, stupid."
Via-Forbes
How They Become Billionaire
They've come a long way from their first jobs as gas station attendants, bookstore clerks, short-order cooks and door-to-door garbage-bag salesmen.
In the accompanying slide shows, 14 self-made members of the Forbes 400 gave us an exclusive peek at their childhoods, dreams, mistakes, routines and motivations. The titans weighed in on topics like what it takes to be a stratospherically wealthy entrepreneur, what other vocational paths they might have chosen, how much they read, and if an M.B.A. is worth the paper it's printed on.
In pictures: What was your first job? | What was your biggest mistake? | How many hours a day do you read? | Is there any reason to get an MBA?
For every prosaic answer, there were many more thoughtful, nuanced and even playful ones--and no shortage of insight for the striving throngs who hope to follow in their predecessors' size-15 footsteps.
This year's list demonstrates that you don't have to be born a Walton or a Rockefeller to join the ranks of the country's 400 wealthiest individuals: 261, a shade less than two-thirds of them, are self-made tycoons with an average net worth of $3.1 billion (the same as the average for the list as a whole). They've conquered a gamut of industries, from real estate to oil, although only two of the 14 founded what are now publicly traded companies. (When you're a romping, stomping entrepreneur, who needs shareholders and regulators slowing you down, right?)
Many of these guys were dreamers from the get-go. One aspired to run General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ), another to play professional baseball. Then there are the conflicted: One self-made mogul confessed that he'd consider an alternative career as a journalist--or perhaps a hobo on tranquilizers.
In pictures: If you could be anything else, what would it be? | What is the best part about being the boss? | What is more important: the idea or the execution?
The world's elite entrepreneurs aren't exactly cut from the same mold. One prays to the "Force" and cites James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise as his mentor. Another says he holds the unofficial world record for most pizza deliveries in a night. (One hint: It didn't go to the founder of Little Caesar's.) As for their mentors, the list included fathers, mothers, Roy Rogers and McDonald's (nyse: MCD - news - people ) founder Ray Kroc. And when it comes to blowing off steam, their methods range from riding motorcycles and playing basketball to watching old Westerns, hanging out on the farm and sipping vodka on the rocks.
For all of their varied perspectives, the group did offer similar responses to some questions. Most eat healthy breakfasts and exercise almost daily. (At age 85, one man still does 90 push-ups and jogs a mile every day.) It's little surprise, too, that many admitted to having a deep desire to make their mark--not to mention a pile of dough. Says casino kingpin Phillip Ruffin: "Money is how you keep score."
In Pictures: What motivates you? | What can't you live without? | What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?
They've all made plenty of mistakes along the way, too. For all his riches, Wayne Huizenga, the founder of Blockbuster (nyse: BBI - news - people ) and Waste Management (nyse: WMI - news - people ), says he regrets jumping into baseball and hockey, despite his love for both games. (He currently owns the Miami Dolphins and previously owned the Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers). After getting dinged in tech land, real estate giant Jorge Perez learned to stick with what he knows best: land development.
Were the struggles worth it? Damn right, says financier Richard Rainwater (who didn't fill out our entire questionnaire and is not included in our list of 14). When asked what "success" is to him, the legendary Texas dealmaker simply wrote: "Being me."
See slide show and read more at:http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/2006/09/21/forbes400-walton-mcdonalds-ent-cx_mf_0921selfmade.html
In the accompanying slide shows, 14 self-made members of the Forbes 400 gave us an exclusive peek at their childhoods, dreams, mistakes, routines and motivations. The titans weighed in on topics like what it takes to be a stratospherically wealthy entrepreneur, what other vocational paths they might have chosen, how much they read, and if an M.B.A. is worth the paper it's printed on.
In pictures: What was your first job? | What was your biggest mistake? | How many hours a day do you read? | Is there any reason to get an MBA?
For every prosaic answer, there were many more thoughtful, nuanced and even playful ones--and no shortage of insight for the striving throngs who hope to follow in their predecessors' size-15 footsteps.
This year's list demonstrates that you don't have to be born a Walton or a Rockefeller to join the ranks of the country's 400 wealthiest individuals: 261, a shade less than two-thirds of them, are self-made tycoons with an average net worth of $3.1 billion (the same as the average for the list as a whole). They've conquered a gamut of industries, from real estate to oil, although only two of the 14 founded what are now publicly traded companies. (When you're a romping, stomping entrepreneur, who needs shareholders and regulators slowing you down, right?)
Many of these guys were dreamers from the get-go. One aspired to run General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ), another to play professional baseball. Then there are the conflicted: One self-made mogul confessed that he'd consider an alternative career as a journalist--or perhaps a hobo on tranquilizers.
In pictures: If you could be anything else, what would it be? | What is the best part about being the boss? | What is more important: the idea or the execution?
The world's elite entrepreneurs aren't exactly cut from the same mold. One prays to the "Force" and cites James T. Kirk of the Starship Enterprise as his mentor. Another says he holds the unofficial world record for most pizza deliveries in a night. (One hint: It didn't go to the founder of Little Caesar's.) As for their mentors, the list included fathers, mothers, Roy Rogers and McDonald's (nyse: MCD - news - people ) founder Ray Kroc. And when it comes to blowing off steam, their methods range from riding motorcycles and playing basketball to watching old Westerns, hanging out on the farm and sipping vodka on the rocks.
For all of their varied perspectives, the group did offer similar responses to some questions. Most eat healthy breakfasts and exercise almost daily. (At age 85, one man still does 90 push-ups and jogs a mile every day.) It's little surprise, too, that many admitted to having a deep desire to make their mark--not to mention a pile of dough. Says casino kingpin Phillip Ruffin: "Money is how you keep score."
In Pictures: What motivates you? | What can't you live without? | What is your advice to young entrepreneurs?
They've all made plenty of mistakes along the way, too. For all his riches, Wayne Huizenga, the founder of Blockbuster (nyse: BBI - news - people ) and Waste Management (nyse: WMI - news - people ), says he regrets jumping into baseball and hockey, despite his love for both games. (He currently owns the Miami Dolphins and previously owned the Florida Marlins and Florida Panthers). After getting dinged in tech land, real estate giant Jorge Perez learned to stick with what he knows best: land development.
Were the struggles worth it? Damn right, says financier Richard Rainwater (who didn't fill out our entire questionnaire and is not included in our list of 14). When asked what "success" is to him, the legendary Texas dealmaker simply wrote: "Being me."
See slide show and read more at:http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/2006/09/21/forbes400-walton-mcdonalds-ent-cx_mf_0921selfmade.html
GoldDigg
What Company Is Offering:
Goldigg.com is a social news site like Digg but this also has an interesting twist to it. The site was started by a young entrepreneur who wanted to create something like the million dollar homepage but with more value to its users. To become a member it costs $100. But once you join you can place advertisements in your posts, charging to vote, selling your profile or almost anything else. The entrepreneur hopes to have sold 5,000 memberships. Half of all profits are going to be donated to charity. And the remaining money after taxes and expenses will be used to fund the entrepreneur’s future endeavors. Goldigg.com is a site that allows users to vote for stories that interest them.
How It Works:
To become a member of Goldigg.com it will cost $100. Once you are a member you can quickly gain that back by placing ads in your story submissions, by charging to submit someone's story, having others pay you to vote, or by selling your account. Almost anything is possible to generate income for yourself. Once 5,000 members is reached no more will be accepted. A limited user base will create more demand for you, adding more money to your pocket.
More at:http://www.goldigg.com/
Goldigg.com is a social news site like Digg but this also has an interesting twist to it. The site was started by a young entrepreneur who wanted to create something like the million dollar homepage but with more value to its users. To become a member it costs $100. But once you join you can place advertisements in your posts, charging to vote, selling your profile or almost anything else. The entrepreneur hopes to have sold 5,000 memberships. Half of all profits are going to be donated to charity. And the remaining money after taxes and expenses will be used to fund the entrepreneur’s future endeavors. Goldigg.com is a site that allows users to vote for stories that interest them.
How It Works:
To become a member of Goldigg.com it will cost $100. Once you are a member you can quickly gain that back by placing ads in your story submissions, by charging to submit someone's story, having others pay you to vote, or by selling your account. Almost anything is possible to generate income for yourself. Once 5,000 members is reached no more will be accepted. A limited user base will create more demand for you, adding more money to your pocket.
More at:http://www.goldigg.com/
NetWebApp is searchable database of web 2.0 application and sites across the internet
What Company Is Offering:
NetWebApp is a thorough directory of everything web 2.0. It’s an enormous, searchable database of web 2.0 application and sites across the internet. You can search by keyword, or choose from one of dozens of categories (they have everything from “Philanthropy” to “RSS”). NetWebApp also features a list of the most newly-added web 2.0 sites on their homepage, complete with screenshots. The site also provides a brief description (appears to be cut and pasted from the site itself) of the web 2.0 site, and users can comment as well.
It Will Benifit All:NetWebApp has an absolutely enormous database, and it’s really easy to find what you’re looking for through their all-encompassing category search.
