Startupping Forums http://www.startupping.com/forums A Community for Entrepreneurs en vBulletin http://www.startupping.com/images/logo.gif Startupping Forums http://www.startupping.com/forums Seeing your stuff on TV http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4938#post4938 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4938#post4938 Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:14:37 GMT Yes!

Last week we started getting a rush of .dk registrations - and queries about Learnit - so I asked in the blog where people were coming from.

It transpires that there is a technology slot on a programme watched by people before they go to work & it had covered Learnit. Someone posted a link to the video, but I think it only works from within Denmark.

Isn't it great to be 'discovered'! ]]> Marketing Nicola (learnit lists) What's Your Opinion??? http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4937#post4937 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4937#post4937 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:54:32 GMT I have a job board currently in the development stage at TheBetterList.com. Functionality aside, I'm interested in hearing your opinion about how the site looks. Part of the marketing will be that it is easy to look at and use, due to not having text and advertisements all over the place, but does it look too generic? Would you take it seriously even though it doesn't look like most other job boards?

Many thanks to those who respond!

James ]]> Referrals and Recommendations Starting Big Startup Blogs http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4936#post4936 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4936#post4936 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 02:43:58 GMT Hey all,

I was wondering what other blogs you check out to get ideas and stimulate that entrepeneur head.

There are 3 that I like, but it's always nice to get more into the RSS reader.

Mine are:
http://startupblog.wordpress.com/
http://www.imbuildingastartup.com/
http://onstartups.com/

What are yours?

dshein ]]> Referrals and Recommendations dshein Database Developments http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4935#post4935 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4935#post4935 Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:25:53 GMT This is exactly why companies need to hire a software architect to start off a project instead of inexperienced 'developers' or 'programmers'. Engineering is needed to get around these basic scaling issues, and if you get somebody who has some foresight it will not be a problem. It is easy for a programmer to paint the company into a corner with a crappy design (eg. ball of mud or spaghetti code). You find out when it is too late.

When I build a system, I write a spec doc. A part of the spec doc outlines what will happen after X number of users start pounding the site every day.

Usually the actual engineering is left for Phase II, when it starts to look like the cost/benefit will pass. However, scalability is designed in from the beginning so minimal refactoring is needed.

There are lots of approaches and each application is different, but almost all applications can benefit from caching, report pre-processing, cleanup jobs, etc.

Contact me if you would like to hear more. ]]> How To three_screens Seeing your stuff on TV http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4934#post4934 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4934#post4934 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:53:39 GMT I just saw something wonderful. I just saw screenshots of a website built with my companies system on a national news program. Its quite surreal turning on the tv and seeing your software at work. Its a very nice sensation :)

Oh, and this is the site. http://rentafarmhouse.com.au A country town in Australia is offering farmhouses for $1/week.

Has anyone else experienced anything similar? Seen your stuff pop up somewhere unexpected? ]]> Marketing Andrew Cheap Phone Service-Sound like the big guys http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4933#post4933 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4933#post4933 Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:34:06 GMT 3 years ago we started Simicomm, a fully hosted Pbx software company. We have been through several of the start up phases and have revived the company with our core product, EasySpeak. EasySpeak is our hosted PBX phone service, we give the small business owner or consultant with a full featured PBX with their own local number. We charge a flat rate per line and you can either buy an IP phone from us or use one of your own. Some features include Auto Attendant, music on hold, call forwarding, virtual extensions, emailed voicemail and the ability to take your phone anywhere in the world and make calls like you were in your office.

Our plans start at $10 and go up to $45 per line, please give us a call or email us if you have more questions or would like to get started.

608-669-9496 and rmiller@simicomm.com

Please note our website is being updated ]]> Networking simicomm Rhinofile public beta http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4932#post4932 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4932#post4932 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:32:55 GMT Hi Guys,

After a lot of work, we've finally released Rhinofile. It's large file mover with a difference.

It sits on your intranet, pushing your large files to the Rhinofile client, sitting out on the internet or on your DMZ.

