Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
Tag: entrepreneur
Phillypreneurs Live @ Founder Factory 2008
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November 12, 2008
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Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
There’s Nothing Little About Philly Startup LTLprints.com
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November 11, 2008
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About LTLprints:LTLprints provides custom life-sized, self-adhesive prints to the U.S. and the U.K. Customers may upload images via LTLprints.com, including their own personal photos, snapshots, and artwork. All prints are made to order, removable and reusable, and available in three different sizes for purchase. The prints are tear resistant and safe for nearly any wall.
Everyone enjoys a change in décor once in a while, but may be hesitant about the commitment of a permanent solution such as wallpaper or paint. A new trend in wall décor is arriving in the U.S. with the launch of Philadelphia based LTLprints.com, where customers can add “Larger Than Life” self-adhesive prints to walls with the comfort of knowing each print is removable and reusable. All prints are customizable and add a touch of personality to any space. “We’re excited to show off this great new site and expose Philadelphia to a great innovation in wall decoration,” said Kendall Schoenrock, LTLprints President and co-founder.
The decision to launch LTLprints.com in Philadelphia was inspired by Schoenrock’s education at Villanova University and past entrepreneurship success in Conshohocken, PA. Schoenrock was the top performing sales associate and angel investor in TurnTide, an anti-spam service provider acquired by Symantec in 2004. Since his departure from TurnTide, Schoenrock has been an angel investor and consultant for numerous other startups in the Philadelphia area. Schoenrock’s partner and LTLprints.com CEO is Carsten Petzold. Petzold, former chief operating officer of Spreadshirt.com, is a native German and fellow angel investor. Petzold and Schoenrock co-founded LTLprints in September 2008, joining forces after enjoying individual success with similar startup firms, Spreadshirt.com and Wallhogs.com. Their previous experience and shared vision of unique, customizable printing led them to start LTLprints.com, bringing excitement and a personal touch to the walls of homes and businesses across America.
LTLprints are a fun new twist on wall décor. Each print is custom made, and will stick to almost any flat surface. LTLprints can be moved around, pulled off one wall and pressed to another, and will easily come apart if accidentally stuck together. The print leaves no mark or residue on the wall, and will stick to the new surface with no trouble. The process is simple. Customers digitally upload their picture or design, answer a few quick questions, and LTLprints will ship within 72 hours of purchase.
Though similar products and services such as www.Fatheads.com are available in the oversized graphics market, LTLprints distinguishes itself through the unique customization tools available. Competitor websites have catalogs and licensed persons available for purchase; LTLprints allows you to upload your own images or shop via the online catalog. All catalog images can be altered, edited, and customized per order. The ability to personalize and alter each image allows LTLprints.com to stand out in this niche market. “We’re ready to make Philadelphia walls more fun,” said Petzold.
Entrepreneur, Statesman, diplomat, educator, inventor, author, printer, philosopher, scientist, shopkeeper, musician, economist, public servant and American hero.
Duck . . . Duck . . . Google watch out?
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November 5, 2008
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“Duck Duck Go is a new search engine, like Google. We help you spend less time and effort searching by combining results you are used to with much better info from human powered sources like Wikipedia.” in their own words
There is no bigger skeptic when it comes to startup search companies. To this humble mind it just seems way to hard/crowded/overwhelming to take on monsters (in size not ideology) like Google, Yahoo and Microsoft. The amount of energy and capital they have to put into R&D and marketing makes the idea of competing almost laughable. So why would anyone, especially someone smart enough to get into MIT, put their life on the line to do just that? Quite honestly, because it might just be the smartest way to make money.
With Google and Microsoft in a technology arms race reminiscent to the US and Soviet Union during the Cold War (guess which one is the USSR) they are acquiring tech companies left and right that could potentially give them any tactical advantage against the other, sort of like satellite states. Just recently MSN started integrating the technology from the recent purchase of search company Powerset that is not dis-similar from Duck Duck.