More at:http://www.netwebapp.com/
NetWebApp is a thorough directory of everything web 2.0. It’s an enormous, searchable database of web 2.0 application and sites across the internet. You can search by keyword, or choose from one of dozens of categories (they have everything from “Philanthropy” to “RSS”). NetWebApp also features a list of the most newly-added web 2.0 sites on their homepage, complete with screenshots. The site also provides a brief description (appears to be cut and pasted from the site itself) of the web 2.0 site, and users can comment as well.
It Will Benifit All:NetWebApp has an absolutely enormous database, and it’s really easy to find what you’re looking for through their all-encompassing category search.
More at:http://www.netwebapp.com/
moowee.tv brings unlimited Internet video content to the living room TV for viewers to watch, share, and interact
What Company Is Offering:
moowee.tv brings unlimited Internet video content to the living room TV for viewers to watch, share, and interact.
This free service can be accessed through an Internet browser device such as the Nintendo Wii game console. The moowee.tv user interface is currently optimized for TV with Nintendo Wii remote control buttons mapped to the application.
How It Works:
You’ll need a browser device like the Nintendo Wii game console (recommended). Find videos using the site’s search engine (featured video sites are Google Videos, YouTube, and DailyMotion), or select from a list of pre-existing channels. Alternately, you can create your own channel from a list of your search results, or through your favorite clip list or archived history. The site also offers some other cool features, including the “moopix” function, which attempts to analyze the videos you’ve been watching in order to suggest similar ones that you may also enjoy.
More at:http://www.moowee.tv/
moowee.tv brings unlimited Internet video content to the living room TV for viewers to watch, share, and interact.
This free service can be accessed through an Internet browser device such as the Nintendo Wii game console. The moowee.tv user interface is currently optimized for TV with Nintendo Wii remote control buttons mapped to the application.
How It Works:
You’ll need a browser device like the Nintendo Wii game console (recommended). Find videos using the site’s search engine (featured video sites are Google Videos, YouTube, and DailyMotion), or select from a list of pre-existing channels. Alternately, you can create your own channel from a list of your search results, or through your favorite clip list or archived history. The site also offers some other cool features, including the “moopix” function, which attempts to analyze the videos you’ve been watching in order to suggest similar ones that you may also enjoy.
More at:http://www.moowee.tv/
Wakenipa Sports Exchange runs fantasy sports competitions. Their first project is the 2007 Rugby World Cup
What Company Is Offering:
Wakenipa Sports Exchange runs fantasy sports competitions. Their first project is the 2007 Rugby World Cup. You will receive a budget of $1.5 million at the start of the game which you can use to purchase players. The players each have a price value (based on their team, position and scoring history) which will remain fixed for the duration of the tournament. A part from rugby, future competitions will include sports such as football, cricket, cycling, tennis and golf. Future competitions will also use an innovative new format that could result in Wakenipa Sports Exchange becoming a leader in the field of online fantasy sport.
How It Works:
Buy a team of 15 real World Cup players with a budget of $1.5 million and show that you've got what it takes to be a World Cup winning manager. You can even form your own challenge group and take on your mates. The top two managers will receive iPod shuffles. The winning manager will also receive the jersey of the World Cup team that they support.”
More at:http://www.wakenipa.com/
Wakenipa Sports Exchange runs fantasy sports competitions. Their first project is the 2007 Rugby World Cup. You will receive a budget of $1.5 million at the start of the game which you can use to purchase players. The players each have a price value (based on their team, position and scoring history) which will remain fixed for the duration of the tournament. A part from rugby, future competitions will include sports such as football, cricket, cycling, tennis and golf. Future competitions will also use an innovative new format that could result in Wakenipa Sports Exchange becoming a leader in the field of online fantasy sport.
How It Works:
Buy a team of 15 real World Cup players with a budget of $1.5 million and show that you've got what it takes to be a World Cup winning manager. You can even form your own challenge group and take on your mates. The top two managers will receive iPod shuffles. The winning manager will also receive the jersey of the World Cup team that they support.”
More at:http://www.wakenipa.com/
Pack And Find is an easy to use web application that allows you to create a personal inventory online
What Company Is Offering:
Pack And Find is an easy to use web application that allows you to create a personal inventory online. You will never need to spend hours wondering which box in the attic contains your favorite Christmas sweater. Never wade through the dust of your storage spaces again without knowing exactly where you are going.
How It Works:
When looking for a stored item, users can find its specific location by using a quick search on Pack and Find instead of spending hours rummaging around a storage space. You can create an inventory of your stuff. You can create labels for keeping your stuff better organized. The site also offers an online store powered by amazon.com. To start using this service, the first thing you’ll have to do is to sign up for a new account.
What Benifits It Has:
It has the potential to save people incredible amounts of wasted time searching through boxes. Everything is organized. You search for what you want using the search box.
More at:http://www.packandfind.com/
Pack And Find is an easy to use web application that allows you to create a personal inventory online. You will never need to spend hours wondering which box in the attic contains your favorite Christmas sweater. Never wade through the dust of your storage spaces again without knowing exactly where you are going.
How It Works:
When looking for a stored item, users can find its specific location by using a quick search on Pack and Find instead of spending hours rummaging around a storage space. You can create an inventory of your stuff. You can create labels for keeping your stuff better organized. The site also offers an online store powered by amazon.com. To start using this service, the first thing you’ll have to do is to sign up for a new account.
What Benifits It Has:
It has the potential to save people incredible amounts of wasted time searching through boxes. Everything is organized. You search for what you want using the search box.
More at:http://www.packandfind.com/
Monday, September 24, 2007
With wibiki you see links to sites that interest you instead of ads that you could care less about.
What Company Is Offering:wibiki replaces ads with a fun social community that lets you post to web pages everywhere.
What For:
Wibiki is developed by the people who believe in web ubiquity and freedom. Wibiki is working to make connectivity between users fun, dynamic and resourceful. In fact, the Internet is underutilized and needs to grow at the "edge". Wibiki is researching new ways to make the Internet easy to use and develop community awareness. We believe "Users Rule" and are developing software to nurture your rights on the Internet! Our downloads are free.
How It Works:
With wibiki you see links to sites that interest you instead of ads that you could care less about. If you want you can take a look and see what other users are posting links to and their comments on the sites. You can either download wibiki or follow the easy instructions on how to use it without having to download. To use wibiki you simple register. It is free and easy to use. Take control over your internet surfing experience and make it your own with wibiki.
More at:http://wibiki.com/
What For:
Wibiki is developed by the people who believe in web ubiquity and freedom. Wibiki is working to make connectivity between users fun, dynamic and resourceful. In fact, the Internet is underutilized and needs to grow at the "edge". Wibiki is researching new ways to make the Internet easy to use and develop community awareness. We believe "Users Rule" and are developing software to nurture your rights on the Internet! Our downloads are free.
How It Works:
With wibiki you see links to sites that interest you instead of ads that you could care less about. If you want you can take a look and see what other users are posting links to and their comments on the sites. You can either download wibiki or follow the easy instructions on how to use it without having to download. To use wibiki you simple register. It is free and easy to use. Take control over your internet surfing experience and make it your own with wibiki.
More at:http://wibiki.com/
Financial Planning Toolkit
These calculators require that you have Java installed on your computer. It is available, without charge, at the Sun Microsystems web site. If your browser displays a blank box in the middle of the screen, you need to install this plug-in.
l this plug-in.
Mortgage Calculators Loan Calculators
Credit Cards and Debt Management Automobile Calculators
Investment Calculators Retirement Savings and Planning
Tax Calculators Savings Calculators
Personal Finance
Business Calculators
Check all:http://www.finance.cch.com/tools/calcs.asp
l this plug-in.
Mortgage Calculators Loan Calculators
Credit Cards and Debt Management Automobile Calculators
Investment Calculators Retirement Savings and Planning
Tax Calculators Savings Calculators
Personal Finance
Business Calculators
Check all:http://www.finance.cch.com/tools/calcs.asp
Are You A Good Leader?
I am my own boss.� That sounds pretty good, right? No wonder so many Americans start businesses every year. Entrepreneurship provides an ideal opportunity to take control of your career, set your own schedule and pursue long-held interests or new opportunities.
Along with the pride and prestige come a number of responsibilities, among the most important of which is leadership. You�re in charge of setting the direction for your firm, inspiring employees to do their best, and coolly handling the good, the bad, and the unexpected. You can�t delegate this role to anybody, nor can you simply allow things to work themselves out. Leadership begins and ends with you, �boss.�
Are you doing everything you can to be a good leader and cultivate an atmosphere that�s conducive to success? Find out by taking this quick quiz.
1) Do you regularly monitor economic and social trends that affect your employees, customers and suppliers?
Yes No
2) Do you encourage employees to try new ideas or assume more responsibility?
Yes No
3) When there�s a problem, do you work with employees on understanding how and why it happened, rather than seeking out a scapegoat?
Yes No
4) Do your company's policies reflect flexibility and consideration of various needs?
