Is the Startup World Right for You?

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Startups are getting a lot of attention these days. From HBO to CNBC, shows like Silicon Valley and Shark Tank are peaking everyone’s interest. There’s a lot of big ideas (and big money) being thrown around, and it’s easy to want a piece of the action. But take away the funny antics and dramatized production, and you might want to think carefully about whether working for a startup is the right environment for you. Startups can be incredibly rewarding and great learning experiences. They can also be totally disorganized and unpredictable. Are you ready? Here’s a few things to consider.

There’s a lot to get done, and not enough people, process, or training to go around. Working in a startup often feels like being a kid again. Your dad is going to throw you in the deep end, and you better figure out how to tread water, quick. For many this ‘jump first, figure it out later’ mentality is exciting, challenging, and inspiring. For others, it can be overwhelming. As long as you can keep a cool head while you’re navigating new territory, you have the opportunity to learn more at a quicker pace than you ever have before. But beware, feeling like you’re constantly adapting to a new learning curve isn’t for everyone.

You’ll make a difference.
The processes and protocols you’re probably used to don’t exist in the startup world. You’ll often wonder what kind of glue is holding the place together because it looks like everyone is running completely different styles of companies. The good news? You can make your own processes and scale them across the company along the way. From the new intern all the way up to the CEO, if you see something that can help the business, and you’re willing to put in the work, time, and follow through to implement your idea, you can make a real difference in how the business functions. One caveat: startups are constantly iterating, so what works today might not work tomorrow. You could spend a lot of time creating a new process, and tomorrow someone could come in and replace it with something better. If you are good at creating order out of chaos and adapting to an ever changing landscape, you’ll have the chance to make signifigant changes.

You’re going to learn to be tough.
You need to develop tough skin to work in a startup. When you come up with a new idea, no one is going to hold your hand or pat you on the head and tell you you’re doing a great job. They’re going to have questions, LOTS of questions, and you can’t take it personally if not everyone likes what you’re proposing. Push through the good ideas, learn to let go of the bad ones, and don’t let what others say discourage you. Everyone who’s there is facing the same cut throat environment, and that’s not a bad thing. The best ideas survive, the criticism will help you come up with better versions of what you want, and you’ll get very good at thinking every detail of your ideas through from conception to completion.

No two days are the same at a startup, but if you’re ready to work hard, make a difference, and be accountable for your actions, you’ll fast track your personal growth, contribute immensely to something you can be proud of, and enjoy a pretty wild ride.

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New Gadgets For Your iPhone

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Though technology is ever branching out into new frontiers, in many ways it’s becoming more unified at the same time. Apple’s iphone has become the platform for much of the latest technology, here’s a few worth checking out:

1. Bladepad. The Bladepad is a slide out game console and controller that allows you to do serious gaming on the ever handy iphone. It’s sleek design leaves your pocket unencumbered, and it’s compatibility with the iphone means that whether you’re riding the train, waiting on an appointment to begin, or have a date running late for dinner, at least you can play your games.

2. FLIR One. The FLIR One connects with your iphone to give you thermal imaging on the go. Whether you’re a secret agent or just want to feel like one, this is a pretty cool gadget.

3. Canary Home Security. The Canary Home Security system allows you to take control of your home security expeditiously from your iphone. Now you can say “goodbye” to the third party security company, and take your home security into your own hands.

4. Parrot Flower Power. Gardening would be so much easier if only we could communicate with plants, and now, we can come pretty close with the help of the Parrot Flower Power. When you stick this device into the soil, it sends information to you iphone regarding a respective plant’s health and needs. You’ll probably never have a conversation with your petunias, but at least now you can optimize their health!

5. Zeo Sleep Manager. With the Zeo Sleep Manager, diabetics can use their iphone to analyse and manage blood glucose, carbohydrate consumption, insulin intake, and exercise. Information can then be shared with family members and doctors through an iphone app.

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Bigger PlayStation4

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If you were hoping for more hard drive space for your PlayStation 4, then you may be in luck. According to recently revealed FCC filings, Sony is working on newer and larger versions of the PS4. The FCC filings show one will come with 500GB of space, the same as the current model, and the other with 1TB of space. Both of the new models are expected to require less power and weigh a little less than earlier models.

