Benjamin

Birthday party for my 3 year old today – Snacks, pinata, cupcakes, apple juice, candies, presents and booze. Lots and lots of booze. 2 months ago

Benjamin's Activity RSS Feed

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Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Great Un-Cracked Opportunity: Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 5 days, 12 hours ago

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Sebastien Provencher (from <a
href=”http://praizedmedia.com”>Praized Media) <a
href=”http://twitter.com/sebprovencher/status/19115598898″>tweeted recently:

The great un-cracked opportunity: small and medium-sized businesses. #geoloco

He was at an event; not sure if someone said that or if there was a group discussing it. But it’s something I’ve been thinking about for awhile.

And there’s certainly a lot of truth to [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Announcing: NextMontreal.com – a News Site for Montreal Tech 1 week, 1 day ago

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href=”http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.instigatorblog.com%2Fannouncing-nextmontreal%2F2010%2F07%2F22%2F”> <img
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It’s been a few months since I instigated the return of a Montreal technology news site. And today I’m pleased to announce that things are actively moving forward on the project.

<a
href=”http://nextmontreal.com”>NextMontreal.com will be a news and opinion site for Montreal technology.

The site won’t be launched for awhile, but you [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: What Role Does Ego Play in Entrepreneurs? 1 week, 2 days ago

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Entrepreneurs need a very healthy ego to succeed. Many might be self-effacing and humble, but there still has to be a deep-seeded, positive sense of self and ego. Some might call it drive. That’s part of it. Courage and belief in one’s own abilities is also important. Natural leadership [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: It Doesn’t Matter How Much Money You’re Raising, It’s Still Hard 1 week, 4 days ago

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Things certainly feel frothier these days. More and more companies are <a
href=”http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/15/venture-capital-investing-up-34-percent-to-6-5-billion-in-q2/”>raising money, and valuations seem to be skyrocketing. But even in stronger economic times (we hope!) and bubblier eagerness to put venture and angel capital to work it’s still <a
href=”http://instigatorblog.com/how-to-raise-startup-financing/”>extremely hard to raise financing. And in many cases [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: In Customer Interviews Don’t Rush to Pitch the Solution 2 weeks, 3 days ago

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All the theory in the world won’t make a lick of difference if you don’t get into the field and do something. That’s why advice isn’t worth as much as it should be, and isn’t nearly as effective as it should be. Entrepreneurs consistently make the same mistakes over [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Being Wrong is So Hard But So Good 2 weeks, 4 days ago

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No one likes being wrong. It’s frustrating, demoralizing and irritating. Some people flat out refuse to be wrong … ever. You know the type, right?

Being wrong is so hard. But it can be so good too.

If you can accept being wrong (at least from time to time!), then you’re [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Efficiency isn’t a Sellable Value Proposition 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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When ranking value propositions to pitch customers, efficiency should be at the bottom of the list. It doesn’t mean enough or have enough real value to inspire purchasing decisions.

For starters, efficiency means different things to different people. Who will be more efficient? Is it the person using the software, [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Riding a Mega-Trend Isn’t the Same as Solving a Real Problem 4 weeks, 1 day ago

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Mega-trends are good. <a
href=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/pitching-mega-trends/2010/01/28/”>Investors like mega-trends. There are lots of opportunities that exist as a result of mega-trends. For example: The population of old people is going to massively overshadow the population of younger people that can replace them in the workforce. That sure looks like a huge opportunity [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Write 1 month ago

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<img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/typewriter-close-up.jpg” alt=”old typewriter” title=”old typewriter” width=”400″ height=”267″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-1825″ style=”margin:5px;” />

Writing things down has an amazing impact. It commits us more. It serves as a reminder and marks our past. It allows us to get things out of our brains so we can fill them up with more [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: A Systematic Strategy for Sourcing Startup Talent 1 month ago

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Companies with the best record and most success at hiring top people don’t sit around and wait for those people to show up. They go out and grab them by the throats. OK, it’s fair to say that grabbing someone by the throat and dragging them to your office [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup Onions 1 month ago

<img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/cartoon-chef-cutting-onion.jpg” alt=”cartoon chef cutting onion” title=”cartoon chef cutting onion” width=”275″ height=”270″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-1799″ style=”float:left;margin-right:7px;” />This isn’t about stinky startups or startups that give you bad breath. But it is about startups that might make you cry.

