2016 Startup Trends

Trends aren’t just for fashion and hairstyles. As an entrepreneur, you should also pay attention to business trends. Here are a few startup trends you can expect to see in 2016:

(Curated from Tech.Co)

1. The On-Demand Economy Will Continue to Grow

In the on-demand economy, businesses don’t have time to hire and train new people in order to get things done in time and meet the needs of consumers. Hiring independent contractors and connecting with platforms like Upwork will become even more common this year.

“With over 10 million workers now registered on the independent contracting platform Upwork, this represents over a 500 percent increase in just three years. And this shift is expected to continue, due to the fact that both contractors and businesses have a need to connect with each other.”

2. Finding Capital for Your Startup Isn’t Going to Get Easier

Because 2016 is an election year, entrepreneurs won’t see much change in legislation such as tax reform that will impact businesses. Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean finding capital to fund your startup will get any easier.

“The big question hanging over this year is whether interest rates are going to rise, and if so by how much. Access to capital could get even tighter if interest rates go up anymore. This will increase the cost of borrowing and startups around the country will struggle to get the funding they need through the banks.”

3. Easier Access to Big Data

As a small business, access to big data may have been unattainable in previous years. With the cost of technology going down, however, small businesses have the opportunity to make up for lost time and get access to more data than ever before.

“The cost of technology, particularly in regards to big data, is going down. It’s making the lives of businesses easier because they don’t have to set aside a lot of money to get the data they need. Startups have access to more complex forms of technology, including automated data gathering platforms. Previously, these sorts of tools were only available to people who possessed a lot of capital.”

What other business trends do you expect see this year?

Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

When you’re an entrepreneur starting your first business, there are so many little things you need to go well to ensure the success of your startup. Running a business for the first time is an overwhelming experience so here are a few marketing lessons Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec has already learned for you:

(Curated from Entrepreneur Magazine)

1. Take Advantage of Social Media

Marketing on social media isn’t just a good strategy for big brands. Your small business can take advantage of free platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to reach your audience and build brand recognition for your startup.

“With Facebook and other social platforms, you can have highly targeted marketing campaigns to attract customers who are interested in the product or service that you have,” Herjavec says. “Find the user groups they meet up in on social and win them over there.”

2. Sell Your Products Online

Small businesses often don’t realize the potential they have to sell their products or services online. Offering your customers a place to shop and buy online will help you build trust and retain customers more effectively as long as you do it well.

Even as the ecommerce economy continues to surge, many small businesses old and new still don’t have shopping carts on their websites. Herjavec says failing to sell directly online is “foolishly leaving money on the table.” He believes that if your customers trust and believe in your brand, they’ll buy what you sell on the Internet.

Of those that do offer online shopping, the feature is often set up so poorly that it frustrates and confuses customers. The result: Potential buyers end up abandoning their shopping carts altogether and the sale is dead on arrival. “It quickly becomes such a hassle to go through with the transaction that they say ‘forget it,’” he says. “Don’t let that happen.”

3. Use Visual Imagery

This may seem like an obvious tip, but visual imagery is more important than you think. You want to make sure your customers have all the information they need before they make a purchase. You can attract and hold their attention with stimulating images to keep them engaged long enough to get all the information they need.

“People are very busy and the first thing that hits them in any marketing communication is a really pretty picture, not words,” he says, “and I know that sounds really trivial but that engages people and gets them to look at more of your outreach.”

What marketing tips do you have for first-time business owners?

How Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Comedians

Entrepreneurs aren’t the only ones taking big risks in the business world. The event-based business SF Sketchfest began as a non-traditional comedy festival and grew into a national, 15-year running festival. Here’s what entrepreneurs can learn from the comedians behind the festival’s success, Cole Stratton, David Owen, and Janet Varney:

(Curated from Entrepreneur Magazine)

Adapt and Learn As You Go

If you only try things you already know how to do, you’re not challenging yourself. So, when you take risks as an entrepreneur, be prepared to learn as you go. You’ll need to adapt to new situations outside of your comfort zone, which is a good sign for your business.

“It’s still trial by error. It’s been 15 years of not knowing what we’re doing and trying to figure it out at the same time,” says David. Cole adds, “We initially called it a festival to have an angle for it, really.” From learning how to market an event to handling their own event production, David, Janet, and Cole got their hands dirty and learned the ropes through hard work and with the help of trusted mentors.

Hire the Right People

The people you hire will have a major impact on the success of your startup. Hire people that you want to work with and people who will inspire you to be your best.