Created by MIT Alum Gabriel Weinberg, Duck Duck Go was made available to the public on September 25, 2008. Gabriel was kind enough to put a Phast Pitch together for Phillypreneurs and we’d love to introduce you to him and Duck Duck Go:
More specifically, here’s how Duck Duck is different then the big 3 (Google, Yahoo, MSN)
# Top results for most topics are from human powered sources, e.g. Costco. (Note the much simpler link titles and descriptions.)
# We have special pages to help you separate topics with similar names, e.g. apostle.
# Related topics, news and images are displayed on the top right (instead of ads!), e.g. Weezer.# We have special pages that group related topics, e.g. Communication disorders.
# Official sites are labeled as such and put right on top so you don’t have to think about it at all, e.g. Bill Gates.
# Ability to search other sites directly, e.g. !youtube another bubble (sites list).
# Keyboard shortcuts: → ← ↑ ↓, Enter (go), n (news), i (images), r (related topics), h j k l (arrow alts.), and / (search box).
# Automatic highlighting of the last link you visited when you click back.
# Detects phone, tracking, and car #s; zip, book and product codes; and street and IP addresses.
While I don’t think Google has to start building its Duck Duck defense strategy just yet, I do think that companies like Duck Duck and Powerset make complete sense as acquisition plays for Google and Microsoft (Yahoo is out of the picture now that it’s on the sales block itself). So watch Duck Duck and Gabriel’s twitter feed for meetings in Mountain View or Redmond in the next year or two.
PS
Attention Developers: Duck Duck does have an API and we would love to hear about projects you develop with it.
Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
Why am I smiling on a Monday Morning? (HINT: it has nothing to do with the Phils)
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November 3, 2008
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Despite the euphoria of the past week, not even the first official Monday of the Phillies reign as World Champions was enough to cancel out the weekly weekend withdraw. No, it would take something just as exciting but a little more personal to chase away a chronic case of the Mondays. Something like this note from our friend John Valentine over at Philly startup Tapinko :
“I just wanted to follow up and thank you for the awesome press you gave us. Within a couple days of the Phillypreneurs TapInko post, we received some unsolicited phone calls from investors on both coasts interested in feeling us out for potential investments. The blog has amazing breadth in readership! TapInko is still going strong as we continue down the LORE, BFTP, and angel funding paths.”
We obviously can’t take credit for any of Tapinko’s success but it does a blogger good to know that our little passion could be apart of helping others pursue their’s, so much good that the smile that’s stretched across this face might last long enough to make a dent in next week’s inevitable Monday too. Here’s to continue success in Tapinko.
Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
So you call yourself an en·tre·pre·neur
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September 25, 2008
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When you make the choice to create your own business adventure, you can identify with the following tags: independent, freelancer, consultant and last but not least, an entrepreneur.
“Entrepreneur” is probably noted in your bio, on your business card, and part of your elevator pitch, but did you ever stop to think what the word actually meant? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an “entrepreneur” is “one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.” There are three forms of action within this single definition (organize, manage, assume), which truly emphasize the importance of action and multi-tasking. The definition also reinforces that an entrepreneur needs to have thick skin, serious confidence, and the ability to bounce back, as risks are part of the adventure. I do feel as though this definition is lacking key elements, such as noting that an entrepreneur is one who has a vision, one who assumes the success of a business along with the risks, etc.
Both Merriam-Webster and the Online Etymology Dictionary note that “entrepreneur” dates back to mid 1800’s and comes from the Old French word “entreprendre” meaning “to undertake.” In order to live up to the historically rooted title of “entrepreneur,” you must be committed to action and to doing whatever it takes to meet your goal and embark on your journey.
Although it is a single word, “entrepreneur” has a certain presence that is redefined and shaped by those that choose to follow their own path, and assume the risks and successes that come with pursuing a dream.