Recently I’ve spent a lot more time meeting with entrepreneurs and listening to their pitches. It’s not in any [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Importance of Domain Knowledge for Startup Founders 1 month, 1 week ago

When I launched Standout Jobs I didn’t know much about the HR / recruitment industry. I could clearly identify problems in the space, and I was passionate about fixing some of those problems, but I lacked a real appreciation for the industry itself. This led to numerous challenges, and without a doubt had a negative [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 8 Questions to Ask When Interviewing at a Startup 1 month, 1 week ago

Job interviews are meant to be conversations. The interviewer asks some questions and the interviewee does the same. It’s never a good sign when an interviewee doesn’t have any questions. It shows a lack of interest. This is particularly true when interviewing for a <a
href=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/top-10-reasons-to-join-a-startup/2007/05/23/”>startup job because there tend to be so many more unknowns [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Useless Feedback 1 month, 2 weeks ago

Not all feedback is created equal. A lot of feedback is useless. This isn’t necessarily the fault of the person providing the feedback. Oftentimes it’s the fault of the person requesting it, because they don’t really understand why they’re asking for it in the first place.

Startup founders need to go out and validate what they’re [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Misplaced Passion is Common for Early Stage Entrepreneurs 1 month, 2 weeks ago

When entrepreneurs are so <a
href=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/balancing-passion-realism/2010/06/10/”>driven by passion that they’re blind to the realities around them they often find themselves in big trouble. But what we see quite regularly at the early stages of startups is not too much passion but misplaced passion.

Ask yourself this question, “Are you more passionate about the problem you’re solving or [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How to Balance Passion and Reality in Startups 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Startup founders need inordinate amounts of passion to succeed. Passion is the self-created drug that inspires startup founders to press on during tough times. Since the startup roller coaster goes from incredible highs to suicidal lows in a matter of moments, it’s important to leverage passion as a driving force. But when is there too [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Startup CEOs Role: Decision Making 1 month, 3 weeks ago

Ben Horowitz has a great post on his blog titled: <a
href=”http://bhorowitz.com/2010/05/30/how-andreessen-horowitz-evaluates-ceos/”>How Andreesen Horowitz Evaluates CEOs.

One of the key elements of their evaluation is decision-making. Here’s just a quick snippet from Ben’s post:

Some employees make products, some make sales; the CEO makes decisions. Therefore, a CEO can most accurately be measured by the speed and quality [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Hiring a Chief Editor for a New Montreal Tech Startup Site 1 month, 3 weeks ago

About 2 months ago I put out a suggestion that we <a
href=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/montreal-tech-watch/2010/04/06/”>bring Montreal Tech Watch back to life or something similar to it. The site helped people a lot, and I’d like to see that happen again. I’d like people to be able to discover the startup ecosystem in Montreal, find jobs, find co-founders, share [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How To Pitch Your Startup to a Complete Stranger 1 month, 4 weeks ago

Don’t. That’s my first reaction when I think about how to pitch a startup to a complete stranger. But that’s not the entire story.

I get pitched a fair amount from people with startups or startup ideas. Oftentimes they’re interested in learning about how to <a
href=”http://instigatorblog.com/how-to-raise-startup-financing/”>raise financing. I try my best to read all the emails [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Read Early Exits – Exit Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors 2 months ago

<a
href=”http://early-exits.com”><img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/early-exits-book-200×300.gif” alt=”Early Exits Book” title=”Early Exits Book” width=”200″ height=”300″ class=”alignnone size-medium wp-image-1726″ style=”float:left;margin-right:5px;margin-bottom:5px;” />If you’re an entrepreneur, working at a startup, or thinking about starting a company, you should read <a
href=”http://www.early-exits.com/”>Early Exits: Exit Strategies for Entrepreneurs and Angel Investors by <a
href=”http://www.angelblog.net/index.html”>Basil Peters. Basil is leading the charge on demonstrating the values and benefits of early [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Birthday party for my 3 year old today – Snacks, pinata, cupcakes, apple juice, candies, presents and booze. Lots and lots of booze.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