There's a couple of major benefits to this method:
1) Active directory authentication via LDAP.
2) When you send a file, you only send it once, even if you send to 1000 people (which you can do via bulk CSV import)
3) Because of 2, you WAN doesn't get congested
4) Security of your LAN is kept, everything is kept external
5) Company policies, such as download agreements, NDA's, disclaimers, quota's and others
6) Full WYSIWYG editing
7) You maintain security of your file(s). Rhinofile gives you choice on where your files are hosted(DMZ, tier1 or shared)

I'm now finalising the specs for the Outlook plugin which will filter large files, and pass them through Rhinofile and out onto the internet. You won't even need to touch the web interface. It will also allow you to send files greater than 2 GB.

Did I mention Rhino is free?

If anybody has any businesses that need this sort of thing, I'll be happy to personally set them up as well - in exchange for feedback and telling your friends :)

check out the demo video at: http://www.rhinofile.com/demo.php ]]> Product rossc4434 Logo Design http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4931#post4931 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4931#post4931 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:18:20 GMT I got the logo for www.rhinofile.com at designoutpost..

Quality is pretty good, not perfect but will improve in time(and budget). ]]> Referrals and Recommendations rossc4434 Question about Feedburner http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4929#post4929 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4929#post4929 Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:10:50 GMT I'd like to use Feedburner to allow job-seekers to receive notifications when new jobs are posted in job categories of their choice. My question...can they opt-in/out on my site, or do they have to do so thru Feedburner's site? ]]> Tech Starting Big Job Board decision - Need your input http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4928#post4928 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4928#post4928 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:00:56 GMT I have worked with a few consultancies. The ideal solutions is keeping the data[ in this example job applications] on the website. And it would be required to send intimation mails to the users of the website [stating there is a new job application in the queue].

The whold idea of having an internet company is to have the users visit your website. So that you could attract advertisements or promote new features or products through your site.

PM me if you need any specific details. ]]> Product sreelaj Need advice on how to create the next BIG website http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4927#post4927 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4927#post4927 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:46:28 GMT I am a software engineer...and I have seen many people actually implementing their ideas without any software or web background. What they do is, they split up the idea into chunks of small works and get it done from different parties for different set of incentives. During this process it is essential that, proper intellecutal properties are developed[like algorthims or copyrights]. Once the parts are ready, you only will have to do the assembling part.

PM me if you need specific details. ]]> Referrals and Recommendations sreelaj Logo Design http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4925#post4925 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4925#post4925 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:34:42 GMT Over the years I've had many logos designed spending from $20 - $3,000. The $3k was in the 80's way before the internet was available. I recently had several done for $100 per and they're of good quality.

My 2 suggestions are:
- Post your needs on 99designs.com and let some very good designers compete for your business. Plan on spending a minimum of $149 and up to $300 including fees to the site that hosts the competitions. You'll get an excellent logo.
- Post your needs in digitalpoint's forums in the CONTESTS section. If you're on a tight tight tight budget this is the best route I'm aware of. $50-75 for a good to excellent logo. I recently paid $50 ea and am happy with the choices I had and the ones I chose. No fee other then PayPal fees of a few %.

Good luck! ]]> Referrals and Recommendations mauiman Request for Information / Advice http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4924#post4924 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4924#post4924 Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:15:53 GMT
Quote:
I've tried message boards for 3 hours a day
Odds are you didn't spend those 3 hours a day on sites that weren't going to get you at least a little exposure. Am I right?

That desire for some exposure is what drives a lot of people to join sites like your site, this site, and many others that aren't Yahoo!-like just yet. In return for spending time on your site and helping you build desperately needed critical mass they may need some exposure to their Website that is looking for the same.

What I'd do is add two new features on the right sidebar with one showing the top 5-10 members (# of rankings made) and the second showing the most recent 5 rankers so newbies get exposure encouraging drivebys to register and rank. This is assuming you allow members to embed their URL into the user name like a lot of blogs do.

If that isn't feasible due to software limitations then perhaps a prize system or points system that can be converted into something of value. your site needs critical mass before the rankings become meaningful and the site can draw crowds. When that happens media interest in those rankings will increase and then it should take on a life of it's own. In the meantime you need to reward members with whatever you can muster up.

Another couple of ideas:
  1. Add photo with HOT TOPIC of the WEEK to top of homepage
  2. Create a widget that will display the top 5 rankings going on at your site with current results. IN time some sites will add this widget to their sites spreading the word and creating more buzz.

Having said all that I must say that your site looks great and appears to be functioning perfectly well so at least it's technically sound.

