Found+READ: Comments by William Smook

William Smook — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 11:55:16 GMT

Wishing you the luck to “Getting Started”. But, it looks like you already did. Bravo. I’ll lurk and then jump into things from time to time.

William Smook — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:31:38 GMT

First off. What happened from 1-2 ? That’s 100% growth. Ok, the first pick number 2 employee must bring a talent you don’t have, say “programming guru”. I would say the 3 employee is either a copy of number 2 or you. And “you” are both, leader and “salesman of the year”. Going from 1-3, you better be making some money or have a key client that pays the bills for number 2 and 3. The only way to go is risking something, and you must be able to turn that page before doing number 3 ! You can do it! GO FOR IT.

William Smook — Wed, 09 May 2007 11:56:55 GMT

Hello again Alex,
(I hit the POST COMMENT too early).
..continued.

It’s very important to work with the employee’s together. TEAM WORK. I call it the pit. If you can work under the same roof (office, prefer open space) you get a feel and direction how things are proceeding. You can manage the company on certain days IN the office and plan other days OUT of the office. I’ve found in a startup. Being in the office Monday to Friday is important to the overall pace of things. In the beginning you can spend after-hours developing new ideas outside of the office int the mornings or weekends. I know you must be in the office to lead and carry the speed and direction. Remember they are not as devoted as you, yet. Best of luck.

William Smook — Fri, 11 May 2007 01:21:16 GMT

A good domain name works for you while you are sleeping. It’s most important.

The right domain name is the startup for startups. I read and browse the internet, magazines, ads etc. and start thinking and checking what’s available. Create a name, put names together. You are inventing a new business, this is step one. Don’t turn the page till you’ve got a domain name you like. Talk to friends, talk out loud, keep talking. It does come sometimes early, sometimes later. Use aids, like dictionary.com and it’s components to start working it. The domain must NOT be spelled differently than spoken. You don’t want to explain how to spell the domain name each time you say bob@spellthedomain.com.

William Smook — Fri, 11 May 2007 14:16:31 GMT

Angels hide out with friends of angels. Connections are needed to tap this cash parked at the side of a road.

Talk to your accountant, lawyer, friends. There are Angel companies and Angel persons. I say, find the Angel person. Someone who already made it big and is looking to jump in again with a new idea/company/product/people. Not all Angels are the same. Some are looking for different things.

You need to know firstly, what you want and what the Angel wants. It must fit for both of you. Some Angels want to be part of the process and others want hands off. What do you want the Angel to be?

Put out the word you are looking for an Angel. Go to your local University, and talk to some Profs etc. Do some postings online to various sites. Place ads. Use GoogleADwords.

There is a lot of cash parked on the side of the road. Go get it.