“There are different ways to do innovation. You can plant a lot of seeds [and] not be committed to any particular one of them but just see what grows. And this really isn’t how we’ve approached [Facebook]. We go mission-first then focus on the pieces we need and go deep on them and be committed to them.” — Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Facebook, in an interview with Fast Company, 2015 ... Read on.
The Pacific Crest 19th Annual Global Technology Leadership Forum reminded me of a promotional tour I once went on with my dad and some of his clients in the music business. In two days, I did 16 meetings with growth funds, about 50 minutes each, one right after another. I’d make the same pitch, give the same updates. I even wound up making the same jokes in the same places. Pull the string and let the puppet do its thing. ... Read on.
#startup #entrepreneur #cap table #fundraising
At PebblePost, we strive for a diverse culture that encourages people to express their individuality. We don’t want marionettes. Still, when it comes to the current state of marketing and advertising, we all speak with one voice. Marita Scarfi, our CFO and Head of West Coast Operations, recently summed up what we see industry-wide in five pointed words: “an amazing amount of wrong.” ... Read on.
#digital #marketing #Respect #Procter & Gamble #advertising
I was in Pittsburgh for an old law school classmate’s wedding on the second weekend in September of 2001. I had intended to unplug entirely and just enjoy the occasion. I wasn’t even going to bring my laptop because it was such a hassle to get email back then — you had to do the modem handshake and all that nonsense — but I changed my mind. And I was glad I did. ... Read on.
As I’ve said before, there’s nothing like the rush of that lightbulb moment when a great idea arrives. I’ve experienced it myself several times. It’s the best part of being an entrepreneur. Everything that follows is hard work. ... Read on.
#Funding #venture capital #startup #entrepreneur #investor
Two recent occurrences serve as signals that we’re at a marketing crossroads. In June, Amazon announced that it had offered to buy Whole Foods for $13.7 billion. Two weeks earlier, at Walmart’s 47th Annual Shareholders Meeting, President and CEO Doug McMillon vowed to make the company “people-led and tech-empowered” with enhanced capabilities for online ordering and better delivery options. (Walmart was also rumored to be a potential Whole Foods suitor.) ... Read on.
#digital #retail #programmatic direct mail #Amazon #e-commerce #Walmart #physical
There are basically two types of venture capitalists. The first wants to make a difference by building something. The second just wants purely to make a financial gain. ... Read on.
#tech #venture capital #vc #entrepreneur #investor #business #startup lessions
Sometimes it feels like I’m preaching to the choir on the pitfalls of digital marketing. But I think it’s important to keep the sermons coming because the choir is growing larger and louder all the time. Here are a couple recent examples. ... Read on.
#digital marketing #brand safety #ad blocking #transparency #Google #Procter & Gamble #advertising
It’s one of those basic rules like “i before e except after c.” Only in this case it should be “c-level hires before IPO buyers — always.” ... Read on.
#startups #business #CFO #IPO #finance
For years, the top three foreign languages taught in U.S. public schools have been Spanish, French and German. One language that isn’t on the list — but should be — is Business, with a capital B. ... Read on.
#entrepreneur #education #business #language
Chairman and Founder at PebblePost, former VC in adtech, long-time endurance athlete, happy dad to “The Heathens.”
