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

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

What Is the Easiest Way to Get a Business Loan?

Visit the local SBDC (Small Business Development Center) in your area.  They are non profit organizations that help you create your business plans, do your financials, etc.  Once everything is complete, they will submit your loan application to banks and credit unions to see which one is best equipped to fund your business. — Originally … Read more

Should I Launch My Local Social Startup City by City, Country Wise, or Globally?

Think local. Expand global. It’s probably better to concentrate on specific markets locally first before branching out into a national platform. — Originally posted on Quora. Leonard Kim consults startups and writes books like The Etiquette of Social Media: How to Connect and Respond to Others in the World of Social Media  

How Do You Justify Working in E-Commerce When You’d Rather Not?

Someone on Quora asked: “How do you morally justify working in e-commerce when there’s so much economic inequality in the US and you’d rather work in a non-profit? I feel more fulfilled working in a non-profit, even though there are more jobs in the e-commerce/tech sector.” This was my response: You can make a bigger influence … Read more

How Would a CFA Certification Help an Undergraduate Engineering Student Towards a Career in Finance?

Someone on Quora asked: “I am an senior undergraduate student (Electronics and Communication Engineering, NIT Calicut, India) planning to apply to MS in Finance (American and Europian BSchools), this year around December. Please give me some idea about the advantages of CFA exams in June and December respectively before applying for a masters course in … Read more