RT @davidcrow: RT @jacquimurphy @PostRank PostRank Activity Stream in Analytics! It’s like friendfeed for your content http://bit.ly/aQ0FTt
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

My son’s 2nd soccer game today. As the coach I’m more nervous than I was pitching investors! Don’t want to disappoint the kids. Oy.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Falling asleep in a taxi.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@fbrunel They all say shipping in June as you go through the apple.ca store so not sure…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

RT @FasTake: Google Helps You Find Tweeps Like You http://om.ly/kYSX
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@adammcnamara Looking forward to it!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@mdufort Not quite, but something like that … we should get together and catch up. Dare I say it? Tungle me.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@mdufort Actually for another project I’m working on. Needs a lot of space.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@mdufort Just for me. I like really, really big offices. It’s all about compensating
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Looking for: 7,000-8,000 sq. ft. office space in #Montreal. Subleases ideal. Old Montreal, Plateau, Mile End or near Atwater. Please RT.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Wanted: Developers with entrepreneurial guts. Get in touch ASAP.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@startupcfo true but I’m tired of working with those that can’t get shit done.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

It’s amazing how few people are really good at getting shit done. Ugh.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

@startupcfo I find it makes me more productive. I use 3 screens at home.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Wow, 3 unsubscribes via email to my blog today…get notified on unsubscribes via email. Might stuff doing that.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

My 5 year old son had his first soccer game tonight. Team had no coach. So guess who volunteered. Yup: Coach Yoskovitz..
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Make Web Not War in Montreal — where is it tomorrow?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

RT @ataussig: It’s about time someone made a web-based cap table calculator. http://bit.ly/9×3pRX /cc ENTREPRENEURS!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Reflecting on the past (Standout Jobs) is difficult sometimes, but worth the effort. Necessary to learn for the future.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Removing the Stigma Around Early Exits [blog post] — http://bit.ly/cUenVp
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Removing the Stigma Around Early Exits 2 months ago

Early exits are typically defined as those in the $15-$30M range. The average Web startup exit is in that range. Entrepreneurs and angel investors generally love early exits. Venture capitalists generally do not. And the reason is simple — If a startup manages to exit in that range with only a small amount of capital [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months ago

Missing StartupDrinks tomorrow in Montreal. My son has his first soccer game at 6pm.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

RT @austinhill: Montreal Community leaders unite to support the community http://bit.ly/djv3tG
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@jeremywright DM or email or Skype it to me.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

RT @pricing: Anyone know of any recent studies / stats on what Calendar Apps are most commonly used? e.g. Outlook vs Google vs Others
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Not enough people listen to themselves talk. If they did, they’d stop talking so much.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@jeremywright Yes, but not sure I’m attending the Web Not War event. Wanna get together?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Always risky when a presenter argues with panelists. Watching #tcdisrupt. This guy from Tickreel should just take feedback and move on.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

If people could please test my site out one more time – htp://instigatorblog.com – that would be great. Thanks! Testing speed…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

RT @byosko How To Raise Venture Capital, Angel Investment and Startup Financing http://bit.ly/10xehY
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@duncano Absolutely. Ping me and we’ll catch up soon…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Can people please visit my blog – http://www.instigatorblog.com – and let me know if it’s working and whether it’s fast?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@aaron_foley Ya, no paper bag for me. Still tasted fine…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

RT @willyf: If you’re a new grad looking for a job, I can help. Follow me and check out http://www.onedayonejob.com/ #jobhuntchat
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@johncass Could you send me the sncr case study on emerson? I’ll Google ‘em for more info too. Thanks.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@ferratus How’d you know my new startup is in the torture business?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Since it’s May two-four weekend, I’m drinking crappy 7.5% beer out of a KING CAN. That’s old school highschool.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

RT @rickoco: @rayluk and @startupcfo are guest speakers at #TONTuesday next week – Early Stage Funding Models http://bit.ly/9HM3jB
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@johncass Back channel email?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@martinvars Try defensio.com for Facebook. I believe it’s quite effective at dealing with Facebook spam.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Goals for 2010 2 months, 1 week ago

