Monthly Archives: September 2015

Ep. 060 – Interview with N.C. Securities Division Specialist Leo John, Part 2

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SIB-Blog-6Building your company is more than a matter of developing products and finding customers, it’s also a matter of creating a strong and stable legal entity. Simply having the wrong legal structure can be a major red flag for investors. Understanding taxes, intrastate funding, and other state-level issues can easily cause a fledgling entrepreneur’s head to spin.

In this episode, host Tom Ryan continues his interview Leo John, a Legal Specialist for the Securities Division of the N.C. Secretary of State. Leo provides a wealth of insight into a wide variety of topics, from intrastate crowdfunding investment to solid advice for forming a legally sturdy business. As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 059 – Interview with N.C. Securities Division Specialist Leo John, Part 1

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SIB-Blog-4One of the most important things for any fledgling entrepreneur to understand is how to build a positive relationship with the state business agencies. Knowing the rules and regulations will prevent countless future headaches, from legal costs to licenses. For a company seeking investment and outside funding, knowing the rules can prevent outright catastrophe.

In this episode, host Tom Ryan interviews Leo John, a Legal Specialist for the Securities Division of the N.C. Secretary of State. Leo provides a wealth of insight, from the value of retaining a securities attorney early in the process to the future of investment crowdfunding in North Carolina. As always, Tom is joined by co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Sales As A Core Business Competency, Part 4: Economics

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SIBP-1What exactly does it mean to professionalize your sales process? It means making your sales activities a core function of your business. If you do it correctly, your business will be much more profitable, and you will make a lot more money.

In the earlier posts, I’ve explained the foundation of a professionalized sales structure: customers, value propositions and channels. Now it’s time to construct the larger framework that foundation supports. That means talking about costs and profits. In other words, we’re talking about the economics of your business. Continue reading →

Ep. 058 – Elementary Startup Planning For New Entrepreneurs

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SIB-Blog-3What are the fundamental steps for creating a viable business? What groundwork needs to be laid before any entrepreneur can take their business plan to investors? In this episode, host Tom Ryan strips the business-creation process down to the most basic levels to reveal the core elements of a viable startup.

Tom is on the road this week, requiring a slight change of format from two-person discussion to solo show format. As a result, he’ll be taking on a variety of listener questions. Continue reading →

Ep. 057 – Do You Really Need a Business Plan?

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SIB-Blog-2Are long-form business plans really necessary for every startup? Are they even all that useful? Are there better alternatives? This week, host Tom Ryan takes on this controversial topic, explaining his skeptical view of traditional business plans and offering some other options for fledgling entrepreneurs.

Tom is on the road this week, requiring a slight change of format from two-person discussion to solo show format. As a result, he’ll be taking on a variety of listener questions. Continue reading →