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Author Archive
Chris Birk
Chris Birk is a former newspaper and magazine writer who now works for a pair of Inc. 500 companies, including military home-buying hub VA Mortgage Center.com. He's also a principal and the chief content creator for Surety Bonds.com and a part-time college professor at a private Midwestern university.
The Power of Retargeting
August 18th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Retargeting
Statistically, only 2 percent of visitors who click an ad on your website will purchase anything during their first visit to the site. The majority of online business owners typically consider the other 98 percent the bleak reality of doing business on the internet. But there are ways that you can rise above the trend and get those sales pouring into your company.
In fact, using a strategy… Click here to continue »
Crafting a Killer Elevator Pitch
August 5th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Elevator Pitches
If someone asked you to sum up your business in one minute or less, would you be able to do it? Or would you panic and be unable to come up with a single thing to say?
In today’s fast-paced, hyper-competitive economic climate, a quick but informative summary of your business can make the difference between attracting new clients and watching your business stagnate. Traditionally called elevator… Click here to continue »
Crafting a Marketing Message That Sticks
June 18th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Marketing Messages
Inevitably, every new business will be driven to find creative ways to market their merchandise. Don’t be fooled into thinking the Internet is the best way to locate customers who are willing to purchase your product.
While the Internet is a very effective way to introduce your business to the tech-savvy world, we often overlook the traditional marketing methods used to connect with busy people living in… Click here to continue »
Posted in business branding, business tips, marketing | Tags: marketing message, marketing tips | No Comments »
Navigating the Legal Needs of Your Start-Up
June 2nd, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Legal Needs
Lawyers are a necessary evil for business ventures.
Not that lawyers are evil. It’s just an expression.
They’re actually integral to a successful start-up. You need them for a host of reasons, but they are often one of the most costly aspects of start-up ventures. The key is understanding how lawyers play into your business, so that you can manage their… Click here to continue »
Posted in business legal | Tags: angel investing, attorneys, lawyers, patent, trademark | 2 Comments »
What Facebook’s Facelifts Mean for Entrepreneurs
May 18th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Facebook and Privacy
On the heels of Chris Swopes’ excellent primer on Facebook Fan Pages, I wanted to follow up with a quick look at the privacy storm swirling around the social networking behemoth as of late.
In the last few weeks, Facebook underwent several changes, ranging from new security features to the powerful “like” button. As the popular social network continues to… Click here to continue »
Financial Services Bill Could Hurt Small Business Investment
April 14th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Small Business Investment
The Financial Services Bill proposed in March by U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd could have some damaging consequences for angel investors and the entrepreneurs they support.
Crafted to boost consumer and investor protection, the proposed legislation would legally redefine what constitutes an accredited investor. That change could eliminate scores of investors from the rolls and limit funding opportunities for start-ups and emerging… Click here to continue »
The Focused Entrepreneur Gets the Worm
March 6th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Finding Focus
Angel investors and VCs have a rule of thumb that they would rather invest in a great team over a great idea. Entrepreneurs who possess traits like hard work, adaptability and integrity are those who make the grade.
Perhaps it’s time we add the ability to focus to the list.
In an age of increasing connection – connection to news, e-mail, friends,… Click here to continue »
Posted in about business, personal development | Tags: entrepreneur growth, focused entrepreneur, personal development | 1 Comment »
Should I Seek out Angel Investment for my Start-Up?
February 23rd, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Angel Investing
If you’re a new business, you’ve probably struggled or are currently struggling with finances.
Lack of start-up capital can significantly impact a business in a whole host of ways and can often mean the difference between a runaway success and a dismal failure. It’s critical to have experienced, professional personnel, a strategically located business location, and the equipment you need to… Click here to continue »
Posted in about business, business resources | Tags: angel investing, initial investment, start-up capital | No Comments »
The Search for Start-Up Capital: Entrepreneurs Should Investigate Royalty Based Financing
February 3rd, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Royalty Based Financing
Entrepreneurs in search of investment capital walk a financial tightwire.
In traditional angel investment or venture capital circles, the give-and-take is relatively clear: The entrepreneur cedes equity in exchange for much-needed capital. That can still prove a bitter pill for some small business owners, frustrated by the valuation debate or worried about losing control of their dream.
That’s why entrepreneurs… Click here to continue »
Posted in business news | Tags: investment capital, royalty-based financing, start-up capital, venture capital | No Comments »
Why Surety Bonds Can Prove Crucial for Start-Ups
January 11th, 2010 | Author: Chris Birk
Start-Ups and Surety Bonds
Entrepreneurs generally have a mile-long checklist in the build up to launching their new venture.
But one item in particular routinely fails to make the cut: Surety bonds. And that can prove a painful omission depending on your industry and your overall financial profile.
In short, surety bonds are like a form of credit. For many entrepreneurs, surety bonds… Click here to continue »
Venture Capital Opportunities for Small Businesses
December 24th, 2009 | Author: Chris Birk
venture capital
Counted among the nation’s most powerful homegrown companies, AOL, FedEx, Intel and Apple all share another common bond: These multibillion-dollar companies each started thanks to venture capital fostered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Today, each of those companies generates more than $30 billion in annual revenue. But in the early going, they all turned to small-business funding to get off the ground.
An injection of capital… Click here to continue »
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