The most common inquiry we get from startups is, “when do I use a company versus a contractor versus an employee?” Our research has concluded that getting this question right correlates with startup success, and getting it wrong often leads to startup failure. So, what is the right answer? Employee: – The… Read More
At Finish Line PDS, our success is tied to our customers’ successes. Indeed, one of the most valuable services we offer IS success. By working with Finish Line PDS, our client businesses can greatly increase their likelihood of success. In our daily doings, we all habitually speak about success at a micro level, e.g., success… Read More
It is no secret that a functional team will always outperform a dysfunctional one. Any sports fan will tell you the coach’s ability to get the team to work together as a team will always outperform a group of dysfunctional superstars. But, how do you tell if your team is dysfunctional? Look for these 5… Read More
It’s an exciting time for every successful startup: when and who to hire as the baby company grows to meet expanding opportunities! At the same time, this moment is fraught with peril. The right hire can propel the firm to the next stage of development, while the wrong hire can seriously set back or even… Read More
I never met a startup that was not positive they would succeed. Indeed, overconfidence is a necessary talent for becoming an entrepreneur; if only it was a sufficient one as well we would not see 95% of startups fail. All entrepreneurs believe in themselves and their company; but in far too many cases, these same… Read More
In these challenging times, we see a lot of companies trying to figure out how to enter new markets. Many companies have found their markets have shrunk, or even disappeared. Even companies that have been unaffected are starting to wonder if they should diversify. But exactly how do you enter new markets? If you are… Read More
Some of the myths about raising money are all too familiar. “I just need to be introduced to the right person.” “I will put my idea on one of those crowdfunding platforms.” “Once my prototype is done, everyone will want to fund me.” Or, my favorite, “We will bootstrap with [students/interns/work for stock] people.” Raising… Read More
Few would disagree that the iPod saved Apple from bankruptcy, but it was not just about the idea of a digital music player. There were at least 20 other digital music players on the market long before Apple started the project. Apple understood at a profound level that the requirement of “easy-loading songs” was essential,… Read More
Some of the myths about raising money in a startup are all too familiar. “I just need to be introduced to the right person.” “I will put my idea on one of those crowdfunding platforms.” “Once my prototype is done, everyone will want to fund me.” Or, my favorite, “We will bootstrap with [students/interns/work for… Read More