<a
href=”http://www.macournoyer.com”>Marc-Andre Cournoyer (ex-Standout employee, current CTO of SocialGrapes) doesn’t blog as much as he should. That’s a shame cause he’s a great guy, kick ass programmer, startup founder, and worth listening to. But he did write a post entitled <a
href=”http://macournoyer.com/blog/2010/03/23/goals/”>Goals in March 2010 that got me thinking a lot about my own goals. I wasn’t [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Inspired by @macournoyer here are my goals for the rest of 2010 — http://bit.ly/9ICYPh
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Just discovered The Rapid E-Learning Blog from Articulate – nicely done! http://bit.ly/hVIVr
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

@johncass Warren Sukernek suggested I ask you – What are the best B2B corporate blogs and why?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

What are the best B2B corporate blogs out there and why?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 1 week ago

Startup Co-Founders Can’t Live in Silos — http://bit.ly/auURHB
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup Founders Can’t Live in Silos 2 months, 1 week ago

<img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/two-goldfish-in-bowls.jpg” alt=”” title=”Two goldfish in bowls” width=”450″ height=”337″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-1697″ />

The “classic” founding team for a startup is one business guy and one tech guy.

Sounds logical but the model is flawed and risky. The risk is this: If either founder feels like they can live in their own silo (either business or tech), the [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @phineasb: New blog post — "previum" the evolution of freemium | Sneakerhead VC – http://frc.vc/3F3 #frc
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @johnelton: Great post by RT @startupcfo Post: Earn-outs (almost) never work http://www.startupcfo.ca/?p=1320
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Notman House (beta) site is launched — http://notmanhouse.com
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

@adammcnamara Thanks Adam. It’s tough when you can’t share a lot of details, but I enjoy writing "job postings"
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Hiring a Ruby on Rails Developer for a New Startup 2 months, 2 weeks ago

So here’s the scoop — I’m starting a new company. I can’t tell you the name (don’t have one), and can’t tell you what it’s about (not ready). I also can’t tell you who is involved (except for me, of course). I can tell you that it will have a strong mobile component.

I realize that’s [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m hiring a Ruby on Rails Dev for a New Startup — http://bit.ly/9R8g7Y #jobs #montreal
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @julien: How you sold me at triple price http://www.christopherspenn.com/2010/05/18/how-you-sold-me-at-triple-price/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Some great reminders about Leadership, nicely packaged and ready to go, courtesy of @Starbucker — http://bit.ly/9K94au
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

A great lists of startup posts from April courtesy of @tonykarrer — http://bit.ly/aKmjrQ
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

@startupcfo hopefully not because you just got off the phone with me
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Finding my blogging mojo (hopefully!) – wrote 4 posts today to schedule out over the next week or so.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

@PetersNewJobs It’s not a nicer class of crap. Trust me.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Enterprise Software Should Be Fun 2 months, 2 weeks ago

Where does it say that enterprise software has to be boring, complicated and painful to use?

Dave Concannon asks a much less rhetorical question in his blog post: <a
href=”http://www.apeofsteel.com/976/game-mechanics-stickiness-and-customer-development”>Can Game Mechanics make Serious software “sticky”?

There are two things I loved about Dave’s post:

He talks about being addicted to MUDs. (Who wasn’t right? Hell, I learned to [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Mastering the VC Game: An Important Read for Startup Entrepreneurs 2 months, 3 weeks ago

<iframe
src=”http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=instigatorblog-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=1591843251″ style=” margin-right:10px; margin-bottom:5px;float:left; width:120px;height:240px;” scrolling=”no” marginwidth=”0″ marginheight=”0″ frameborder=”0″><a
href=”http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591843251?ie=UTF8&tag=instigatorblog-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1591843251″>Mastering the VC Game: A Venture Capital Insider Reveals How to Get from Start-up to IPO on Your Terms<img
src=”http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=instigatorblog-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1591843251″ width=”1″ height=”1″ border=”0″ alt=”” style=”border:none !important; margin:0px !important;” /> is written by <a
href=”http://www.jeffbussgang.com/”>Jeff Bussgang, General Partner at Flybridge Capital Partners. Follow him on Twitter <a
href=”http://twitter.com/bussgang”>here, and read his [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup CEOs: Masters of Alignment 2 months, 3 weeks ago

<img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/he-man-skeletor.jpg” alt=”He-man and Skeletor” title=”He-man and Skeletor” width=”500″ height=”375″ class=”alignnone size-full wp-image-1668″ />

If there’s one thing startup CEOs have to excel at it’s managing the alignment of interests across a ton of different people. It’s a lot more complicated than you might think.