Yes No
5) Do you regularly communicate with employees, and do you encourage them to communicate with you?
Yes No
Along with the pride and prestige come a number of responsibilities, among the most important of which is leadership. You�re in charge of setting the direction for your firm, inspiring employees to do their best, and coolly handling the good, the bad, and the unexpected. You can�t delegate this role to anybody, nor can you simply allow things to work themselves out. Leadership begins and ends with you, �boss.�
Are you doing everything you can to be a good leader and cultivate an atmosphere that�s conducive to success? Find out by taking this quick quiz.
1) Do you regularly monitor economic and social trends that affect your employees, customers and suppliers?
Yes No
2) Do you encourage employees to try new ideas or assume more responsibility?
Yes No
3) When there�s a problem, do you work with employees on understanding how and why it happened, rather than seeking out a scapegoat?
Yes No
4) Do your company's policies reflect flexibility and consideration of various needs?
Yes No
5) Do you regularly communicate with employees, and do you encourage them to communicate with you?
Yes No
And Millinoaire Born......
Megan Duckett, 35
Sew What? Inc.,Rancho Dominguez, California
Projected 2007 Sales: $4.6 million
Description: Manufacturer of custom theatrical draperies and distributor of flame-retardant fabrics
Finding her way: After immigrating to the U.S. at age 19, this native Australian found work as a technician for a concert production company--and started sewing in her spare time. Her first gig was sewing fabric coffin linings for a Halloween show. "I rented a [sewing machine] and lined 10 coffins," recalls Megan Duckett. "[I discovered] that I had a talent and an ability to manipulate the fabric in a craftlike way, and I really enjoyed it." Duckett worked evenings and weekends on her craft business, and in 1997 she quit her full-time job, rented a warehouse and officially incorporated.
Building Buzz: Not one to wait for the phone to ring, Duckett used every inexpensive marketing tool she could, such as mailers, fliers and handmade business cards. She also chatted up her company's services every chance she got. "Everyone was a potential customer," she says. That grass-roots marketing led to her making draperies for theater, concerts and special events worldwide.
Creative Coverings: Manufacturing the custom draperies for Rod Stewart's latest concert tour was a highlight for Duckett. "We made about 1,500 yards of the Stewart family tartan," she says. "We made it into this enormous design that would register onstage with the audience--it was totally unique." The work of Sew What? has also graced the tours of such legends as Gwen Stefani, Prince and Fleetwood Mac, to name a few. But despite a packed schedule, she still makes time to help the community: Duckett founded From Stages to Students, a program that provides free or low-cost draperies to school theater programs and community rehabilitation centers that teach sewing.
Follow Her Lead: Chat up your new business every chance you get, as you never know where leads will come from.
More at:http://sewwhatinc.com/
Via-http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2007/october/184394-3.html
Sew What? Inc.,Rancho Dominguez, California
Projected 2007 Sales: $4.6 million
Description: Manufacturer of custom theatrical draperies and distributor of flame-retardant fabrics
Finding her way: After immigrating to the U.S. at age 19, this native Australian found work as a technician for a concert production company--and started sewing in her spare time. Her first gig was sewing fabric coffin linings for a Halloween show. "I rented a [sewing machine] and lined 10 coffins," recalls Megan Duckett. "[I discovered] that I had a talent and an ability to manipulate the fabric in a craftlike way, and I really enjoyed it." Duckett worked evenings and weekends on her craft business, and in 1997 she quit her full-time job, rented a warehouse and officially incorporated.
Building Buzz: Not one to wait for the phone to ring, Duckett used every inexpensive marketing tool she could, such as mailers, fliers and handmade business cards. She also chatted up her company's services every chance she got. "Everyone was a potential customer," she says. That grass-roots marketing led to her making draperies for theater, concerts and special events worldwide.
Creative Coverings: Manufacturing the custom draperies for Rod Stewart's latest concert tour was a highlight for Duckett. "We made about 1,500 yards of the Stewart family tartan," she says. "We made it into this enormous design that would register onstage with the audience--it was totally unique." The work of Sew What? has also graced the tours of such legends as Gwen Stefani, Prince and Fleetwood Mac, to name a few. But despite a packed schedule, she still makes time to help the community: Duckett founded From Stages to Students, a program that provides free or low-cost draperies to school theater programs and community rehabilitation centers that teach sewing.
Follow Her Lead: Chat up your new business every chance you get, as you never know where leads will come from.
More at:http://sewwhatinc.com/
Via-http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2007/october/184394-3.html
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again
If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.
Estée Lauder imposed herself on the cosmetics world despite being rebuffed repeatedly when she tried to get her own counter at Saks Fifth Avenue department store.
Born Josephine Esther Mentzer in Queens, New York in 1906, Estée Lauder went on to forge the world’s most successful cosmetics empire. Lauder believed she “was growing a nice, little business.” By 2003 her “little” business was worth $10bn and its product range now sells in 130 countries.
The daughter of Hungarian immigrants got her big break at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1948 through sheer persistence. She prospered thereafter thanks to her uncle, a chemist, whose cosmetics she used, and her now legendary sales expertise.
Unable to advertise, Lauder instead offered free gifts to customers, an innovation since replicated across the industry. Customer service was central to her ethos. Even in her autumn years the doyenne of cosmetics would turn up at Saks on a Saturday afternoon and dispense sales advice to staff. “I have never worked a day in my life without selling, she once said. “If I believe in something, I sell it, and I sell it hard.”
She also believed in beauty: “Why are all brides beautiful? Because on their wedding day they care about how they look. There are no ugly women – only women who don't care or who don't believe they are attractive.”
Just because she stood up for the everywoman, however, it didn’t mean she wanted to hang out with them. When she held extravagant parties, it was rich, beautiful celebrities she invited round. She could be bitchy about her peers though. She derided Elizabeth Arden’s lack of generosity and called another competitor, Charles Revson, her “arch and implacable enemy”.
Up until the age of 87, when she broke her hip, Lauder continued to play an active role. She died, aged 97, in April 2004. Thus, “a chapter from the American business folklore,” – as Time magazine has called the Estée Lauder story – was closed.
Ubops.com The Business Opportunities Marketplace
Estée Lauder imposed herself on the cosmetics world despite being rebuffed repeatedly when she tried to get her own counter at Saks Fifth Avenue department store.
Born Josephine Esther Mentzer in Queens, New York in 1906, Estée Lauder went on to forge the world’s most successful cosmetics empire. Lauder believed she “was growing a nice, little business.” By 2003 her “little” business was worth $10bn and its product range now sells in 130 countries.
The daughter of Hungarian immigrants got her big break at Saks Fifth Avenue in 1948 through sheer persistence. She prospered thereafter thanks to her uncle, a chemist, whose cosmetics she used, and her now legendary sales expertise.
Unable to advertise, Lauder instead offered free gifts to customers, an innovation since replicated across the industry. Customer service was central to her ethos. Even in her autumn years the doyenne of cosmetics would turn up at Saks on a Saturday afternoon and dispense sales advice to staff. “I have never worked a day in my life without selling, she once said. “If I believe in something, I sell it, and I sell it hard.”
She also believed in beauty: “Why are all brides beautiful? Because on their wedding day they care about how they look. There are no ugly women – only women who don't care or who don't believe they are attractive.”
Just because she stood up for the everywoman, however, it didn’t mean she wanted to hang out with them. When she held extravagant parties, it was rich, beautiful celebrities she invited round. She could be bitchy about her peers though. She derided Elizabeth Arden’s lack of generosity and called another competitor, Charles Revson, her “arch and implacable enemy”.
Up until the age of 87, when she broke her hip, Lauder continued to play an active role. She died, aged 97, in April 2004. Thus, “a chapter from the American business folklore,” – as Time magazine has called the Estée Lauder story – was closed.
Ubops.com The Business Opportunities Marketplace
She Recognized A Business Opportunity After Personally Discovering A Need
Adrienne Simpson, founder of Smooth Mooove, has staked her claim in what could become an attractive new industry. Like so many entrepreneurs, she recognized a business opportunity after personally discovering a need. While moving her parents from Georgia to Michigan, she searched without success for a specialized company that would be able to help. Thanks to Simpson’s hard-knocks lessons, Smooth Mooove’s clients can now choose from a lengthy menu of services within three basic moving plans. Services range from cleaning up vacated homes once all household items have been loaded on a truck, to hanging drapes and shopping for new items for a client’s new home. Although any move is costly, Simpson says Smooth Mooove can actually save time and money. Since family members often have to take time from work to help a parent move, the company isn’t just marketing its program to seniors, but also to corporate clients, as an employee benefit for children of aging boomers.
Smooth Mooove, based in Stone Mountain, Georgia, joins a growing list of concierge-like services focused on seniors, including other moving companies that are starting to serve this market. As populations age throughout the industrialized world, the need for similar services will expand, creating plenty of room for new competitors to differentiate themselves through innovative services or by segmenting the senior market in any number of ways. Plush retirement communities, for example, might contract with a moving service as an added inducement to buyers. In the end, the success or failure of moving companies for seniors—as with any high-touch service enterprise—will hinge on how well they manage the details. And, equally important, on the respect, consideration and care given to their clients in the process.
