Of course, Return-on-Investment is important. But entrepreneurs need to focus also on the return on their years of effort.
Who is our Return on Sweat™ advisory service for?
Leaders of emerging ventures, and technology entrepreneurs, who:
- want to maximize the value of their years of effort;
- understand the value of “been there, done that” advice; &
- realize that independent, objective, experienced advice is hard to find.
What challenge does this service address?
Running a new venture, or a growth initiative in an established company, is a lonely job. While there is no shortage of new challenges, there is a shortage of peers who can act as sounding boards and advisors. It’s easy to find people to talk to about return-on-investment, but who do you talk to about the return on your years of effort?
Investors often bring valuable experience, and can provide advice and introductions. However, in the life of a new venture there will probably be times when the interests of some investors diverge from the interests of other stakeholders. After all, that’s why founders get Common stock and investors get Preferred.
Outside Directors bring a vital perspective, and great advice. But sometimes it is good to discuss that wacky new idea first with someone who does not do your performance review.
Objectives
To help entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, & high-tech venture managers:
- make the right decisions when the make or break issues surface; and
- maximize their “return on sweat”.
Whether you care about dollars, psychic satisfaction, or something else, the goal of our Return-on-Sweat work is to maximize your return in the currency of your choice.
Benefits
When you need to, on any topic, you can talk to someone who has been in your shoes, and watched many others try and do what you are doing. You get personalized, independent advice, that helps you make better decisions. The deep knowledge of your business and its potential, that comes from a long term relationship, allows the advice to go way beyond generalities.
Are questions like these important to you?Should your idea become a product in a large company’s portfolio, or could it be the basis for the next Intel or Microsoft? Should you try and run the company or hire a professional manager? When is the right time to bring in an industry partner, or sell the venture? Should you bootstrap or take venture capital? The right path for a venture depends on your objectives.
Do you want to change the world? Create a great product? Maximize the value of your sweat equity? Get famous? Create a small business? Each of these suggests different financing options, different actions, and differing paths to liquidity.
Answering questions like these correctly can mean the difference between success and failure of your venture. Good advice is critical.
Our approach
We act as an experienced, independent, objective, confidential sounding board to the CEOs of emerging ventures. We provide advice on an as-needed basis, sometimes over years, on topics such as financing strategy; the right business model; IP strategy; negotiations with corporate partners; who to hire, and when to hire them; technology risk reduction; how to prioritize between different market opportunities; and the composition of Boards — Advisory and Corporate.
To take the next step
- Resources: Articles & videos of talks illustrating our approach to problems.
- Contact Us: to discuss your company, or ask questions about how we work.