Alignment means everyone is pushing for the same goals and executing on their [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup CEOs: Delegate Responsibility Don’t Outsource It 2 months, 4 weeks ago

So here begins a possible series of posts for startup CEOs and founders, based on my experience with Standout Jobs (and before that). I have a few ideas to work on, we’ll see what comes of them. Here’s the first…

The role of startup CEO is to delegate responsibility, not outsource it.

I’ve mentioned before that <a
href=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/startup-ceos-sales/2009/12/29/”>startup [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Standout Jobs has been Acquired 2 months, 4 weeks ago

<img
src=”http://www.instigatorblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/SOJ_colour_on_light-1023×195.png” alt=”” title=”Standout Jobs logo” class=”alignnone size-large wp-image-1657″ width=”500″ height=”95″ />

Around 3 years ago I started <a
href=”http://standoutjobs.com”>Standout Jobs with two great guys – Fred Ngo and Austin Hill. We raised money, built a great product, hired an incredible team and worked to build a business. Today I’m pleased to announce that we’ve sold Standout Jobs.

I [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Design Web Apps With a Scalpel Not a Hammer 3 months ago

Design works when it solves problems. And there aren’t many problems on the Web that you can solve using a hammer. Slamming someone upside the head is generally not the best way of getting them to do what you want. Brute force has its place, but if you’ve pummelled someone into submission, they’re not likely [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: And You Thought Building Product Features Was Easy? 3 months ago

<a
href=”http://twitter.com/lauraklein”>Laura Klein really blew my mind with her post: <a
href=”http://usersknow.blogspot.com/2010/04/6-questions-to-ask-before-launching-new.html”>6 Questions to Ask Before Launching a New Feature. I don’t think I’ve ever put that much thought into adding a feature before. From now on, I’m going to make damn sure I do (or at least try!)

The only addition I can really make is that [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup Founders: It’s Not About Smarts, It’s About Being Opportunistic 3 months, 1 week ago

In a recent presentation, How to Start a Company While Still in School, I said it was important to be open, take risks and be strategic. That’s absolutely true.

In the presentation I said, “I’m seeking startup people.” Originally I had written on the presentation slide, “I’m seeking smart people” but I changed it for [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 8 Things to Look for When Hiring Startup Talent 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Once you have an aggressive system in place for building a recruiting magnet and sourcing talent you need to have a clear sense of what to look for in each potential candidate.

When initially sourcing, you don’t need to spend a ton of time reviewing people’s profiles, analyzing resumes, etc. You just find [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How to Start a Company While Still in School 3 months, 2 weeks ago

I started my first company in 1996 while attending McGill University. It was between my 3rd and 4th years. I completed my degree and graduated, but work was a heck of a lot more fun. Plus, I never picked up my diploma…

Earlier today I spoke at Startup Square’s inaugural event. What’s great about Startup [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 10 Steps to Successfully Sourcing and Recruiting Startup Talent 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Hiring people remains one of the biggest challenges and mysteries for startups. Since most CEOs and founders aren’t trained recruiters, they generally have very little idea about how to recruit properly. And because they’re so busy running their startups, they rarely invest enough time in [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Enjoyed a full day with the MSU portfolio companies. We should do that more often. All venture funds should do it.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Have to love how @acroll presents. Loud and intense.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@jscournoyer I think people should just show the product. Show … don’t tell …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@markevans I can dig up some old videos if you’d like….just let me know.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

So, so close…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@hughmcguire But you can fix it. Just flag the day as BUSY in Google Calendar.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@Tunglerocks Awesome. User error — no surprise there!.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

When I book a full day off w/ Google Calendar, it doesn’t look like #Tungle recognizes that.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

How do startups get their partners to acquire them? [blog post inspired by Quora] – http://bit.ly/afiEZj
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How Do Startups Get Partners To Acquire Them? 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Startups face huge risks when looking for channel partners. Often startups go after massive corporations as partners (because those companies have the sales channels and resources), which makes the relationships highly inequitable. But one of the benefits of partnerships is securing early relationships with potential acquirers.