Website: www.wemoveseniors.com
Via-Springwise
Smooth Mooove, based in Stone Mountain, Georgia, joins a growing list of concierge-like services focused on seniors, including other moving companies that are starting to serve this market. As populations age throughout the industrialized world, the need for similar services will expand, creating plenty of room for new competitors to differentiate themselves through innovative services or by segmenting the senior market in any number of ways. Plush retirement communities, for example, might contract with a moving service as an added inducement to buyers. In the end, the success or failure of moving companies for seniors—as with any high-touch service enterprise—will hinge on how well they manage the details. And, equally important, on the respect, consideration and care given to their clients in the process.
Website: www.wemoveseniors.com
Via-Springwise
Venture Watch
What Company Is About:
Caring.com is a site having assistance and knowledge/experience sharing for those who are care givers.
Who Will Get Benifited:
Those person who will find ourselves caring for others at one point in our life can benefit greatly. Caring for loved ones is not something you are taught, study, or prepare for (unless it is your profession), however it is extremely important for obvious reasons. The idea of others sharing their experiences and still others learning from them when they need to educate themselves as quickly as possible is brilliant and a great use of the knowledge sharing capabilities of the online world.
How Much They Raised:
Caring.com received $6 Million from DCM and Split Rock Partners.
More at:http://www.caring.com/
Caring.com is a site having assistance and knowledge/experience sharing for those who are care givers.
Who Will Get Benifited:
Those person who will find ourselves caring for others at one point in our life can benefit greatly. Caring for loved ones is not something you are taught, study, or prepare for (unless it is your profession), however it is extremely important for obvious reasons. The idea of others sharing their experiences and still others learning from them when they need to educate themselves as quickly as possible is brilliant and a great use of the knowledge sharing capabilities of the online world.
How Much They Raised:
Caring.com received $6 Million from DCM and Split Rock Partners.
More at:http://www.caring.com/
Virtual Currencey
Acebucks, one of the primary virtual currencies on Facebook has just raised $1.5 million from a powerhouse team of investors. Aryeh Goldsmith, the developer of Acebucks, was acquired by Michael Lazerow to form Buddy Media. Buddy Media investors include Howard Lindzon, Peter Thiel, Mark Pincus and James Altucher.
The focus of Buddy Media is to expand the AceBucks application and make it the primary virtual currency on Facebook. Acebucks will soon launch an API which enables developers to integrate the virtual currency into their own applications. For example if you are winning points on a poker application, you can convert those points into Acebucks.
Acebucks can be used to purchase both virtual and physical assets through the new Facebucks store which is about to be launched. Acebucks is being modeled after the AMEX rewards system. Buddy Media plans on launching some creative marketing campaigns via the Acebucks application.
More at:http://www.facebook.com/login.php
The Acebucks application is going to be able to expand into a number of larger applications thanks to their powerhouse investment team and some pretty large partnerships that they are announcing in the coming days. If you want to learn more about Acebucks, go check out the application.
The focus of Buddy Media is to expand the AceBucks application and make it the primary virtual currency on Facebook. Acebucks will soon launch an API which enables developers to integrate the virtual currency into their own applications. For example if you are winning points on a poker application, you can convert those points into Acebucks.
Acebucks can be used to purchase both virtual and physical assets through the new Facebucks store which is about to be launched. Acebucks is being modeled after the AMEX rewards system. Buddy Media plans on launching some creative marketing campaigns via the Acebucks application.
More at:http://www.facebook.com/login.php
The Acebucks application is going to be able to expand into a number of larger applications thanks to their powerhouse investment team and some pretty large partnerships that they are announcing in the coming days. If you want to learn more about Acebucks, go check out the application.
With Snapvine you can put multiple copies of the voice player on different sites
What Company Is Offering:At Snapvine.com you can send and receive audio messages. You can send messages without registering, but if you want to make a profile and set up a voice player on your personal page you must register. Set up a voice player and make an introduction with a photo and instructions on how to use Snapvine so that others can leave you messages. You can send a “shot out” to all of your friends. A shout out is a recording of your voice that you can send to multiple people, either other Snapvine users or other friends whose email addresses you enter. Comments are more fun when you can hear them. You can create a voice blog which is the newest way to keep in touch with friends and family. Make comments and communication more personal by including your voice at Snapvine.com.
Its Unique Features:With Snapvine you can put multiple copies of the voice player on different sites. You can put copies in all of your social networks and your blog and receive the same comments on each site. You can invite people to send you messages, by making an introduction and uploading a photo. People can send you messages without registering with Snapvine. With Snapvine.com you can also receive mobile alerts which notify you when you have received an audio message.
More at:http://www.snapvine.com/
Its Unique Features:With Snapvine you can put multiple copies of the voice player on different sites. You can put copies in all of your social networks and your blog and receive the same comments on each site. You can invite people to send you messages, by making an introduction and uploading a photo. People can send you messages without registering with Snapvine. With Snapvine.com you can also receive mobile alerts which notify you when you have received an audio message.
More at:http://www.snapvine.com/
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The Oxford University 21st Century Challenge Competition is for entrepreneurship competition
The Oxford University 21st Century Challenge Competition is a new international entrepreneurship competition, jointly organized by the Oxford Science Enterprise Centre (OxSEC) and the James Martin Institute for Science and Civilisation (JMI) at the Said Business School, Oxford.
This new competition is open to entrepreneurs world wide, and is looking to encourage innovative new business ideas - from new products and services to innovative operational processes and business models that can help to solve some of the major social, environmental and health challenges of the 21st century.
This year the competition has a total prize fund of £65,000, with £35,000 for the overall winner and three runners-up prizes of £10,000.
Entries can be from individuals, teams, new companies, existing companies creating spin-offs, students, scientists, academics and entrepreneurs. Entries must:
- Be innovative
- Be a for-profit venture
- Address a pressing 21st Century Challenge, within one of the tracks above
- Not have received more than £250K in funding to date
- Demonstrate a positive social and/or environmental impact as well as a financial return
Entries are welcome any time up to the deadline for submissions, 5pm (GMT) on Friday 12th October 2007. The finalists will be announced in early November, with the Final itself tasking place at Said Business School, Oxford, on Thursday 29th November 2007.
More info;http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/21challenge
This new competition is open to entrepreneurs world wide, and is looking to encourage innovative new business ideas - from new products and services to innovative operational processes and business models that can help to solve some of the major social, environmental and health challenges of the 21st century.
This year the competition has a total prize fund of £65,000, with £35,000 for the overall winner and three runners-up prizes of £10,000.
Entries can be from individuals, teams, new companies, existing companies creating spin-offs, students, scientists, academics and entrepreneurs. Entries must:
- Be innovative
- Be a for-profit venture
- Address a pressing 21st Century Challenge, within one of the tracks above
- Not have received more than £250K in funding to date
- Demonstrate a positive social and/or environmental impact as well as a financial return
Entries are welcome any time up to the deadline for submissions, 5pm (GMT) on Friday 12th October 2007. The finalists will be announced in early November, with the Final itself tasking place at Said Business School, Oxford, on Thursday 29th November 2007.
More info;http://www.sbs.ox.ac.uk/21challenge
StartUp Which Could Work
What Is Wishpot:
Wishpot, the wishlist creation site, has joined the Seattle incubator Curious Office Partners.
What Company Is Offering:
Wishpot, which allows shoppers to create online wish lists and gift registries from multiple retailers, including items found in physical stores.
Why is it In News:
Wishpot recently got seed investment from a group of angel investors, including Adrian Hanauer, co-founder of Curious Office. What’s more, Kelly Smith of Curious Office has joined Wishpot’s advisory board. Now that Wishpot has angel investors to mentor the company founders, what better way than by signing up for Curious Office Partners?
The announcement follows Wishpot's seed
The organization puts Wishpot in good company, as Curious Office has also invested in Shelfari and SEOmoz. The hope is to get more funding for Wishpot, as an organization like Curious Office can grant access to investors and other resources. Wishpot is reportedly working on a Series A round of investment. Wishpot has recently launched a Facebook application where you can share your wishlists with friends and offer gift recommendations.
More at:http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/venture/archives/122263.asp?source=rss
Wishpot, the wishlist creation site, has joined the Seattle incubator Curious Office Partners.
What Company Is Offering:
Wishpot, which allows shoppers to create online wish lists and gift registries from multiple retailers, including items found in physical stores.
Why is it In News:
Wishpot recently got seed investment from a group of angel investors, including Adrian Hanauer, co-founder of Curious Office. What’s more, Kelly Smith of Curious Office has joined Wishpot’s advisory board. Now that Wishpot has angel investors to mentor the company founders, what better way than by signing up for Curious Office Partners?