Best of success to you! ]]> Networking mauiman Can anyone provide me name of a good video email service provider? http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4923#post4923 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4923#post4923 Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:38:23 GMT You should consider creating a blog as well. They're very inexpensive to start, very easy, and it's now very easy to embed videos into posts. This would provide you a place to send prospects at the initial phase of your selling process as well. Don't want the videos available to just anyone? Then you password protect the category those "private" posts/videos are in and just give that password out to those you want to share with.

I have numerous blogs and post videos often so if you have questions just ask.

Good luck! ]]> Networking mauiman Job Board decision - Need your input http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4922#post4922 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4922#post4922 Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:11:18 GMT How do the other major players do it? I bet they've done research into the workflows of major organizations and know what they need and expect. ]]> Product juniorbird Job Board decision - Need your input http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4921#post4921 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4921#post4921 Sun, 07 Sep 2008 03:43:16 GMT Thinking as an employer or job placement agency posting jobs online...what do you think would be better:

1) having applications emailed to you
2) having applications stored in your account within the job board

or

3) having a choice between the 2 which can be changed in their account settings

I know option #3 probably makes the most sense, but if you had to pick between the first 2 options, what would it be, or, if you feel that having option #3 is absolutely necessary............

Thanks Everyone! ]]> Product Starting Big Can anyone provide me name of a good video email service provider? http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4920#post4920 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4920#post4920 Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:59:57 GMT Yes video email is a new and very effective tool for marketing personals. It provides them ability to send a full screen video message to any email in the world that too without attachment or download. It just needs a video file and attaching it to email. I have been using video email from http://www.onlinefacetime.com/
from last six months now for my insurance business and the boom in I have seen after using it simply great. Try it. It will definitely provide you what you need. ]]> Networking abrahum77 Can anyone provide me name of a good video email service provider? http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4919#post4919 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4919#post4919 Mon, 01 Sep 2008 09:12:41 GMT Hi everyone, I am working in hotel industry and my jobs includes meeting with high profile clients and companies to sell them packages from our Hotel group. I have noticed that my competitors are using video email facility for communication and marketing etc. how could I avail this technology? Can anyone provide me name of a good video email service provider? All suggestions are welcome. ]]> Networking umin99 How could I use video email? http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4918#post4918 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4918#post4918 Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:21:01 GMT I have many queries regarding video email. What are the benefits of Video Email? How could I use video email? Who are the providers? Please help. ]]> Networking nancydavid Comprehensive Resource List for Business Startups http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4917#post4917 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4917#post4917 Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:56:52 GMT Thought you might find this page extremely helpful for the new business start up: http://www.innoventum.com/recommends.html

Good luck! ]]> The Law APitt More Startup Commandments http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4916#post4916 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4916#post4916 Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:36:51 GMT You got a casual Friday?

woah.

WA = Wait Awhile. ]]> How To rossc4434 What Are Founders Entitled http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4915#post4915 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4915#post4915 Mon, 18 Aug 2008 22:28:47 GMT Just wanted to say thanks to Andrew and BRR for the excellent advice!

To give you guys an update on the action steps that I've taken:

My partner and I decided not to bring in the other potential cofounders as they seemed to be to interested in the details of "what their cut is" rather in the overall vision of the project.

We possibly will look to getting something in writing with a lawyer because it will make my partner feel confortable committing to the project in the end.

Even though we're taking the lawyer route, we're putting things in perspective and understand that this not the end all by any means. We are viewing this as an initial task and to be honest we want this process over as quick as possible!

Thanks for the excellent advice Andrew and BRR!!!

:D ]]> People abaskm What Are Founders Entitled http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4914#post4914 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4914#post4914 Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:58:58 GMT Good posts all. I think Andrew's experience of negotiating forever and having a product that goes nowhere points to another possible course of action; to be slow to take on more people.

So many projects can be advanced solo or with just one other partner or freelancers with short and sweet releases.

Projects change a lot along the way to the point of not needing the same people. Or, if needing the same people, negotiating different deals.

Maybe not you, but a lot of people spend alot of time on preliminaries... time better spent on the actual business. Talking about doing something is not the same as doing something. The stock they get is real. The responsibility they describe is possible future accomplishment, which may never materialize.

Often, the "need" for more people is procrastination in disguise. It's like confusing endless meetings with actually doing something.

