Category: Applied and Practice

What New Entrepreneurs Can Do to Improve Their Chances of Survival

A six-year study found that what founders do after launch may matter more than what they start with, especially routines, commitment and additional investment. More than five decades ago, celebrated Read more

People using early versions of products and technologies can provide valuable evidence about features, demand and potential commercial markets. Seed stage entrepreneurs must grapple with how they Read more

A strong board can be a major asset when CEOs prepare well, communicate openly and use directors for advice between formal meetings. Arguably, no CEO anywhere doesn’t occasionally wish that he or Read more

Minnetonka created a district-wide system that helped teachers and staff propose, test and develop ideas that improved learning and school programs. The United States’ system of K-12 public Read more

Best Buy improves customer loyalty by hiring well, training employees, expanding service, rewarding ideas and encouraging experimentation. Most businesses say that they put the customer first. Yet Read more

Even generous gifts can be eroded by administrative fees, cost overruns or changing university priorities. Entrepreneurs should approach philanthropy like an investment. A successful entrepreneur and Read more

Startups fail when they build solutions without confirming a real customer problem. Learn how to frame problems, use the Five Whys and identify the customers in the most pain. Leap Transit was Read more

Innovation means more than having a new idea. This guide explains what innovation is, why it matters, and how it differs from and overlaps with entrepreneurship. Innovation is a kind of Holy Grail in Read more

Fast sales growth can strain cash and financing. Sustainable Growth Rate helps owners see how much growth their current financial structure can support. For most new business owners, growth is a sign Read more

Research based on hundreds of founder histories shows that thriving entrepreneurs prepare deeply, build strong teams, stay resourceful and serve customers exceptionally well. This paper is based on a Read more