The announcement follows Wishpot's seed
The organization puts Wishpot in good company, as Curious Office has also invested in Shelfari and SEOmoz. The hope is to get more funding for Wishpot, as an organization like Curious Office can grant access to investors and other resources. Wishpot is reportedly working on a Series A round of investment. Wishpot has recently launched a Facebook application where you can share your wishlists with friends and offer gift recommendations.
More at:http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/venture/archives/122263.asp?source=rss
YoZone by YoNaturals
YoZone by YoNaturals is a vending machine dedicated to organic products. Based in San Diego, YoNaturals offers an alternative to vending machines that are typically stocked with junk food.
YoNaturals offers a wide range of items, from fresh fruit to products by well-known brands like Tazo (tea), Clif Bar (energy bars), Vitamin (beverages) and Horizon Organic (dairy). Operators and location managers can choose from more than 150 natural and organic foods and beverages, order through an online ordering system, and have the products delivered in less than three days. YoNaturals is actively seeking locations such as schools, shopping centres, offices, hospitals and fitness centres for placement of YoZone machines, seeking to cater to consumers on the go who are interested in healthier food options.
According to the USDA, sales of organic foods in the U.S. have been increasing 20 to 25 percent annually since 1990. Mark Trotter of YoNaturals explains: "We've studied the business models of Whole Foods, Wild Oats and many other healthy retailers, which have demonstrated that consumers are willing to pay two or three times for brands that they want, and believes that a similar healthy foods program can be developed for the automated vending space.” Sounds like a promising business opportunity for anyone with a verve for vending! Next up: a vending machine brand focusing on vegetarian or halal foods?
Website: www.yonaturals.com
Via-Springwise
YoNaturals offers a wide range of items, from fresh fruit to products by well-known brands like Tazo (tea), Clif Bar (energy bars), Vitamin (beverages) and Horizon Organic (dairy). Operators and location managers can choose from more than 150 natural and organic foods and beverages, order through an online ordering system, and have the products delivered in less than three days. YoNaturals is actively seeking locations such as schools, shopping centres, offices, hospitals and fitness centres for placement of YoZone machines, seeking to cater to consumers on the go who are interested in healthier food options.
According to the USDA, sales of organic foods in the U.S. have been increasing 20 to 25 percent annually since 1990. Mark Trotter of YoNaturals explains: "We've studied the business models of Whole Foods, Wild Oats and many other healthy retailers, which have demonstrated that consumers are willing to pay two or three times for brands that they want, and believes that a similar healthy foods program can be developed for the automated vending space.” Sounds like a promising business opportunity for anyone with a verve for vending! Next up: a vending machine brand focusing on vegetarian or halal foods?
Website: www.yonaturals.com
Via-Springwise
Lynksee takes advantage of free internet tools to allow you to create content without paying
What Company is Offering:
Lynksee is a service that groups the best existing applications of free software. So if you are inexperienced, as if you are an experienced user, you will completely be able to control all applications that Lynksee, using the tools that have the programs themselves, and without restrictions. Do not forget that the world of the free software does not stop. Lynksee Lynksee goes in parallel with him and each day will turn up new applications, improvements or modules for your pages.
How It Will Work:
Lynksee takes advantage of free internet tools to allow you to create content without paying even a centavo. You can make a blog using Wordpress, a wiki using Mediawiki, and a forum using PhpBB. And with Lynksee, you can do all of this without having to jump from one site after another. To get started, you’ll first need to set up your account: choose a name, a category and press accept. From there, start creating content. Lynksee is available in English (could use some work there), Spanish, Italian, and Catalan.
More at:http://www.lynksee.com/
Lynksee is a service that groups the best existing applications of free software. So if you are inexperienced, as if you are an experienced user, you will completely be able to control all applications that Lynksee, using the tools that have the programs themselves, and without restrictions. Do not forget that the world of the free software does not stop. Lynksee Lynksee goes in parallel with him and each day will turn up new applications, improvements or modules for your pages.
How It Will Work:
Lynksee takes advantage of free internet tools to allow you to create content without paying even a centavo. You can make a blog using Wordpress, a wiki using Mediawiki, and a forum using PhpBB. And with Lynksee, you can do all of this without having to jump from one site after another. To get started, you’ll first need to set up your account: choose a name, a category and press accept. From there, start creating content. Lynksee is available in English (could use some work there), Spanish, Italian, and Catalan.
More at:http://www.lynksee.com/
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Sponsormytalent is a social tool to enable people's talent to be utilized
What Company Is Offering:
Sponsormytalent is a social tool to enable people's talent to be utilized to express idea/concepts and purpose whether be it for one's self, environment or the world as a whole. Share, create and work toward a common purpose with people that share the same ethos, interests, ideas and talent levels as you. Make new friends, access resources and people networks to utilize your talent to its potential.
Why It Should Work? Because.....Everyone has talent but to be successful they need the right blend of people, resources, tools and sponsors. Sponsormytalent is about making connections to the right people and sharing the passion of your talent.
more at:http://www.sponsormytalent.com/
Sponsormytalent is a social tool to enable people's talent to be utilized to express idea/concepts and purpose whether be it for one's self, environment or the world as a whole. Share, create and work toward a common purpose with people that share the same ethos, interests, ideas and talent levels as you. Make new friends, access resources and people networks to utilize your talent to its potential.
Why It Should Work? Because.....Everyone has talent but to be successful they need the right blend of people, resources, tools and sponsors. Sponsormytalent is about making connections to the right people and sharing the passion of your talent.
more at:http://www.sponsormytalent.com/
ClienTelevision is a great resource for consumers and small business
What Company is Offering:
ClienTelevision is a broadband video service producing entertaining and informative videos which provide practical guidance to people seeking solutions. Produced specifically for broadband and cable VOD applications, ClienTelevision videos are organized into a variety of content channels, sharing expert insights on such topics as personal finance, insurance, employment, real estate, criminal justice, business and entrepreneurship, contracts, consumer issues and many other important subjects.
Why It Should Work:
ClienTelevision is a great resource for consumers and small business. But ClienTelevision.com is more than a destination for online viewers. Through its network affiliate program, other web sites may leverage the power of rich media content by seamlessly integrating some or all of these channels into their web sites. Perfect for sites that deal with some or all of the issues featured in ClienTelevision channels.
More at:http://www.clientelevision.com/
ClienTelevision is a broadband video service producing entertaining and informative videos which provide practical guidance to people seeking solutions. Produced specifically for broadband and cable VOD applications, ClienTelevision videos are organized into a variety of content channels, sharing expert insights on such topics as personal finance, insurance, employment, real estate, criminal justice, business and entrepreneurship, contracts, consumer issues and many other important subjects.
Why It Should Work:
ClienTelevision is a great resource for consumers and small business. But ClienTelevision.com is more than a destination for online viewers. Through its network affiliate program, other web sites may leverage the power of rich media content by seamlessly integrating some or all of these channels into their web sites. Perfect for sites that deal with some or all of the issues featured in ClienTelevision channels.
More at:http://www.clientelevision.com/
Sosius.com has created a way for managers to have all important information and news in one easily accessible location
What Company Says: Sosius.com has created a way for managers to have all important information and news in one easily accessible location. Workspaces can be filled with files, folders, contact lists, projects, tasks, calendars and any other important information that is part of your organization or inter-personal life. These workspaces serve as a way to keep all group members aware of current issues, changes and new information no matter where they are. Groups from sports teams to fast paced businesses can take advantage of Sosius to improve communication, community awareness and build a better knowledge base for its members. Managers can arrange for their group members to receive info updates when specific changes are made and can also keep information private or public depending on the subject matter. Individuals can build a workspace on Sosius and send new information to family and friends as well as have private data that no one else sees. Workspaces can also include blogs, chat rooms and discussion boards. Included in a free account is a custom dashboard, contacts, file management, calendars and events, task automation, RSS feeds, web databases and privacy permissioning as well as the previously mentioned communication areas. Join now and build your own collaborative environment.
Will It Work:Sosius provides a great template for group collaboration, personal organization and communication. All important information is kept in one place and it is easily shared with associates or kept private.So it should work.
More at:http://www.sosius.com/
Will It Work:Sosius provides a great template for group collaboration, personal organization and communication. All important information is kept in one place and it is easily shared with associates or kept private.So it should work.
More at:http://www.sosius.com/
Snoopr.net is for great deals found online
What Company is Offering: Snoopr.net is for great deals found online.The site comes from the guys at Proxima Labs and is banking on a voting system which utilizes a "rating threshold" to determine which deals are promoted to the front page. Users can comment on deals, as well as win prizes for participating. Snoopr.net is a site about linking great deals to great people in a new way. Inspired by Web 2.0 and social bookmarking, Snoopr is a refreshing new take on the tedium of deal finding. At Snoopr.net, the users are in charge of the site's content. Users are able to submit deals for their peers to view and take advantage of. Users may also vote to "snoop", or vote, on deals that they like. Monthly contests provide incentive to scour the web for the best deals to share.
Will It Work?Snoopr.net is a new take on searching for deals online.So it should work. The site is combination of many useful web technologies, creating a new "web 2.0" style deal finding tool.