I would be slow to take on early partners and would need to consider my pre-existing relationship with them. How long have I known them? What do I know about them? What does my intuition tell me about their character? How do I think they will behave under stress?

Partnerships (and similar arrangements) are easy to get into and not so easy to get out of.

I'd at least consider the above before the kind of negotiation/agreement being considered. Just a thought. Good luck! ]]> People BRReviews More Startup Commandments http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4913#post4913 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4913#post4913 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:40:24 GMT I would also say for #4 (wearing comfortable shoes for being outside) that it's important to network. In our business (building social networks) a lot of what makes us successful is who I know and meet. I feel that the personal connections I've made (even if they're a handshakes and a three minute conversaion) make an impact on my ability to building partnerships, get advice, & make things happen. ]]> How To bstrackany Elance Virtual Assistant Contest http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4912#post4912 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4912#post4912 Sat, 09 Aug 2008 16:37:40 GMT So who won the contest? I could see using a virtual assistant, or maybe virtual PM. There's a lot more to running a small business than just coding. :) ]]> Announcements bstrackany Internet directories & other free marketing methods http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4911#post4911 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4911#post4911 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:34:06 GMT Your Google Page Rank has no relationship with the Actual Rankings of your website.

Therefore you must ask yourself this question, "Whats the use of increasing Page Rank ??"

Both Google/Yahoo relies on a hidden parameter known as Trust Rank which decides the ultimate rankings of your website on google/yahoo.

You must read about Page Rank and Trust Rank at : http://blog.seohawk.com/page-rank-vs-trust-rank/ ]]> Marketing samin Google Page Rank Question http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4910#post4910 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4910#post4910 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:29:07 GMT Your Page Rank has absolutely no relationship with the actual rankings of your website.

Therefore you must free yourself from the clutches of Page Rank based SEO Techniques.

Your users/clients will find your website on the basis of whether your website is visible on top pages of search engines for competitive keywords or not.

Once your user/client lands on your website, he wont give a damn whether your website has a PR 4 or PR5. They are only interested in the services and if they like your website services then surely you will receive an inquiry.

As far as SEO aspect of Page Rank is concerned it has no effect on your actual rankings. Search engines use a hidden parameter known as TRUST RANK which determines the actual rankings of your website on search engines.

You can read more about Page Rank and Trust Rank at : http://blog.seohawk.com/page-rank-vs-trust-rank/

I am sure you will find it interesting :) ]]> Marketing samin Looking 4 sm1 who cld help in marktng natural oils http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4909#post4909 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4909#post4909 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:22:36 GMT Im looking for someone who cuold help in securing markets for natural oils that can be used in making beauty products (cosmetics) these oils will be coming from Zimbabwe and are marula and baobab oil. ]]> Networking eagle What Are Founders Entitled http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4908#post4908 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4908#post4908 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:05:54 GMT Something in writing is a good idea. dont feel like you necessarily need to pay a lawyer to do this although you can if you like. A lawyer will of course tell you that you absolutely need to pay them to write something up and that they can protect you from bad things happening.

You can get away with something you write up yourself that just lists who is involved and what theyre getting for what. Emails can be adequate in this regard and provide an audit trail to show peoples intent. Ive seen 200k of funding change hands with only a couple of single paragraph emails outlining terms and that worked fine.

Ive also spent months negotiating the founding of a new company. Lawyers on both sides. We wound up with a contract about a quarter inch thick. The product went nowhere so theres a huge amount of time, energy and money down the drain.

Another company was also done by the book and it ended badly despite being very well documented. Someone who is determined to screw others will find a way to do so regardless of what any bit of paper says.

Get something in writing to make sure everyone is clear on whats going on. Putting it in writing forces you to make everything explicit and reduces instances of people saying 'thats not what i meant'. However do not be under an illusions about a contract protecting you because it probably wont. Trustworthy cofounders who you watch like a hawk > any legal setup. ]]> People Andrew What Are Founders Entitled http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4907#post4907 http://www.startupping.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4907#post4907 Wed, 06 Aug 2008 03:36:12 GMT Thanks for the advice. What about just general agreements in writing upfront so that there is fewer issues down the road. I recently read this blog that made me think:

http://www.thestartuplawyer.com/star...founder-closer

What's your opinion? ]]> People abaskm