“One of the smartest things we’ve done is try to keep great people around us.” says David. Other that its co-founders, SF Sketchfest has zero full-time employees. However, when the festival takes place in January and February they bring on a ton of contractors. David adds, “We’ve been really lucky to get people to come back year after year.” When hiring, their strategy is simple: They look for people they’d like to be around, and have hence considered the event a “good-vibes festival” because of it.

Stay Calm When Things Go Wrong

Things will inevitably go wrong sometimes so you just have to remember to stay calm. Work together towards a solution and you’ll be able to overcome any obstacles that might arise.

When things go wrong (which as any event producer/entrepreneur will tell you, they always do), David suggests, “Being confident, remaining calm … and just coming together to work the problem and find a solution.” Also, don’t play the blame game. Decide upon next steps and work together to put the fire out.

Pittsburgh Events You Don't Want To Miss In April

It’s spring again in Pittsburgh and the city is celebrating with an April calendar full of fun events. Here are a few we’re looking forward to most:

(Curated from Next Pittsburgh)

1. PIX: Pittsburgh Indie Comix Exposition

The Indie Comix Exposition will take play on April 2 at 10 S. 19th Street in South Side. This free event will feature work from local cartoonists and comic book artists as well as connections to the international scene. If you’re a creator, producer, publisher, or even just a comic book fan, you don’t want to miss this exposition.

“Setting up shop on the South Side, the region’s first-of-its-kind expo of creator-owned, self-published, small press and handmade comics is the brainchild of Copacetic Comics Company owner Bill Boichel, co-presented by Pittsburgh’s own ToonSeum . PIX-goers can peruse and purchase works from 50-plus exhibitors, hear artist presentations, attend creator panels and more. This year’s lineup of literati features everyone from Zippy the Pinhead creator Bill Griffith and author Derf Backderf, to RAWalum Kaz and Blammo creator Noah Van Sciver. You can even channel your inner cartoonist at workshops led by artists Frank Santoro and Juan Fernandez offered concurrently at Carnegie Library’s South Side Branch.”

2. Jazz Appreciation Month

You can check out a series of jazz concerts being hosted throughout Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in the Cultural District. These April jazz events are a great way to prepare for the JazzLive International Festival in June.

“Don’t miss the kickoff concert when jazz powerhouses team up to present “4 Generations of Miles” at Cabaret at Theater Square. Witness history in the making when award-winning drummer Jimmy Cobb teams up with Grammy-nominated guitarist Mike Stern, bassist extraordinaire Buster Williams, and alto sax giant Sonny Fortune. It will be hard to sit still during this eclectic homage to Miles’ profound legacy. The series continues April 9 at the August Wilson Center, where soulful singer Maysa will woo audiences with her smooth jazz stylings and impressive vocal range. On April 12, Grammy-winning saxophonist Gary Bart will heat things up at Cabaret. Jazz Month culminates on April 26, when Grammy Award-winning  Jesus “Chuchito” Valdes will dazzle crowds with the Latin jazz sounds of his talented trio. View all JAM events.”

3. Pittsburgh Earth Day

From April 21-24 you can celebrate renewal with Pittsburgh Earth Day’s Steel to Sustainable series. The series will feature four days of free events showcasing the region’s history and revitalization.

“The green scene kicks off April 21st with the Ecolution fashion show and cocktail soiree at the Fairmont. See how recycled and reused materials are transformed into haute couture with a conscience as local designers present runway-ready wares. On April 22nd, fuel up on local grub at the solar powered Food Truck Festival, enjoy live music by Molly Alphabet, the Armadillos and Beagle Brothers in Mellon Square and peruse earth-friendly products and services in Market Square. On Friday night, don’t miss the all-ages “Art and Local Showcase” at the convention center. On April 23rd, head to Carrie Furnace for a festival featuring Soundwaves Steel Band, Colonel Eagleburgers HighStepping Goodtime Band, Daily Grind, food trucks, craft brews, and the Hard Hat Art Project. Cap it all off at the TEDxPittsburgh Sunday brunch to hear inspiring talks exploring sustainability. View all Earth Day events.”

What events are you most looking forward to this month in Pittsburgh?

4 Steps To Understanding Your Customers

Understanding and connecting with your customers can determine whether your business is successful or not. Fortunately, there are several ways you can collect information on your customers so you can get a 360-degree understanding of what they’re looking for in a business. Here’s how to get started:

(Curated from Pittsburgh Business Times)

1. Study Customer Data

Collecting and analyzing customer data is one of the easiest ways to begin understanding your audience. Provide your sales team with the tools they need to properly record every interaction they have with customers.

“Customer data, if easily accessible and understood, can be used to improve and expand customer service efforts, and 58 percent of customers who receive exceptional service are willing to invest more with that business. You might consider contact management software or other tools for your small business that will give insight into interactions, contact preferences and anything else an employee needs to drive successful interactions with your customers.”