More at:http://snoopr.net/deals
Will It Work?Snoopr.net is a new take on searching for deals online.So it should work. The site is combination of many useful web technologies, creating a new "web 2.0" style deal finding tool.
More at:http://snoopr.net/deals
MyDVDTrader
What Company Says: MyDVDTrader, the DVD trading community for the serious entertainment fan in you. Just sign up for a free account with us and start enjoying our great member service which include trading or renting your dvds,cds or video games.Also when you list your available items,you earn free trade points,good towards any item you request, when you complete a trade,thus no purchase is really necessary.Try it out today,it's that SIMPLE!
MyDVDTrader.com will be transforming itself from its current state of Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 in the next upcoming weeks. It will be the perfect platform for DVD trading.
More at:http://www.mydvdtrader.com/
MyDVDTrader.com will be transforming itself from its current state of Web 1.0 to Web 2.0 in the next upcoming weeks. It will be the perfect platform for DVD trading.
More at:http://www.mydvdtrader.com/
Slifter is a mobile app which helps you find the products at the lowest prices from your computer or from your mobile phone.
What Company Is Offering: Slifter web and a mobile phone application that lets you search for your products and brands from both online and offline stores. Slifter also allows you to see images of those products, and share them with friends or save them to your personal shopping list. You can use Slifter on your cell phone, Blackberry, Treo, or online.
How it Works:There are three ways to use Slifter: 1) send a text message with your product query and your zipcode to 75438 2) use the mobile app which gives you access to a mobile shopping list, product images, maps and sharing, and finally you can opt for option 3) which is going to the Slifter website. Slifter has recently developed a GPS app for Sprint customers which gives them more accurate results than the regular Slifter. Of course, to use any version of Slifter you’ll need a data plan. Slifter itself is free to use.
More at:http://www.slifter.com/
How it Works:There are three ways to use Slifter: 1) send a text message with your product query and your zipcode to 75438 2) use the mobile app which gives you access to a mobile shopping list, product images, maps and sharing, and finally you can opt for option 3) which is going to the Slifter website. Slifter has recently developed a GPS app for Sprint customers which gives them more accurate results than the regular Slifter. Of course, to use any version of Slifter you’ll need a data plan. Slifter itself is free to use.
More at:http://www.slifter.com/
Friday, September 21, 2007
How To Sell Your Business
The internet has changed pretty much everything. Could Al Gore’s invention now be changing how America’s business wealth transitions from retiring business owners?
The search engine became a part of every day speech when Yahoo and iGoogle rewrote the rules for finding stuff. And finding the best deal, no matter what we are shopping for, also happens on the internet. Thanks Hotwire, Ebay and Amazon.com.
Retiring business owners once relied on that kid’s booster seat called the phonebook to find a local business broker. Now business owners go directly to yellowpages.com and search for “business broker” in their city or state and the 1% Business Broker, Inc® pops up everywhere.
Most business owners who are ready to cash in their business chips plan to use those proceeds to fund retirement and implement some kind of wealth planning strategy. And nothing that requires daily management, thank you. Traditionally, business brokers have eaten a good sized chunk of a seller’s proceeds by charging business owners ten percent or more commission for the sale of the business.
After years of hard work and risk, business owners don’t like the idea of giving up ten percent of their hard-earned equity to Johnny-come-lately business broker salesperson. After all, they built it and the retiree has to live off the ROI of those proceeds until the day they die.
The internet long ago reduced the cost using stock brokers, mortgage brokers and now with 1PercentBusinessBrokers.com it has reduced the cost of using a business broker. By charging as little as one percent of the transaction price on midsize and larger transactions the folks at 1% Business Brokers, Inc. have put tens of thousands of dollars back in the pocket of today’s retiring business owner. That would improve anyone’s new lifestyle.
When asked how they provide the same level of service while charging significantly less than traditional business brokers, Mark Huggans of 1% Business Brokers®’ said, “the answer is three-fold, the instant connectivity of the internet and our digital platform technology has automated every part of the mergers and acquisition that can be automated and of course our marketplace savvy”.
Perhaps the internet is not finished helping all of us save more money. Maybe in our life time there will be a OnePercentRealEstateBroker.com? If so, we’d like to say thanks again to the internet.
The search engine became a part of every day speech when Yahoo and iGoogle rewrote the rules for finding stuff. And finding the best deal, no matter what we are shopping for, also happens on the internet. Thanks Hotwire, Ebay and Amazon.com.
Retiring business owners once relied on that kid’s booster seat called the phonebook to find a local business broker. Now business owners go directly to yellowpages.com and search for “business broker” in their city or state and the 1% Business Broker, Inc® pops up everywhere.
Most business owners who are ready to cash in their business chips plan to use those proceeds to fund retirement and implement some kind of wealth planning strategy. And nothing that requires daily management, thank you. Traditionally, business brokers have eaten a good sized chunk of a seller’s proceeds by charging business owners ten percent or more commission for the sale of the business.
After years of hard work and risk, business owners don’t like the idea of giving up ten percent of their hard-earned equity to Johnny-come-lately business broker salesperson. After all, they built it and the retiree has to live off the ROI of those proceeds until the day they die.
The internet long ago reduced the cost using stock brokers, mortgage brokers and now with 1PercentBusinessBrokers.com it has reduced the cost of using a business broker. By charging as little as one percent of the transaction price on midsize and larger transactions the folks at 1% Business Brokers, Inc. have put tens of thousands of dollars back in the pocket of today’s retiring business owner. That would improve anyone’s new lifestyle.
When asked how they provide the same level of service while charging significantly less than traditional business brokers, Mark Huggans of 1% Business Brokers®’ said, “the answer is three-fold, the instant connectivity of the internet and our digital platform technology has automated every part of the mergers and acquisition that can be automated and of course our marketplace savvy”.
Perhaps the internet is not finished helping all of us save more money. Maybe in our life time there will be a OnePercentRealEstateBroker.com? If so, we’d like to say thanks again to the internet.
MatesOdds is the first mate to mate real money sports betting concept
What Company Is Offering:This is the first Web2.0 start up to activate person to person direct betting. Friends can bet on what they choose, set their own prices and offer their own odds. They use all the Web2.0 features, seeing who is online, leaving notes on friends, message boards, start sports discussions, etc.
How It Workes:MatesOdds is the first mate to mate real money sports betting concept since betting on the match with your mates down the pub. Instead of the Nags Head you can now exercise your sporting prowess in an expansive online community and win your mates' hard earned cash for your efforts. Its absolutely free to do so and you can use all the site without any restrictions - apart from betting of course. The site will provide the possibility to bet your mates for real money, set your own price and odds, earn Bragging Rights for all your wins, see when your mates are online, and leave them notes, and more.
More at:http://www.matesodds.com/
How It Workes:MatesOdds is the first mate to mate real money sports betting concept since betting on the match with your mates down the pub. Instead of the Nags Head you can now exercise your sporting prowess in an expansive online community and win your mates' hard earned cash for your efforts. Its absolutely free to do so and you can use all the site without any restrictions - apart from betting of course. The site will provide the possibility to bet your mates for real money, set your own price and odds, earn Bragging Rights for all your wins, see when your mates are online, and leave them notes, and more.
More at:http://www.matesodds.com/
Office Networker
What Company Is Offering:Workclan is an exclusive online community that connects coworkers and colleagues.
How It Works:WorkClan gives you the perfect means to keep in touch. Unlike your standard anything goes social networks, WorkClan offers privacy—users are required to register with a valid work email address to retain the exclusivity. Despite the reqs, WorkClan is hardly all work and no play; you can venture away from boardroom speeches and water cooler chat and take on a more casual, open approach. In fact you may carry on about work room crushes, gossip, office peeves, and you can even admire secretly. Other features include post it notes, groups, blogs, photo albums, and invites.
More at:http://www.workclan.com/
How It Works:WorkClan gives you the perfect means to keep in touch. Unlike your standard anything goes social networks, WorkClan offers privacy—users are required to register with a valid work email address to retain the exclusivity. Despite the reqs, WorkClan is hardly all work and no play; you can venture away from boardroom speeches and water cooler chat and take on a more casual, open approach. In fact you may carry on about work room crushes, gossip, office peeves, and you can even admire secretly. Other features include post it notes, groups, blogs, photo albums, and invites.
More at:http://www.workclan.com/
DotCom Income Secrets
DotCom Income Secrets is a low cost ($9.97 - one time fee) membership site that teaches how to make money online. The core product is a 78 page eBook but there is also a supplemental business plan that is outstanding. Included in the membership are several free software products and other reading/learning material. While lesser quality products are selling for upwards of $100 DotCom Income Secrets charges only pennies on the dollar for the same information. Members are experiencing outstanding results applying the specific methods detailed in this product.
DotCom Income Secrets addresses the main reason people shy away from starting an online business, which is start-up cost. The price to join is low therefore this website has already become hugely popular in a short period of time. This website is one of many from Moore Licensing LLC.