Alexis Siemons is a freelance writer and creative business consultant living in Philadelphia. She has a passion for language and explores it in her blog, The Lexicon . When not using both hands to feverishly type, she balances a teacup in one while working on her tea blog.
Philadelphia, have you met Tapinko?
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September 25, 2008
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No? Well then, let me be the first to introduce you:
What is Tapinko?
Tapinko is an online management SAS for purchasing and managing a variety of offline ads (e.g. multiple newspapers, billboards, text messages, etc). In other words, Tapinko is an offline ad management application. Tapinko has initially focused on the college Newspaper market, including UPenn, Harvard and Tufts. It’s one of the early stage start ups to graduate from the first DreamIt class at the beginning of the month.
Who is Tapinko?
Peter Groverman (Co-founder), Nicolas Warren (Co-founder) and John Valentine (Corporate Development). Peter first felt the need to simplify offline ad management as a student. After only being able to sell eight months of advertising for a twelve month calendar, Peter realized that there had to be a much better way to sell offline advertising, whether it be newspaper, billboards or urinal ads. Bingo (insert light bulb), create an intuitive and user friendly market place for offline ads online. After some prodding from his friends and family, Peter embraced his entrepreneurial passion and recruited his friend, and web guru, Nic Warren to start work on what would become Tapinko. It wasn’t until after his first year of Villanova Law school and recruiting a promising classmate, John Valentine, that Peter was ready to make an all or nothing bet on Tapinko.
Who do they have to beat?
Google Print Ads, Google Audio Ads, Google TV Ads, Tactician,
How are they different?
Instead of embracing the obvious broker model of connecting publishers and businesses directly, and therefore cutting out the traditional and entrenched sales reps, Tapinko has created a tool set that existing ad sales teams (or anyone) can use to organize and execute their buys.
How are they paying for it?
Friends, Family, DreamIt and Visa cards are at the ready if it comes to it. Now that’s the sound of an entrepreneur who’s got the start-up bug! Before it comes to that though, they are actively pursuing Angel and VC funding.
Peter Groverman pitching on DreamIt funding day.
To the whole Tapinko team we wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about your many successes!
Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
Recession Proof Resources for Entrepreneurs: Square 2 University
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September 18, 2008
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Ben Franklin noted that, “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” If you’re an entrepreneur looking to live by his words, then you might want to take a look at Square 2 University, created through the partnership of Square 2 Marketing and The Philadelphia Business Journal.
“Square 2 Marketing and The Philadelphia Business Journal have partnered to launch Square 2 University™, an educational forum designed to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses during an economic downturn, through a series of workshops. Square 2 Marketing, founded by entrepreneurs Eric Keiles and Mike Lieberman, provides small business owners with many free resources like articles, podcasts, videos, and a weekly newsletter to help them combat the challenges associated with today’s economy.
Square 2 University provides live assistance through workshops on topics including, “Marketing in an Economic Downturn”, “30-Minute Marketing Plan”, and “How to Get No Cost Referrals and Leads”. Entrepreneurs can register for a free workshop or gain access to Square 2 University’s library of free resources by visiting the company’s website, www.square2marketing.com.”
I am a true believer in continued education and taking advantage of every resource in the community to better your business and mind. So instead of worrying about tough times, I urge entrepreneurs to take a proactive step in the direction of free resources, like Square 2 University.
Alexis Siemons is a freelance writer and creative business consultant living in Philadelphia. She has a passion for language and explores it in her blog, The Lexicon . When not using both hands to feverishly type, she balances a teacup in one while working on her tea blog.
Wagons East . . . Why you should move your startup from Silicon Valley to Philly.
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September 10, 2008
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I often encourage startups I invest in or founders I counsel to be contrarian and start their firms outside of the Valley, or failing that, to move East while they still can.
