mjs00

5 ms·

1.
by mjs00 14y ago
Several thoughts: - Just add your company name ahead of 'Server Tools' as the formal name (ie "SCL Server Tools") - Take a key attribute/benefit and do a play off your company theme (ie Monitor + Scenic City >> CityScape >&#62
2.
by mjs00 14y ago
Seems like a marketing/sales strategy challenge. Here's a few thoughts about potential markets for what you've done, and how you might reach them: Market: Profit-minded folks who want to do the next AirBnB in another vertical, but don't wan
3.
by mjs00 14y ago
"Crossing the Chasm" is definitely a good book to understand one perspective about how technology is adopted. Basically find any way to get early adopters who are known by their peers to visibly use your product/service, then reference thos
4.
by mjs00 14y ago
Look at roughly similar established products or services where you think the company is really getting things right in your opinion on the marketing side, and see if there is someone doing that work who might be open to talking about moving
5.
by mjs00 14y ago
Most startups will not have a 'copywriter'. I've typically seen product or marketing copy from the following functions with the following related issues: 1) Developers: accurate description of product | too verbose/features rather than bene
6.
by mjs00 15y ago
This may be too new for any 'industry analyst' to have defined or sized well... How about taking the vertical market(s) you are targeting (ie. hotels) then showing your logic and assumptions for what percentage of that market over time will
7.
by mjs00 15y ago
Ultimately it is the product you market, not the company. But consumer services can be OK with a common name if that helps a startup cut through the clutter. (and it will just be the product name anyway after you are acquired ...) Relatedly
8.
by mjs00 15y ago
" " (blank) also can match your plan of using no title. Make the design focus on company name and perhaps a line of memorable text about what the company or you provide.
9.
by mjs00 15y ago
It's very possible but initially a bit time consuming to get a relationship to the point where you can just give work to someone and get results. What I've done to get there: Post a smallish job with a key element or two you will need (as a
10.
by mjs00 15y ago
Certainly check out ScreenFlow for Mac: http://www.telestream.net/screen-flow/overview.htm I've used to create many in house training sessions years ago - it will record your lecture (video/audio) via the Mac's camera/mic while simultaneo
11.
by mjs00 15y ago
Craigslist a used Humanscale Freedom chair - not as well known/desired as Aeron to keep used prices up, so folks closing out an office will often sell cheaply to unload (I've picked up several in great shape @ $100-200). BTW, I personally p
12.
by mjs00 15y ago
MealTrac(.com), MealMix(.com)
13.
by mjs00 15y ago
I like it. Maybe even beyond or in addition something like "Code Concierge" -- for a variety of reasons it might be nice to have an ongoing relationship with individual/team/org for problems, advice, etc, that is not a typical consulting ag
14.
by mjs00 15y ago
Looks great, but agree with most points made around how folks might be perceived using this (unless in a group of finance/accountant types). Maybe a slight repositioning as something 'practical' that considers responsible folks consume at d
15.
by mjs00 15y ago
> there is another group using the .fm of our name to make a somewhat similar product There is something called 'common law' trademark where just by use a company creates a trademark. You didn't mention if they claim (TM) which anyone c
16.
by mjs00 15y ago
Is there a middle ground where you can hire someone to help polish/finish, but under his direction? Otherwise you will lose a lot of time onboarding someone as they figure out his code/approach w/o his full complicity. Also perhaps prune ba
17.
Ask HN: Startup ShopNow (retail store finder)
1 points by mjs00 15y ago|0 comments
18.
by mjs00 15y ago
At past b2b software and services companies - my experience is a noticeable drop in 'kicking the tires' inbound traffic. For the reasons mentioned, December is not the month people typically start investigating solutions, asking for informa
19.
by mjs00 15y ago
"meet new people", at least 6 apps with that phrase in the title. "meetup" - also used a few times ... you can test other words and phrases in the iTunes search box, and see if popular enough that its being cached and used as a suggestion f
20.
by mjs00 15y ago
I'd prefer no trailers at movies, or really make them trail the film for folks that might want to see them.
21.
by mjs00 15y ago
One problem might be you seem "too new" to trust to give money to, and the site doesn't have the following 'signals' that will help someone trust you ... (the site could just be a shell designed to siphon credit card numbers from folks ...)
22.
by mjs00 15y ago
Talk to a CPA asap -- they can minimize it by looking at your total picture, what 'net' income is after expenses, etc, ... and penalty is from when due each quarter until the point you pay, so it is worthwhile to do NOW rather than waiting
23.
by mjs00 15y ago
Like most store locators, allow zipcode/postal code as alternative to entering city/state (to help folks in mississauga and such cut down on keystrokes). Assuming you expect a good number of U.S. users that might be a reasonable to do for a
24.
by mjs00 15y ago
Yes, I'm considering the graphic an obscenity, as well as the words -- I just don't think you can display that at retail in the U.S without potentially getting the retailer in trouble in most communities. I think a simple brown craft paper
25.
by mjs00 15y ago
Often you can have name relate in some direct or indirect what to what the service does, or something unique about it. If you are playing off '(In)quiry', FYI my first impression was pronouncing more like 'Squirrel', "SQUIR-Y" rather than "
26.
by mjs00 15y ago
Here's a slightly different model, and a funny goof on launch that made the rounds last summer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRVspuAJyAY
27.
by mjs00 15y ago
I think part of the retail push back is hesitation to to display a product that has multiple obscenities on the cover. So short of an adult shop where you must be 21 to enter, most US retailers simply can't display this since folks of any a
28.
by mjs00 15y ago
You may net less (or much less) a year from now waiting for long term federal tax rates vs selling now - if the stock price falls rather than remaining flat/rising.
29.
by mjs00 15y ago
pfarrell may be combining the federal 15% long-term rate with whatever his state tax rate may be?
30.
by mjs00 15y ago
Good point - I seem to have forgotten that as well as I considered 3GS or greater to be my target. So it is a good point to consider for usability, depending on the app. But FYI, at least in my app's case, it wasn't a determining criteria o

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