Many companies are ultimately acquired by partners. It [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@rdprescott Must have been a Chrome hiccup…restarted browser and looks fine.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Does Tungle work in Chrome on Mac? Keeps killing my browser… #tungle
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Always great to wake up, grab the newspaper and see faces you know — @mdufort and @fbrunel talking about iPad in Gazette
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Every once in awhile I bust out my mad CSS skills. It’s ugly but it gets the job done.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Just added tungle.me widget to http://instigatorblog.com – curious to see if anyone requests a meeting
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

. @shitmydadsays uses StatusNet Cloud service to host his site: http://shitmydadsays.com
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@jowyang I got the same pitch
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Check out the new and improved Bite Size Edits: http://www.bitesizeedits.com
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@disqushelp Very cool. Can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@disqushelp Thanks @giannii – the problem is that the trackback spam is insane, and I have to manage it separately which is frustrating.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

@larryvc Agreed. So much comment junk. And the trackbacks are a disaster.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Bringing Montreal Tech Watch Back to Life 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Montreal needs Montreal Tech Watch. When the site was active it provided a great deal of exposure to Montreal, and helped build a stronger community. There’s a lot going on in Montreal for tech startups and entrepreneurs, but [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Upcoming Startup Events in Montreal 3 months, 3 weeks ago

People of Montreal…you have been summoned!

There are a bunch of great new (and repeat) events coming to Montreal very soon. If you’re in a startup, thinking about it (hello students!), or just curious about the world of startups, you should attend:

Startup Square Soiree: April 13, 6pm EDT. This is the launch event for a new [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 4 Ways to Align Interests Between Startup Founders and Investors 4 months ago

Are investors and startup founders on the same side of the table, or the opposite side?

A: Depends.

When things are going well, everyone feels like they’re on the same side of the table. When things are going not so well, it’s [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Use of Funds 4 months, 1 week ago

Almost every investor pitch, whether to angel investors or venture capitalists involves one slide near the end about how much money a startup is looking to raise, milestones it hopes to achieve and generally, the “use of funds.”

The intent behind describing the use of funds is to explain to the potential investors how [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: An Introduction to Pitching Investors 4 months, 1 week ago

Kudos to the students at McGill University for putting on some great events. I’m a big fan and advocate of anything that bridges the gap between students and startups.

I was invited to speak along with Daniel Drouet at an event entitled, “The Perfect Pitch”. I’m not sure such a thing exists, but I [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I’ve got 4 back to back meetings today with a quick break for lunch. Should be a crazy day!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

@unmarketing The music is great in Canabalt.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

@unmarketing But does it ever E-N-D?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

@unmarketing Great, now I’m hooked. Thanks
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

@JimCanto Foursquare? Nope…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Trying out Formspring.me – ask me anything you’d like: http://bit.ly/9pj53m
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Foursquare and Pavlov’s Dog 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m a big fan of Foursquare. It’s not because of the game or even the possibility of getting deals at nearby locations when I check-in. What’s fascinating about Foursquare, and in my opinion, at the heart of its success to-date, is the fact that [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Foursquare and Pavlov’s Dog [new blog post]: http://bit.ly/95hurm
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @noahkagan: Ben Horowitz is my new idol. Great Read! The Fat Startup: http://bit.ly/aDYxYX
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

#plan Perspective on Incentive Compensation (BDO) Wed, Apr 7, 2010 http://plancast.com/a/21wh
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Awesome presentation – 12 Ways to Blow Your Investor Pitch: http://bit.ly/jV3yy
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @cindyalvarez: Customer Development FAQ for Product Managers http://bit.ly/dfsCkx #prodmgmt #customerdev #leanstartup
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @startupcfo: Interesting post on when to choose an incubator http://bit.ly/9d8r5T
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @markbao: 5 things I should have known before starting a company, but didn’t fully understand til now http://bit.ly/c1SSpJ #startups
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I think I lost my glasses. Looking at the computer screen is fuzzy. I was going to get a new pair soon anyway…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at Flow Ventures (651 Notre-Dame West, Suite 550, Montreal). http://4sq.com/dmfOP3
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at Nocochi (2156 Rue Mackay, Sherbrooke, Montreal). http://4sq.com/avMSg0
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