2. Conduct Email Marketing

Email marketing is one of the easiest marketing strategies to implement. Nearly 90% of marketers use email marketing as their primary channel for reaching their customers.

“If you want a marketing strategy that is effective, has the ability to be implemented quickly and gives you a better view of your customers, then your answer is email marketing. This tried-and-true tactic has evolved with the times, so it’s important that you stay up on some of the latest trends.”

3. Adapt to Mobile

Incorporating the flexibility that mobile allows into your business will let work from anywhere and stay connected throughout the day. You will be able to respond to and solve problems for your customers where you go.

“This year, to keep up with your customers, running your business means going mobile. About 80 percent of businesses surveyed said that mobile devices would be an integral part of their future success, so it is time to start the year with a technological advantage.”

4. Connect Via Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn are free marketing platforms. Social media never sleeps and neither will your brand as you reach more and more customers everyday by posting relevant content and engaging with your audience.

“When a social media interaction is positive, 71 percent of customers will recommend the business to their friends and family. Expand your small business’ visibility and pay attention to those customers interacting with you on social. It will help customer insight.”

What else can businesses do to stay connected with and maintain an understanding of their customers?

How To Become A Better Salesperson

If you’re an entrepreneur it’s highly likely you already have the skills of a decent salesperson. But if you’re an exceptional salesperson then you’re always looking for ways to challenge yourself and develop new skills. Here are a few tips for setting yourself apart from the competition and fostering unparalleled sales skills:

(Curated from Entrepreneur.com)

1. Start with a Question

“Some of the best communicators that I have ever come across would always lead with questions. I have written a lot about the importance of questions, and it also certainly applies to becoming a better communicator and salesperson as well.

“In your next sales meeting or interaction with someone, try to lead the conversation with great questions. Do your research and come prepared with great questions ready to be asked.

“When you ask good questions, you are doing two things that will help you in the long run. Number one, you display a sense of humility that will always serve you in a positive way. Number two, you will start to receive key answers that you would normally not have been able to find out. There is nothing more powerful on both sides when great questions are asked. Lead with questions during every interaction from here on out.”

2. Have a Positive Perception of Sales

“I can’t tell you how many people I have encountered that had nothing good to say about sales. They couldn’t understand why anyone would want to do such a thing, or that being in sales meant that you couldn’t find a job anywhere else.

“To succeed in sales, you must first change your perception about sales. Instead of looking at it as a negative, start viewing it in a totally different light. Sales is all about serving and helping others get to where they want to go. In sales, you only succeed when you help others succeed.

“It’s quite difficult to succeed in sales and successfully sell your product or service if you keep telling yourself how much you hate sales and never try to change your negative perception of what sales really stands for.”

What tips do you have to help entrepreneurs develop their skills as salespeople?

Motivation Tips for Entrepreneurs

Once you decide to become your own boss, you take on more responsibility. You no longer have someone to hold you accountable when you’re supposed to do something. Here are some tips to help you become self-sufficient and stay self-motivated:

(Curated from Entrepreneur.com)

• You’re your own boss now so you have to decide what you want to get out of your endeavor as an entrepreneur. Set goals and come up with a mission statement for yourself. When things seem tough, you can refer to your mission statement to make sure you’re on track.

“Every business has or should have a mission or vision statement, something that describes the organization’s broader goals, culture and underlying core values. It is primarily used to set the direction of the organization and motivate stakeholders. For the these same reasons, every entrepreneur should set his or her own personal mission statement.”

• Once you set personal goals for yourself, you need to figure out how to achieve them. So, create a business plan for yourself.

“Just as in business, a mission statement is useless without a plan to execute on it. You too should develop and write down your personal and professional plan, including short term and long term goals. This plan will not and should not be penned and framed, as it is organic and will change as your personal and professional circumstances change. The purpose here is to have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish personally and how you will achieve it.”

• Getting started is the most difficult part so develop a morning routine that gets you up and motivated.

“Getting yourself motivated is about getting started. For this reason, you should start every day with a great morning routine, which will help your mind and body to be alert, focused and prepared to create new habits. As part of your routine every morning, you should spend time reviewing and refining your plan, or what John Meyer refers to as your 8 for the Day routine.”

• Reward yourself when something goes well or when you meet successfully meet a deadline.

“We are naturally wired to react to incentives, so be prepared to reward yourself for accomplishing a goal or maintaining a habit. Just like in business, you should recognize and reward small victories along the way to long-term, broader goals.”

What helps you stay focused and motivated as an entrepreneur? Let us know!