More at:http://www.dotcomincomesecrets.com/
DotCom Income Secrets addresses the main reason people shy away from starting an online business, which is start-up cost. The price to join is low therefore this website has already become hugely popular in a short period of time. This website is one of many from Moore Licensing LLC.
More at:http://www.dotcomincomesecrets.com/
Million$Dig
What Company Says: Using a novel concept based on teaser pages, Million$Dig drives traffic to advertisers' traffic pages from the homepage of Million$Dig.
On Million$Dig, one site subscriber will claim one million dollars. In addition to the million dollar grand prize, each month three subscribers will claim 10% monthly profit. Non-subscribers will also win small prizes.
How It Works:It provides real value to engage site visitors in repeat visits. Using a combination of news popularity site with advertisers' traffic pages, the site brings repeat visitors to send traffic to advertisers' traffic pages. Million$Dig allows anyone to purchase a word based traffic page for a $100 lifetime subscription. Because the pages are fully customizable, they are appropriate for a wide variety of uses, e.g. business, blog, and affiliate program. You can place your ads and keep revenue. Each page is absolutely unique and free of any colors, logos or menus identifying it with Million$Dig. Once a page is sold, the word or name identifying that page is gone forever.
More at:http://www.milliondollardig.com/
On Million$Dig, one site subscriber will claim one million dollars. In addition to the million dollar grand prize, each month three subscribers will claim 10% monthly profit. Non-subscribers will also win small prizes.
How It Works:It provides real value to engage site visitors in repeat visits. Using a combination of news popularity site with advertisers' traffic pages, the site brings repeat visitors to send traffic to advertisers' traffic pages. Million$Dig allows anyone to purchase a word based traffic page for a $100 lifetime subscription. Because the pages are fully customizable, they are appropriate for a wide variety of uses, e.g. business, blog, and affiliate program. You can place your ads and keep revenue. Each page is absolutely unique and free of any colors, logos or menus identifying it with Million$Dig. Once a page is sold, the word or name identifying that page is gone forever.
More at:http://www.milliondollardig.com/
Create Your Own Brand
What Company Says: Create your own personal store in 2 easy steps. It’s easy. It’s free.Become a brand. Start recommending products with your very own store. You did the research, you bought stuff you love. Why not share and recommend your ideas to others? Earn commissions from participating merchants.
How It Works:Users can earn commissions. OblinQ is for the "word of mouth" expert in each of us. Now we can do that professionally. OblinQ is a way any user can create a catalog of their own and become a brand with the possibility of earning referral income. Large online retailers such as Amazon.com and Macys.com are becoming even more mega stores with their huge online catalog. The Internet is making the whole world available to shop.
More at:http://www.oblinq.com/
How It Works:Users can earn commissions. OblinQ is for the "word of mouth" expert in each of us. Now we can do that professionally. OblinQ is a way any user can create a catalog of their own and become a brand with the possibility of earning referral income. Large online retailers such as Amazon.com and Macys.com are becoming even more mega stores with their huge online catalog. The Internet is making the whole world available to shop.
More at:http://www.oblinq.com/
AskProfit provides personalized financial content to lots of questions, and matches users with leading financial experts, worldwide
What Company Says:Financial Professionals: Share Your Expertise. Grow Your Business.
Becoming an Expert on AskProfit.com is Free, and is a great way to establish and grow your business through exposure in our Expert locator and by generating hot leads via our question/answer service.
How It Works:It connects users looking for answers to their personal financial questions with an independent network of financial professionals. You can submit a question for free in a variety of fields, taxes, stocks, retirement planning, and then the financial experts will reply. You can also search for experts or browse the archives of old questions. AskProfit provides personalized financial content to lots of questions, and matches users with leading financial experts, worldwide.
More at:http://www.askprofit.com/
Becoming an Expert on AskProfit.com is Free, and is a great way to establish and grow your business through exposure in our Expert locator and by generating hot leads via our question/answer service.
How It Works:It connects users looking for answers to their personal financial questions with an independent network of financial professionals. You can submit a question for free in a variety of fields, taxes, stocks, retirement planning, and then the financial experts will reply. You can also search for experts or browse the archives of old questions. AskProfit provides personalized financial content to lots of questions, and matches users with leading financial experts, worldwide.
More at:http://www.askprofit.com/
Business Solution
Fantastic’s hosting services provide the vehicle to get your new business off to a great start or get your established business back on track.
Fantastic offer Wireless Integration WIFI, WIMAX, P2P, Multipoint, LAN, WAN, VLAN, VPN, Network Design/Installation and analysis. They are developing a new Internet that will add features to current Internet plus mindblowing extras. Fantastic’s hosting platform offers shared high-performance, high-availability hosting services, within a secured environment, to business and individuals that require this for their online-critical business applications and e-commerce web sites.
More at:http://www.fantasticnetwork.com/
Fantastic offer Wireless Integration WIFI, WIMAX, P2P, Multipoint, LAN, WAN, VLAN, VPN, Network Design/Installation and analysis. They are developing a new Internet that will add features to current Internet plus mindblowing extras. Fantastic’s hosting platform offers shared high-performance, high-availability hosting services, within a secured environment, to business and individuals that require this for their online-critical business applications and e-commerce web sites.
More at:http://www.fantasticnetwork.com/
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Million Dollor Photostamps
PhotoStamps, a product of Stamps.com, are custom postage stamps. The stamps are valid U.S. postage, bearing a custom photo or graphic provided by the purchaser. PhotoStamps were first made available on August 10, 2004.
There was an initial controversy when PhotoStamps were created in the initial market test depicting various notorious individuals and items, including Monica Lewinsky's dress, but that died down after the company announced more strigent standards and enforcement of them.
September 30, 2004 was the final day for the original market test for PhotoStamps. During the seven and a half weeks in which the product was made available, more than 2,600,000 individual PhotoStamps were ordered, mostly featuring pets, children, and landscapes. These so-called "vanity stamps" were also popular with brides-to-be and art designers.
PhotoStamps postage is valid US postage and can be used at any point in the future. As of April 26, 2005, the PhotoStamps program was once again reactivated with USPS approval, and "over 19 million PhotoStamps have been sold" since then.
In the United States personalized stamps are technically a form of meter labels and thus do not fall under the regulations for what can be depicted on U.S. stamps; for example, the restriction that people, with the exception of U.S. presidents, have to be dead for five years (formerly ten) before they can be commemorated is not applicable. This means that, under the standards for metered mail, they are also not supposed to be cancelled, though there are examples of this being done by unaware or other-enthusiastic employees, or perhaps as a favour for collectors.
A "PhotoStamps of the Year" contest was announced, with the winners to be displayed at the Smithsonian. In some cases certain aspects of copyright law relating to personalised postage are unclear. However, Canada Post claims sole copyright in Canadian personalised stamps.
more at:
http://www.photostamps.com
Via-nichegeek
There was an initial controversy when PhotoStamps were created in the initial market test depicting various notorious individuals and items, including Monica Lewinsky's dress, but that died down after the company announced more strigent standards and enforcement of them.
September 30, 2004 was the final day for the original market test for PhotoStamps. During the seven and a half weeks in which the product was made available, more than 2,600,000 individual PhotoStamps were ordered, mostly featuring pets, children, and landscapes. These so-called "vanity stamps" were also popular with brides-to-be and art designers.
PhotoStamps postage is valid US postage and can be used at any point in the future. As of April 26, 2005, the PhotoStamps program was once again reactivated with USPS approval, and "over 19 million PhotoStamps have been sold" since then.
In the United States personalized stamps are technically a form of meter labels and thus do not fall under the regulations for what can be depicted on U.S. stamps; for example, the restriction that people, with the exception of U.S. presidents, have to be dead for five years (formerly ten) before they can be commemorated is not applicable. This means that, under the standards for metered mail, they are also not supposed to be cancelled, though there are examples of this being done by unaware or other-enthusiastic employees, or perhaps as a favour for collectors.
A "PhotoStamps of the Year" contest was announced, with the winners to be displayed at the Smithsonian. In some cases certain aspects of copyright law relating to personalised postage are unclear. However, Canada Post claims sole copyright in Canadian personalised stamps.
more at:
http://www.photostamps.com
Via-nichegeek
PlaySpan Seems Viable And profitable Option For Venture Capitalist To Invest In
What is PlaySpan:
PlaySpan operates an in-game commerce network and virtual economies.
How It Works And Its Use:
PlaySpan is in the virtual goods market, in-game commerce and virtual economies. In game commerce has surpassed the $2 billion mark this year, 2007, and continues its growth as more publishers adopt micro-transaction based revenue models.
PlaySpan provides PlaySpan’s patent-pending in-game search, commerce and micropayment technologies enables game publishers and developers to generate new revenues, acquire new users and extend the loyalty of existing users. Leading game providers and virtual world publishers have selected PlaySpan as their official marketplace for virtual goods commerce.
How Much Capitals The Raised:PlaySpan received $6.5 Million from Easton Capital, Menlo Ventures, STIC International and Novel TMT Ventures.