My presentation from yesterday’s Montreal.rb meetup – 10 Startup To-Dos: http://bit.ly/dxxzmz
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 10 Startup To-Dos: Things You Should Really Think About When Starting a Company 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I did a quick presentation at the Montreal.rb meeting about startup to-dos — things you should really think about before starting companies. It’s great to see more and more developers and tech folks interested in starting companies. In places like Silicon Valley it’s often tech people who launch startups. We need more startups in [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

Post Montreal rb festivities (@ Pub Victoria) http://4sq.com/7UgAxI
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at La Boulangerie 453 (453 avenue Viger Ouest, Montreal). http://4sq.com/arM72Y
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 4 months, 2 weeks ago

If anyone is in old Montreal early for the Montreal rb meeting I’m hanging out nearby enjoying the weather
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Oh Canada! Olympic Hockey Gold is Ours and I Was There 5 months ago

Many of you know this already, but I got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to the USA – Canada Gold Medal Hockey Game at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.

Words really can’t describe it. I wish I had taken more photos and videos, but it’s hard to do that and really soak it all in. Plus, the [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Disappointed I couldn’t make #ignitemtl tonight, but I have a good reason – 4am wake up call tomorrow for vacation flight.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

I’m going to have to fix up the last two videos on that post at some point, file sizes are too big. *sigh*
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

My videos from Canada’s WIN for Olympic Hockey Gold: http://www.instigatorblog.com/olympic-hockey-gold/2010/03/02/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Currently uploading videos from the USA – Canada Gold Medal Hockey Game at the Olympics. I need to edit two of them though…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

How to build a Start-Up Nation: http://www.instigatorblog.com/how-to-build-a-start-up-nation/2010/03/02/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

RT @johnelton: Congrats to our friends @dunchill and @robinaxon on their launch of Mantella Venture Partners http://bit.ly/an70mr
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

I’m almost home. Slept like crap on red eye from Vancouver. (@ Pearson International Airport (Terminal 3)) http://4sq.com/acFsgG
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How To Build a Start-Up Nation 5 months ago

There’s been no shortage of debate and discussion about how to replicate the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem (or whether it’s even possible, worthwhile or applicable to other places). I wrote about it way back when in 2007 and certainly a lot has [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

I just looked at the few short vids I shot while at the gold medal game. They’re not good but still gave me chills. Will upload soon.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

@xutopia thanks. Have you read the book? Happy to lend it to you
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Finally on plane in Vancouver heading to Toronto and then home to Montreal.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

@loic @shervin I know @danstuart at Bayt is working on putting more money into seed startups in Dubai
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Just checked in heading home. Airport is empty. So much for needing to be here 4 hrs early (@ Fairmont Vancouver Airport (YVR))
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Awesome sushi dinner (@ The Eatery) http://4sq.com/8iv1iq
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Having taco lunch @jamesgolick (@ Bandidas) http://4sq.com/abP4sk
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Found free wifi spot, settling in for a bit (@ Sanjay’s Bean Around The World) http://4sq.com/dtbIx3
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

RT @rayluk: Another great post by Steve Blank called "Death by Competitive Analysis" http://bit.ly/ahYp3B #mustread
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Shopping at the Bay for Olympic souvenirs. Madhouse. I’m sweating (@ Hudson’s Bay Company) http://4sq.com/b3ip5m
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

@johnelton I’ll make it back. I’ll have a headache but I’ll make it back.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

I’m at Yaletown Brewing Company (1111 Mainland St, at Helmcken St, Vancouver). http://4sq.com/21aOHO
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months ago

Sun is shining in Vancouver and the hockey gods are drinking Canadian beer
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startups Face Huge Risk with Channel Partner Strategy 5 months ago

Every so often I read a blog post and say, “I wish I had written that!” That was absolutely the case with Mark Suster’s post, The Fallacy of Channels: Startups Beware. Mark hits the nail right on the head with respect to the risk (and usually the abject failure) for startups using a [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: No One Can Raise Funding for Your Startup Except You 5 months, 1 week ago

One of the big roadblocks that first-time entrepreneurs face is the issue of raising capital. There are no easy answers. But one thing is certain, the only person that can raise financing for your startup is you.