As most already know, 500GB can be no match for the avid gamer who truly understands how quickly today’s games max out your space. Many have tried working around the space issue by opening the existing systems and installing their own larger and faster hard drives. This type of maintenance, however, is not ideal for most users. The newer, larger PS4’s will save you the hassle of breaking into and modifying your old one.

This is a beneficial move for both Sony and the users. As games progressively increase in size, more space is simply a necessity. Today’s games are some of the biggest ever developed in the industry. If you provide consumers with the proper tools for the existing market, everyone wins. As a business you want to sell more games, and what better way to boost your industry than by providing users with plenty of space on their PS4 for downloadable games.

More details are expected in a few weeks as we approach E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, which will be hosted in Los Angeles this year.

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Working Less. Doing More.

It goes without saying that some people are more efficient at their work. So much so that they can work fewer hours, yet accomplish a lot more than the average person. A recent Stanford study on this found that productivity declines quite sharply per hour when the workweek is in excess of 50 hours. Most interestingly, the study showed that productivity fell so much beyond the 55 hour mark, that there was no point in even working. Essentially, those who are working around 70 hours a week, and more, are accomplishing the same amount of work as those who are working around 55 hours a week.

The idea of working smarter, not longer, is not a new idea. Many successful CEO’s have already tapped into this method and have found significant success. They understand the value in a weekend away from their work to relax and rejuvenate. By utilizing this time appropriately, their workweeks are far more efficient and productive. The most efficient workers disconnect. If you are unable to disconnect from the technology that keeps you bound to your work, then you never really left. Being on call 24/7 will only expose you to additional work stresses that will keep you from recharging your batteries. Do yourself a favor and disconnect, unless absolutely necessary to stay connected.

Efficient workers have also to practice a variety of different habits, all of which help yield similar beneficial results. These habits include minimizing chores, reflecting on bigger issues, exercising, pursuing hobbies, taking time for adventures, spending time with family, and preparing for the week. All of these activities are mainly linked by their dissociation with work, which ideally means less stress. Chores are basically work at home, so its important to schedule them during the week. Use the free time during the weekend to get in those brief exercises you frequently talk about during the week. Find a habit and stick to it. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time, knitting, or gardening, the mental returns on a passionate hobby are priceless. Lastly, spend time with your family. It is an essential part of recharging and getting back to normal before the busy week starts back up.

Best practices can take you a long way. Utilize these various practices often used by some of the happiest and most successful people out there. It’s at least worth a shot.

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Working Less. Doing More.

Bevans Branham’s Newest Blog Post:

It goes without saying that some people are more efficient at their work. So much so that they can work fewer hours, yet accomplish a lot more than the average person. A recent Stanford study on this found that productivity declines quite sharply per hour when the workweek is in excess of 50 hours. Most interestingly, the study showed that productivity fell so much beyond the 55 hour mark, that there was no point in even working. Essentially, those who are working around 70 hours a week, and more, are accomplishing the same amount of work as those who are working around 55 hours a week.

The idea of working smarter, not longer, is not a new idea. Many successful CEO’s have already tapped into this method and have found significant success. They understand the value in a weekend away from their work to relax and rejuvenate. By utilizing this time appropriately, their workweeks are far more efficient and productive. The most efficient workers disconnect. If you are unable to disconnect from the technology that keeps you bound to your work, then you never really left. Being on call 24/7 will only expose you to additional work stresses that will keep you from recharging your batteries. Do yourself a favor and disconnect, unless absolutely necessary to stay connected.

Efficient workers have also to practice a variety of different habits, all of which help yield similar beneficial results. These habits include minimizing chores, reflecting on bigger issues, exercising, pursuing hobbies, taking time for adventures, spending time with family, and preparing for the week. All of these activities are mainly linked by their dissociation with work, which ideally means less stress. Chores are basically work at home, so its important to schedule them during the week. Use the free time during the weekend to get in those brief exercises you frequently talk about during the week. Find a habit and stick to it. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time, knitting, or gardening, the mental returns on a passionate hobby are priceless. Lastly, spend time with your family. It is an essential part of recharging and getting back to normal before the busy week starts back up.

Best practices can take you a long way. Utilize these various practices often used by some of the happiest and most successful people out there. It’s at least worth a shot.