More at:http://www.playspan.com/
PlaySpan operates an in-game commerce network and virtual economies.
How It Works And Its Use:
PlaySpan is in the virtual goods market, in-game commerce and virtual economies. In game commerce has surpassed the $2 billion mark this year, 2007, and continues its growth as more publishers adopt micro-transaction based revenue models.
PlaySpan provides PlaySpan’s patent-pending in-game search, commerce and micropayment technologies enables game publishers and developers to generate new revenues, acquire new users and extend the loyalty of existing users. Leading game providers and virtual world publishers have selected PlaySpan as their official marketplace for virtual goods commerce.
How Much Capitals The Raised:PlaySpan received $6.5 Million from Easton Capital, Menlo Ventures, STIC International and Novel TMT Ventures.
More at:http://www.playspan.com/
Creator of virtual world Second Life
The creator of today’s hottest virtual land offers a glimpse into his reality.
Vital Stats: Philip Rosedale, 38, of Linden Lab in San Francisco
Company: Creator of virtual world Second Life
Out of This World: Within the walls of Linden Lab’s 12,000-square-foot office space, more than 100 employees work together to ensure that life runs as usual in Second Life. These Lindeners are the reason the 3-D online world is even technologically possible, but it’s the site’s more than 250,000 users from all over the world who give soul to the virtual community. Linden Lab is run transparently, and employees are given the freedom to create and strategize. Says Rosedale, “The way we run and organize the company is a lot like Second Life.”
Wild Imagination>> As a child, Rosedale was constantly building things. In the early ’80s, computers set his imagination loose. “I was struck by the thought that you could use computers to simulate a digital world in which you could make things easier than [they are] in the real world,” he says. In 1999, computer graphics became more sophisticated and broadband was more prevalent, giving Rosedale the green light to finally build his ultimate creation.
Reality Check>> Everything in Second Life was created by its residents--from houses to clothes to the background music. But this is no game. While they operate under their own economy and use Linden dollars, Second Life businesses are earning real U.S. dollars as well--$15 million worth of goods and services are sold per month. Second Life is also on the edge of profitability, following an investment of about $20 million. Meanwhile, Second Life is increasingly intersecting with real life, as universities offer virtual classes, engineers from companies like IBM convene for virtual meetings, and Congress promotes its agenda with a virtual version of the U.S. Capitol. “I came at it more as a creator,” says Rosedale. “Now I’m more socially motivated by the positive impact it has on people’s lives.”
Via-Entrpreneur Magazine
Vital Stats: Philip Rosedale, 38, of Linden Lab in San Francisco
Company: Creator of virtual world Second Life
Out of This World: Within the walls of Linden Lab’s 12,000-square-foot office space, more than 100 employees work together to ensure that life runs as usual in Second Life. These Lindeners are the reason the 3-D online world is even technologically possible, but it’s the site’s more than 250,000 users from all over the world who give soul to the virtual community. Linden Lab is run transparently, and employees are given the freedom to create and strategize. Says Rosedale, “The way we run and organize the company is a lot like Second Life.”
Wild Imagination>> As a child, Rosedale was constantly building things. In the early ’80s, computers set his imagination loose. “I was struck by the thought that you could use computers to simulate a digital world in which you could make things easier than [they are] in the real world,” he says. In 1999, computer graphics became more sophisticated and broadband was more prevalent, giving Rosedale the green light to finally build his ultimate creation.
Reality Check>> Everything in Second Life was created by its residents--from houses to clothes to the background music. But this is no game. While they operate under their own economy and use Linden dollars, Second Life businesses are earning real U.S. dollars as well--$15 million worth of goods and services are sold per month. Second Life is also on the edge of profitability, following an investment of about $20 million. Meanwhile, Second Life is increasingly intersecting with real life, as universities offer virtual classes, engineers from companies like IBM convene for virtual meetings, and Congress promotes its agenda with a virtual version of the U.S. Capitol. “I came at it more as a creator,” says Rosedale. “Now I’m more socially motivated by the positive impact it has on people’s lives.”
Via-Entrpreneur Magazine
FinanciallyHung.com is a social network that has exclusive members from celebrities to scholars
At Financially Hung they are in the business of Professional Social Networking, striving to help business professionals meet qualified contacts and achieve their goals in an exciting and stimulating environment. They provide members with an online community to network outside of the normal business day and a concierge service to turn their dreams into reality. Members are extended invitations to the most posh and lavish events hosted by Financially Hung and our affiliates.
FinanciallyHung.com is a social network that has exclusive members from celebrities to scholars. Anyone is able to become a Gold Member of the Financially Hung social network for free, but once you have seen what the social network provides you might want to become a Platinum or Black Card member. For a fee you can take advantage of the being able to network with successful professionals and be invited to the Financially Hung events. Financially Hung gives you a way to network and meet successful interesting people.
more at:http://www.financiallyhung.com/
FinanciallyHung.com is a social network that has exclusive members from celebrities to scholars. Anyone is able to become a Gold Member of the Financially Hung social network for free, but once you have seen what the social network provides you might want to become a Platinum or Black Card member. For a fee you can take advantage of the being able to network with successful professionals and be invited to the Financially Hung events. Financially Hung gives you a way to network and meet successful interesting people.
more at:http://www.financiallyhung.com/
PlugAdPlay is a video advertising site which gives any video producer the chance to earn money with video clips.
Plug Ad Play is the advertising provider for all video producers, video artists, video maker, comedians, musicians, directors, and every one who can to shoot a video.
PlugAdPlay is a video advertising site which gives any video producer the chance to earn money with video clips. Users can ad PlugAdPlay adverts to the beginning and end of their videos, or they can opt for a streaming banner. There are three different ways to actually earn money once the PlugAdPlay ads have been appended. First, you’ve got to upload your video on any site like Youtube, or Google Video; you’ll automatically earn up to a dollar for each video uploaded. Plug will pay you an extra bonus for each person watching your video wherever you’ve uploaded it. If your video becomes the most viewed on any video sharing site, you’ll reap in an extra extra bonus. PluAdPlay also pays for clicks and impressions generated by your video. Additionally, you can publish the site’s video player on your blog or website to generate even more money (each time someone watches, of course, means you’re making revenue). The potential profits are high (Plug estimates as much as $960 a month). To receive your money, you’ll need to have earned a minimum of $50.
More at:http://www.plugadplay.com/
PlugAdPlay is a video advertising site which gives any video producer the chance to earn money with video clips. Users can ad PlugAdPlay adverts to the beginning and end of their videos, or they can opt for a streaming banner. There are three different ways to actually earn money once the PlugAdPlay ads have been appended. First, you’ve got to upload your video on any site like Youtube, or Google Video; you’ll automatically earn up to a dollar for each video uploaded. Plug will pay you an extra bonus for each person watching your video wherever you’ve uploaded it. If your video becomes the most viewed on any video sharing site, you’ll reap in an extra extra bonus. PluAdPlay also pays for clicks and impressions generated by your video. Additionally, you can publish the site’s video player on your blog or website to generate even more money (each time someone watches, of course, means you’re making revenue). The potential profits are high (Plug estimates as much as $960 a month). To receive your money, you’ll need to have earned a minimum of $50.
More at:http://www.plugadplay.com/
SeoDigger is the online search optimization service, helping seo-spesialists in their work
SeoDigger is the online search optimization service, helping seo-spesialists in their work. This service shows at which keywords your web site has leading position. Type in the domain in the form at the Seodigger.com, and service find and show you those key phrases, which are positioned at the first 20 Google or MSN results. SeoDigger archive has approximately 44,000,000 keywords. Besides site position and keywords, this tool provides an estimate of the keyword count on WordTracker and Overture. Using SeoDigger you always can monitor your competitors and promoted web sites. Registration is free.
Parsed approx 60,000,000 keywords with depth of 20 first Google results!
Anonymous visitors limited to hourly 5 links searches, registered users has unlimited links and limited to hourly 10 domains searches!.
More at:http://www.seodigger.com/
Parsed approx 60,000,000 keywords with depth of 20 first Google results!
Anonymous visitors limited to hourly 5 links searches, registered users has unlimited links and limited to hourly 10 domains searches!.
More at:http://www.seodigger.com/
This website gives nonprofits the advantage to fundraise using the everyday practice of online shopping
This website gives nonprofits the advantage to fundraise using the everyday practice of online shopping. By simply shopping online, consumers would be given the opportunity to support the nonprofit organization of their choice and, so, turn everyday shopping into everyday giving. With a strong background in sales, marketing and nonprofit development, this is what NonProfitShoppingMall.com is all about.
The trend of online shopping is powerful, measurable and easily harnessed. It is also an effective tool available to demystify the concept of philanthropy in general and make it a way of life for consumers as they continue to shop online for everyday goods and services.
More at:http://www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com/
The trend of online shopping is powerful, measurable and easily harnessed. It is also an effective tool available to demystify the concept of philanthropy in general and make it a way of life for consumers as they continue to shop online for everyday goods and services.
More at:http://www.nonprofitshoppingmall.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
