How Do You Motivate and Lead a Team to Work Their Hardest?

On Quora, someone asked: How do you motivate and lead a team to work their hardest, when there isn’t the same incentives (monetary, fame, etc) as a regular job? In areas like a university student club or volunteer service. This was my response: I would recommend Ken Blanchard’s book Gung Ho! In his book, he … Read more

I Have a Brilliant Project Idea That Will Require a Team. How Do I Ensure No One Steals My Idea?

People don’t steal ideas. I mean, a small fraction of people do, but it’s rare. Even if it is stolen, it’s next to impossible for most people to implement. Go secure all your IP (domain name and business stuff) and start recruiting away. An idea is nothing more than an idea. You don’t need to … Read more

Business Challenges: The Biggest One I Faced And How I Overcame It

This is how I overcame my biggest business challenge. The content is inspired by the Office Depot Business Solutions Center as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #GearLove Throughout the last decade, I have started a lot of businesses. Some of them worked for a certain amount of time, earning as much as $50,000 … Read more

What Is a Good Success Fee for an Introduction for Startup Investors?

On Quora someone asked: Is the success fees of 3% (of the money raised in that round) for an introduction to investors good for a startup that wants raise its seed investment? Is it ok to accept this deal if one firm promises to introduce investors? This was my response: I live in Southern California.  … Read more

I’m Having Problems Generating Business Ideas. What Is One Good Idea?

The easiest business would be to become a mobile notary, nanny or dog sitter. Construction is lucrative. So is plumbing and painting. Or you can try to make a pet supply store. My friend made two pet stores, had an exit of 7 figures on each. — Originally posted on Quora. Leonard Kim consults startups … Read more

Starting a Tech Startup with No Skills. Which One Do You Learn First?

Someone on Quora asked: If you were starting a technology startup and you have no skills, would you learn sales, design, or programming first? If not those 3 avenues, what would you learn first? Then second? This was my response: When I was 22, I tried to make my own single founder startup. I failed, … Read more

What Would You Advise a First Time Entrepreneur with No Competition?

Someone on Quora asked: I have a business idea. No competition. Tiny start up costs and overheads. Decentralized commission based and social media driven sales strategy. A very strong value proposition and an absolutely incredible mark up. Any advice for a first time entrepreneur? This was my response: Research why you have no competition. It … Read more

7 Small Business Productivity Tips To Stay Active During Summer

These are the top summer productivity tips to stay active with your small business. The content is inspired by the Office Depot Business Solutions Center as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. #GearLove Summer is a slow season for most of us in the small business world, unless you are running a restaurant or bar, then you’re in luck. … Read more

How Much Humanity Does a Person Need to Remove to Become the CEO of a Startup?

If you’re a single founder company?  100% of it. If you have money, a team and you know how to delegate responsibility to have each person handle their designated tasks in their specific timesframes and run lean, then maybe 10% of it.  Probably less. It’s a stressful position, but you don’t need to sacrifice your … Read more