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Successful Startup Entrepreneurs

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There are plenty of lists out there detailing the habits of successful people in practically any industry. I have decided to compile the information I have learned about successful startup entrepreneurs and discuss in brief the common habits which have made them who they are today. At first glance, the assumption is that entrepreneurs are everyday people who function like everyone else. After closely examining them, however, you will find there are a few significant differences which make them successful leaders of their businesses.

Often when we try to initiate something new, our first instinct is detailed planning and step by step processes. This is by no means the wrong attitude, but the reality is your plan will more than likely change – many, many times. The most successful entrepreneurs spend some time planning, but a majority of their time doing. Another major part of the process is adapting to reality and recognizing how funding affects your business. A capital intensive venture may require large amounts of funds, but a lot of successful businesses require little funding to get off the ground. Contrary to common belief, limited capital can be a blessing in disguise. Many venture capitalists firmly believe there is an inverse relationship between level of funding and a startup’s long-term success. When you have less cash in the bank, you learn to work through problems as opposed to throwing money at it.

Successful entrepreneurs do not waste their time. As mentioned many times before, these entrepreneurs are realistic in their goals and only chase what is attainable. If you focus on landing real business where you have a reasonable chance of success, odds are you will find it. In the same vein, the most successful leaders avoid anything that is not revenue generating. Reduce the time spent on anything that does not generate revenue, and that includes meetings, spreadsheets, reports, administrative tasks, and more.

The fact of the matter is that successful people come in many different shapes and sizes. One entrepreneur may do things very different than another, but the reality is that they share a few similar significant characteristics. If you are looking to be successful, be sure to learn from those who have taken their businesses new heights. They have obviously done things right, and some wrong, along the way.

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Successful Startup Entrepreneurs

There are plenty of lists out there detailing the habits of successful people in practically any industry. I have decided to compile the information I have learned about successful startup entrepreneurs and discuss in brief the common habits which have made them who they are today. At first glance, the assumption is that entrepreneurs are everyday people who function like everyone else. After closely examining them, however, you will find there are a few significant differences which make them successful leaders of their businesses.

Often when we try to initiate something new, our first instinct is detailed planning and step by step processes. This is by no means the wrong attitude, but the reality is your plan will more than likely change – many, many times. The most successful entrepreneurs spend some time planning, but a majority of their time doing. Another major part of the process is adapting to reality and recognizing how funding affects your business. A capital intensive venture may require large amounts of funds, but a lot of successful businesses require little funding to get off the ground. Contrary to common belief, limited capital can be a blessing in disguise. Many venture capitalists firmly believe there is an inverse relationship between level of funding and a startup’s long-term success. When you have less cash in the bank, you learn to work through problems as opposed to throwing money at it.

Successful entrepreneurs do not waste their time. As mentioned many times before, these entrepreneurs are realistic in their goals and only chase what is attainable. If you focus on landing real business where you have a reasonable chance of success, odds are you will find it. In the same vein, the most successful leaders avoid anything that is not revenue generating. Reduce the time spent on anything that does not generate revenue, and that includes meetings, spreadsheets, reports, administrative tasks, and more.

The fact of the matter is that successful people come in many different shapes and sizes. One entrepreneur may do things very different than another, but the reality is that they share a few similar significant characteristics. If you are looking to be successful, be sure to learn from those who have taken their businesses new heights. They have obviously done things right, and some wrong, along the way.

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Who Needs Email?

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A recent article with Entrepreneur.com explored the idea of going an entire year without using email. According to the story, Claire Burge, the owner of Get Organized, wanted to free herself from the burden and anxiety of responding to, and writing daily emails.

As most of us know, email has worked wonders in making our daily work lives easier and more manageable. Email is a brilliant tool that has helped organize our lives for years now, however, data is beginning to support the idea that email can get in the way of our productivity. It makes sense, too. If you consider how often we are checking emails on an hourly basis, you begin to realize how this time adds up. More importantly you begin to realize how you can better spend that time.

There are reports which show that email can even be bad for our health. According to these reports, it causes increased levels of stress and anxiety. Loughborough University conducted a study in 2013 to analyze the effect of email activity on blood pressure, heart rate and stress. They found that 83% of government employees did in fact experience higher levels of stress, blood pressure, and heart rate.

We now find ourselves dancing a fine line between maximizing organization and acting in the best interest of our health. As mentioned above, Get Organized owner Claire Burge was motivated to eliminate this unwanted stress and ultimately decided to rid herself of email for an entire year. According to Burge, email is a waste of time. As a result of being email free, Burge found herself to be more productive and could dedicate more time to propelling her business to the next level.