If you want to stay stateside, I’m partial to Boston, my home town, but there are plenty of other cities to consider, too. My top non-Silicon Valley cities are: Boston; Pittsburgh; Philadelphia; Austin; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; Minneapolis; Tallahassee; Toronto; and Basking Ridge, N.J.” - Howard Anderson
Without discrediting myself, I have to admit I was fairly young during the now infamous ‘pre-bubble’ economy of the late 90’s and early aughts. Despite my inexperience and a general lack of awareness, I did know that all the ‘cool’ (and subsequently defunct) technology companies were coming out of a wondrous faraway-land called Silicon Valley. It was the kind of place where boy geniuses (sorry girls, it was still the 90’s) took their toy technologies to be magically transformed into billion dollar companies and buy red cars. If my fledgling perspective didn’t make me vulnerable enough, the fact that I grew up in Pennsylvania with the Amish (like Chad Hurley) all but cemented Silicon Valley as the land of entrepreneurial dreams. Like I said, I was fairly young.
Now, circa 2008, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to hear first hand accounts from those who have seen the realities of the start-up mecca, and it doesn’t seem all that mythical anymore (Exorbitant costs of living, a highly competitive skill pool). It very well could be a nice place, heck, even a really great place, but very well could be a bad fit for a lot of Start Ups/ Entrepreneurs trying to boot strap. Today, courtesy of @alexknowshtml, my thoughts were confirmed in a Gigaom article by VC and MIT lecturer Howard Anderson. Not only did he make a great case for not starting a company in Silicon Valley, but a pretty convincing pitch for starting one here. The following are Howard’s 5 Reasons to Move Your Startup Out of Silicon Valley [to Philadelphia].
1. The weather sucks in some of these towns (not Tallahassee) so your people will actually work instead of bugging out at 5:15 to train for a marathon, triathlon or Ultimate Frisbee.
2. You can recruit better outside the fishbowl.
3. You won’t get lost in the startup maze.
4. In my experience, other startup communities aren’t as pre-occupied with the “exit” as Da Valley.
5. Academics make great board members.
Read Howard’s full article 5 Reasons to Move Your Startup Out of Silicon Valley.
So my bubble has been popped (no pun intended . . . but if it works I’ll take it) and the Silicon Valley of my youth has been depreciated. But all is not lost! What Silicon Valley has lost in myth on its trip from entrepreneur Hal Valla to startup Limbo, the rest of the country including Philadelphia has more than gained in value as a viable startup location.
Dave Speers is an online marketing consultant and start-up junky that has worked with a wide variety of Philadelphia businesses. Dave spends most his time annoying really smart people at Indy Hall co-working collaborative.
A Philly Rank To Be Proud Of: Drexel Scores Top Spot on Entrepreneurship Education Program List.
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September 10, 2008
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According to Entrepreneur and The Princeton Review, Drexel University ranks #3 out of the nation’s top 25 entrepreneurial undergraduate education programs. After reviewing 2,300 undergraduate and graduate programs, a select 50 were chosen based on criteria such as faculty, academics, unique experiences, etc. The schools that stood out from the rest weren’t just passing out packets and giving lectures, but helping make their students’ business dreams become realities. Amy Cosper, VP/editor in chief at Entrepreneur noted that, “We’re finding schools focus more on helping students determine an idea’s feasibility, plan and set up all aspects of a business, and network more with other entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.”
Drexel’s Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship is making a serious effort to do exactly what Cosper mentions above, since their faculty and advisors are experienced professionals that provide “students with access to mentors and potential partners in the business and investment community, as well as a wealth of knowledge and resources from the academic community.” Within our own city, countless students are leaning about business in an active, hands-on way, creating an experience that will shape their future careers and hopefully continue to grow Philadelphia’s business scene.
For more information and a full list all of schools that made the list, visit http://www.entrepreneur.com/topcolleges
Alexis Siemons is a freelance writer and creative business consultant living in Philadelphia. She has a passion for language and explores it in her blog, The Lexicon . When not using both hands to feverishly type, she balances a teacup in one while working on her tea blog.
