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Sep
20
What The Economist Got Wrong About the Decline of Silicon Valley
by mike smerkloIn summary, I would assert that the article is only half right – the data points they highlight about Silicon Valley are correct, but their assumptions about what that means for the future of innovation are wrong.
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Jul
23
Are You a Glass Eater?
by mike smerkloAt Next Coast Ventures, we often get asked what an ideal investment looks like for us. What metrics do we look at to assess a business model? What’s our sweet spot? What makes us write the check?
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Apr
04
Advice For Entrepreneurs On Board Management: Mind The Information Gap
by mike smerkloOne, simple conversation with a mentor led me to realize that a Board can be the pivotal difference between success and failure during your entrepreneurial journey.
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Jan
30
The 3 Mistakes I Made as a CEO Learning To Manage Time
by mike smerkloAs a CEO, smart time management is critical to success. Let me tell you a dirty little secret: It doesn’t always come naturally, especially to entrepreneurs that become executives.
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Nov
08
Know Thyself, Know Thy Leader: Steps To Hiring A Successful Sales Leader
by mike smerkloGetting sales right is the key to taking your idea, dream or emerging growth to the next level. Only by knowing thy self will you be able to know thy sales leader when you see them.
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Oct
23
Thoughts on Scaling a Sales Force (among other things)
by mike smerkloI was fortunate to have the opportunity to discuss the ups and downs – and share lots of mistakes I made – in scaling the sales function. Thanks much to James Lattin for moderating this session at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
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Aug
14
Help Us Get to SXSW’s 2018 Lineup
by mike smerkloWow, SXSW is coming soon and for a reasonably new resident of Austin – cheers to two years! – it is incredibly exciting time for me and for my venture firm, Next Coast Ventures. I am almost embarrassed to admit that I am a “south-by’ virgin, having only heard great things about this event, … Continue reading Help Us Get to SXSW’s 2018 Lineup
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Apr
26
Of Dogs. Of Miracles. Of Dogs Named Miracle…
by mike smerkloGood bye to my dear old dog Miracle – thank you for the life lessons you taught me.
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More Posts
Sep 20 What The Economist Got Wrong About the Decline of Silicon Valley
Apr 20 I Am the CEO … So Why Am I Confused About How I Should Spend My Time?
Feb 22 What Entrepreneurs Can Learn About Public Speaking From (UGH..) Donald Trump
Feb 15 How Entrepreneurs Can Think Like Venture Capitalists
Nov 15 Are You Truly Ready To Be An Entrepreneur?
Mar 09 Should the Customer Success Function Report to the Head of Sales or the CEO?
Dec 28 OK GRAMPS – Now WTF Am I Supposed To Do With My Life?? (Part 2)
Dec 01 Hey GRAMPS, Got Any Career Advice For a Young Buck Like Me?
Nov 02 What Do Great Sales Leaders and Cats Have in Common? (Part 4 of 4)
Oct 26 What Do Great Sales Leaders and Cats Have in Common? (Part 3 of 4)
Oct 19 What Do Great Sales Leaders and Cats Have in Common? (Part 2 of 4)