The Entrepreneur article provides a more in depth of analysis of Claire Burge’s year without email. The idea does beg the question, do we really need email? Can I really do more without email? There is no doubt that it helps organize our lives, both personally and professionally, but the thought of action and doing far outweighs the process of mindlessly checking emails. Perhaps this is an exercise we should all put into practice to some extent.

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Employee Motivation

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There are many factors in business today which can harm your company or your brand. It is important to ensure one of these variables is not a lack of employee motivation. If your team is suffering and unmotivated, then odds are you have a big issue. In order to keep employees happy and motivated, make sure the workplace avoids some of the following common morale killers.

It should be understood that employees need to placed in an opportunity to learn, grow, and advance. While not every employee longs for this, most are aiming high and expect to grow in their roles. Without development, employees can become discouraged and the workplace will suffer as it grows monotonous and static. Putting your employees career first and providing them an opportunity to develop themselves professionally will yield major results. This lets everyone know that the company is investing in them.

Recognizing an employee’s efforts also goes a long way. An employee who feels their ideas are not appreciated can often find themselves not trying as hard, because why should they? If hard work goes unappreciated, people grow apathetic. Even saying “thank you” can go a long way. This particular scenario should be an easy fix. Sometimes it is a result of poor management or just flat out bad leadership overall. A poor manager can harm an entire team, which hurts the company. The brightest and best performers need effective leaders to truly excel. Identify and position your best leaders at the top, and do it as soon as possible.

Identifying leaders is only one side of this equation. Be sure to identify the underperforming or destructive employees. A bad hire can wear on employee morale just as much as other factors. If you can identify a negative employee who you feel brings everyone else down, then you need to make the proper moves to protect your team. Let them go or find them a better fitting position.

By identifying these factors, you are portraying to your team that leadership has a clear vision of who they want, what they want, and where they are going. It communicates to your staff they are in the right hands. A clear vision allows employees to focus as one and move in the same direction. This results in confidence, higher morale, motivation, and overall team happiness.

And finally, hire people who are better and smarter than you.

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The Real Super Bowl Winner

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It’s the day after Super Bowl Sunday and if you’re like many viewers, you watched the game for one thing and one thing only: the commercials. This year, the price was set at $4.5 million for a 30 second spot. Seeing as the game kept viewers interested all the way through to the end of the game, the price seems like a good investment for advertisers no matter where the commercial ended up in the lineup. There were many great commercials throughout the game but the most notable, if you were to ask ad executives, was promoting NBC’s The Blacklist.

The Blacklist, whose midseason return happened right after the Super Bowl, was able to pull in a huge viewer base of 13.5 million this year. The only thing to really beat this was a few years ago when NBC premiered The Voice after the game which received a whopping 20 million viewers! Along with the surge of viewers from the post-bowl spot, The Blacklist is promoting itself with a national scavenger hunt in various cities around the U.S. Essentially, the show’s social media accounts will give viewers and fans clues to find doppelgänger of the show’s man character, Red Reddington, throughout their city. Lucky fans could win up to $500 for finding these look-alikes.

Though The Blacklist got a lot of hype from the Super Bowl this year, many other usual contributors didn’t. Since NBC raised the price of an ad spot this year many top brands who generally advertise publicly took their money elsewhere. Auto manufacturers Ford and GM were the most notable companies who decided that the money just wasn’t worth it for them this year. Since there was more room though, some businesses like Mophie and Loctite got a lot of mileage out of their advertisements. Though their commercials happened in the fourth quarter, since the game was a captivating one it didn’t really matter.

In the end, the advertisements were a huge success. NBC crammed the airwaves with promotions for its shows like Allegiance, The Voice, and The Blacklist. There were also many cross promotional advertisements for their other properties. The most apparent ones were for Furious 7, Ted 2, Pitch Perfect 2, and of course Fifty Shades of Grey (which comes out next Friday).

Overall, NBC made a bold move upping the price of a Super Bowl spot this year and many brands didn’t think that it would be worth it. Though for the companies that did take the plunge, the fact that the game was entertaining the entire way through made it a worth-while endeavor for those ads who were featured near the end of the game. Good work NBC!

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