Thank You 2020 For…Well…Everything
Six things I am grateful for as this wacky, wild year draws to a close ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I love Thanksgiving. It is by far my favorite holiday. Family, turkey,...
Thank You 2020 For…Well…Everything
Six things I am grateful for as this wacky, wild year draws to a close ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I love Thanksgiving. It is by far my favorite holiday. Family, turkey,...
Read the Latest from Mike Smerklo
Announcing: Next Coast Ventures II
Today, we are proud to announce the closing of our second fund, which brings $130 million in new capital to Next Coast Ventures.
The Greatest Competitor You’ve Never Met
Selling against inertia (or ‘do nothing,’ ‘no decision’) is a bitch. Don’t overlook this formidable competitor when it comes to marketing your startup.
Entrepreneurship Shapes The World
I was fortunate to be interviewed for a great podcast call “Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do” – link below takes you to the podcast!
What The Economist Got Wrong About the Decline of Silicon Valley
In 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.
Advice For Entrepreneurs On Board Management: Mind The Information Gap
One, 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.
The 3 Mistakes I Made as a CEO Learning To Manage Time
As 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.
Know Thyself, Know Thy Leader: Steps To Hiring A Successful Sales Leader
Getting 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.
Thoughts on Scaling a Sales Force (among other things)
I 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.
Help Us Get to SXSW’s 2018 Lineup
Wow, SXSW is coming soon and for a reasonably new resident of Austin – cheers to two years! - it is an 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...