Vintage Philly: 10 questions with Heather Waity, owner of Vintage Connection
posted
August 27, 2008
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Philadelphia is on its way to becoming a serious vintage hot spot, as new vintage stores are frequently popping up in Philly neighborhoods. However, there’s much more to the vintage retail business than finding a few pretty trinkets and raiding mom’s closet. In fact, Heather Waity of Vintage Connection shares her secrets to success as an entrepreneurial retail owner later on in the post. Vintage Connection, located on the corner of 9th and Bainbridge, has been showcasing its vintage flair for almost a year in the Bella Vista neighborhood.
What started out as a small online business of selling vintage finds, quickly evolved into an idea with serious business potential, as Heather started gaining attention from clients nationwide. Her passion along with the support of new clients “inspired [heather] to open [her] own store and closet to the Philadelphia public.”
Vintage Connection not only benefits the fashion savvy, but the eco-conscious as well, since “research shows that more than half of the clothes thrown away can be recycled. Reusing clothes helps conserve textiles which use a lot of energy and pollute the environment.” Vintage Connection truly is a sustainable business.
Even though Heather has come quite far since her opening day, she feels that she has a lot more to learn and so much growth to look forward to. She is incredibly thankful for the support she has received from the Philadelphia community, and we’re positive that they’re just as grateful for her store.
A few questions for the retail entrepreneur:
Before opening Vintage Connection, what were you doing?
Before I opened the store, I was a makeup artist for 6 years. I was also selling my vintage finds online.
When and why did you decide that you wanted to open your own business?
It was a spur of the moment choice. I really liked the aspect of buying and selling vintage, and saw a lot of potential in this neighborhood.
I was really inspired by the boutiques on Market street, and thought that if I applied my passion I could do it too.
I made an effort to save money so that I could open my own store. I really felt like I needed to make a move and at least try.
What was the process of finding a retail space in Philadelphia?
It was too easy for me. I literally had a spur of the moment idea. My boyfriend was a realtor at the time and found the spot I’m currently located in. I thought it was too good to be true. After seeing how perfect the place was I immediately gave my best offer. Luckily, the first offer fell through and I got the space the following week. I then spent the following two weeks buying vintage. I opened the store so quickly that I’m still building it to what I want it to be.
Did you do any research about the retail business prior to opening Vintage Connection?
I got a lot of ideas just by visiting other boutiques and combined that knowledge with my ideas. I also sought out business advice from an antique dealer.
What was the biggest challenge that you encountered?
I knew how to buy for women, but not so much about men’s fashion. I had to learn about buying men’s vintage items, which meant lots of research.
What was your first pleasant surprise after opening the store?
I opened on 0ctober 17th and a few weeks later someone from DigPhilly approached me about writing a piece about the store. I was beyond excited and surprised. To this point, I haven’t had to advertise because I’ve received so much great press. I feel really lucky.
What have you learned about business from opening your own store?
The business is always changing and you have to stay on top of the seasons, relating to fashion trends, in order to succeed. You really need to understand the psychology of the customer.
What do you think about the Philadelphia boutique scene?
I love shopping in Philadelphia. I think we have the best boutiques. They truly inspired me to open my own store.
What do you do to grow your business and attract customers?
I try to host several events in the store that showcase my new collections. I also like to highlight local artists and designers, which draws quite a crowd, since Philly is so supportive of the local scene. I think it’s really important to support local talent, and Philadelphia has a lot of amazing artists.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs in Philadelphia?
Become familiar with all of the business laws. It’s important to do the research yourself, so that you’re familiar with everything and don’t have to rely on others.
Get a good accountant
Be yourself. Be very selective about what you put in your store, because it represents you.
Be true to who you are.
For more information about Heather Waity and Vintage Connection, visit http://shopvintageconnection.com/
Alexis Siemons is a freelance writer and creative business consultant living in Philadelphia. She has a passion for language and explores it in her blog, The Lexicon . When not using both hands to feverishly type, she balances a teacup in one while working on her tea blog.
