LookSeeTV Blog

Ready, Aim, Fire! Part I

2010-02-04T05:47:16Z

Ready, Aim, Fire...Part I from Ciaran Foley on Vimeo.

In this 3 part series, we take a look at some of the essential ingredients to entrepreneurial success: the integration of key Financial, Sales and Marketing efforts. In part one, we examine some of the key financial mistakes business owners make.

Some thoughts from Orange County Entrepreneurs

2010-01-30T00:53:35Z

Tech Coast Venture Network kicked off the new year with an engaging presentation on preparing for fundraising for startups and small business. I thought I'd go around the room and introduce some of the exciting businesses present. Meet them here: Jim Burke (safeglow.com) Phillip Gurley (natstaff.com) Stephen Silver (sproutstart.com) Tom Miller (TCVN) Raj Lahoti (onlineguru.com) and Miles Moore (advancedwarningsystems.com).

For more information or to attend a TCVN event, visit www.tcvn.org

2010-28-01 TCVN Forum - Fundraising Snapshot from Ciaran Foley on Vimeo.

TCVN: A Sneak Peek for LookSeeTV Audience

2010-01-09T20:15:20Z

A quick look at some of the big changes coming in 2010 with Tech Coast Venture Network. Special preview for the LookSee.TV audience.

MarketTech Netcast - Episode 2 - SEO DIY

2009-11-25T21:12:58Z

Top ten sites and tips for Do-It-Yourself SEO for small companies and entities looking to gain some online marketing traction.

MarketTech NetCast - Episode 2 from Ciaran Foley on Vimeo.

Show links can be found here.

Shifting to Entrepreneurship

2009-11-12T18:43:24Z

With the economic downturn and focus on Work 2.0, a lot more focus is being placed on the art and science of Entrepreneurship.

MarketTech Netcast - Episode 1 - To SEO or not to SEO?

2009-11-12T03:56:56Z

MarketTech Netcast - Episode 1 - To SEO or not to SEO from Ciaran Foley on Vimeo.

Ciaran Foley (looksee.tv) and Debbie Machen (marketsnag.com) discuss the latest in online marketing and social media for small and medium-sized business.

Where's The Money?

2009-10-23T18:43:29Z

An interesting blog entry and graphic demonstrating levels of VC investment by geography

Check it out here

The 7 Troublemakers you meet in a start up

2009-10-21T02:32:44Z

In a future post, I'll be examining some of the deadly traits of business owners (CEOs, Founders, etc.) - In the meantime, I came across this entertaining post that identifies key troublemakers inside a start up.

Read Article Here

LookSee.TV Profiles: Ergolution

2009-10-10T04:03:55Z

LookSeeTV Profile: Ergolution from Ciaran Foley on Vimeo.

LookSee.TV talks to Charissa Shaw, Founder and President of Ergolution, an Orange County-based startup. Charissa is turning a consulting passion into a platform for the future of the ergonomics industry.

Social Media Perspectives with Banemedia

2009-10-09T22:23:24Z

Ken Bane of Banemedia joins us to discuss where the current state of social media is and reveal some of his favorite tools in the space. We discuss the idea of building a social strategy, what "authenticity" really means and where the market is headed. We're using a private beta of Wetoku.com - so there are a few hiccups and mistimings in the video--but the information maintains its relevance.

The Future of Surfacing

2009-10-08T16:44:04Z

Listen!

Quick thoughts on content distribution and discovery on the Interwebs.

Interview with Kent Mihlbauer in Saudi Arabia

2009-10-05T16:36:19Z

Kent Mihlbauer (LinkedIn Profile) is an agency marketer with a 20 year background in the automotive marketing field who recently transplanted to Saudi Arabia. Listen in as he describes his recent adventures as part of an in-house agency handling rebuilding the Lexus and Toyota brands in the Middle East.

In the first of several interviews planned, we meet Kent and talk about his initial experience, the differences between Facebook and LinkedIn in the U.S. and overseas and new opportunities and challenges.

NOTE: The interview contains some "dead"spots as we wait for packets to transmit. As you'll see, connectivity lag is one of the major issues Kent faces in day-to-day work.

Where There's Confusion, There's Profit -- and Risk

2009-09-29T19:57:33Z

The recent economic turmoil has witnessed the destruction of many businesses and jobs. At the same time, new opportunities are cropping up everywhere. Many who have been recently displaced have decided to try their hand at the entrepreneurial adventure--striking out on their own with the optimism of self-directed destiny. But the relative inexperience of many of those entering the entrepreneurial fray for the first time makes them optimal targets for those looking to profit from their confusion.

Having heard first-hand accounts from the victims of many of these unscrupulous individuals, I thought I might send out a friendly reminder regarding how to protect yourself.

Wikipedia: "A confidence trick or confidence game (also known as a bunko, con, flim flam, gaffle, grift, hustle, scam, scheme, or swindle) is an attempt to defraud a person or group by gaining their confidence."

Every day, entrepreneurs, investors, engineers and well-meaning individuals are suckered into signing agreements, engaging partners or paying good money only to find themselves the victims of one confidence game or another.

We wouldn't hesitate to check the authenticity and ask for a License # of a firm or individual doing work on our house. Yet, if someone posing as a "CEO who recently sold their last company" or representative of "a large investment group" approaches us, we are far less likely to question their credentials or perform the due-diligence necessary to protect ourselves. Why? One reason is that these individuals frequently appear as the missing link--a shortcut to the expertise, or funding or connections we need. Another reason is that we question "who would be brazen enough to take my $3,500 to prepare paperwork that would virtually insure my funding?" Or, who would pass themselves off as "someone who sold their company for $17 million?" Sadly, the answer is: quite a few.

Before entering into agreements with individuals who want to take your money or partner with you or become your next C-level executive, do some homework. And dig. Dig deep. Ask around. Talk to committee members in respected organizations like Tech Coast Venture Network or Tech Coast Angels to get character references. Google. Trust your gut. If it's too good to be true...well, you know the rest. Protect yourself.

Have an example or story to share about your experiences? Leave a comment here!

Startup Motivations

2009-08-20T21:50:56Z

Starting up a company for all the wrong reasons is never a good thing. Some quick thoughts on the subject. Have you been guilty of this? We would love to see your comments.

Listen!

Future Twitter

2009-07-01T18:55:12Z

If you're one of the many individuals quick to dismiss Twitter, give this short audio quickthought a listen. I believe Twitter is about a lot more than the 140 character updates we see today and I'll tell you why. Tell me what you think about Twitter and how you believe it will evolve...

Listen!