There are enough high quality resources out there on raising venture capital [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Was there something special going on tonight? I was watching All-tine classic, Slapshot. #truecanadian
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at Status.net. http://4sq.com/as9XEA
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Waiting for meeting to start (@ Laïka) http://4sq.com/7cUt4m
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@wiswaud @essenfeld @roberge @richard_beck Thanks for the answer. Checking it out now
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Can you import images / icons into Balsamiq?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Simplify, simplify, simplify. Working on UI mockups makes it so much easier to cut stuff out after you see the workflow.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

A great comment from @startupcfo on Startup Culture being top-down. I agree: http://bit.ly/95pL3c
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@cloudhead Wonder if it sucks up a lot of memory and screws with the browser b/c its online. Found that to be the case with flowchart apps
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@chudson I can imagine. Enjoy the break and good luck with your future endeavors…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@chudson Congrats on the two successes / transitions. I’m sure it was insane to pull off.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@cloudhead Any other suggestions?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Falling in love with Balsamiq.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @JustinEdmead: Big News in CDN media – Shaw to buy Canwest: http://ow.ly/16JHJ /via @nextMEDIAnow
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Working on something new and fun. And probably a touch crazy.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Up early to answer emails. Eventually I’ll wake up early to exercise instead. Eventually…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

@kmskala Email me (email address link available at http://bit.ly/14WmhC) with details on your experience. Happy to discuss.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup Cultures are not an Automatic Success 5 months, 2 weeks ago

People assume that startups have a certain type of culture. It’s fast-paced. Lots of caffeine is involved. Personal hygiene is optional. And the culture is automatically ingrained from day one. But none of those things are (necessarily) true.

Too many startups – and specifically startup founders – ignore their internal culture or don’t maintain a consistent [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Oh oh … problems with ScribeSEO … php errors. Ticket submitted.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Just purchased ScribeSEO – WP plugin from @copyblogger – http://scribeseo.com.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

The comments on this @cdixon post about selling to the enterprise are fantastic: http://bit.ly/apEOWb
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Startup cultures aren’t automatically in place, ingrained and successful. They take commitment and work: http://bit.ly/bHNgc6
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Speaking at Internet Marketing Conference in Montreal on February 18 5 months, 3 weeks ago

On February 18th, 2010 I’ll be speaking at Internet Marketing Conference in Montreal.

My talk is at the end of the day. I’ll be expanding on my previous presentation on social media and inbound recruiting. [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Everyone in startups should read @startupcfo’s new and improved blog: http://startupcfo.ca
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@rosshill You check in w/ an emotion (default list) + shout it out. Maybe you include location, ppl w/ you, etc. as context. Track history.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

. @macournoyer Heh. I was playing with #twitvid. "Liking" something auto-tweets. Didn’t realize that.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

I like this video by @byosko http://twitvid.com/87A3A
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

http://twitvid.com/87A3A – Super cool tilt-shift, stop motion video on helping the environment – check it on #twitvid
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@hughmcguire Are you following me on Twitter? Tried sending a DM but didn’t work. Was having trouble w/ other ppl earlier…just curious.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

And if the first three sentences of ANY text are bad, you might as well throw the rest out in the garbage.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Never underestimate the power of kick ass copywriting. #learnhowtowrite
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Crazy idea: A Foursquare for emotions. I want to check in my emotions and track over time. Compare to others. And win.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@michael_zaro Thanks. I appreciate the RT.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@KwagaProduct I don’t see a My Kwaga button, but I do have a "send and follow" button when sending an email.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Waiting for meeting. Grumpy. (@ Laïka) http://4sq.com/7cUt4m
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@KA23A Yes, I think that is weird. But weird is OK…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

How long does it take before Kwaga kicks in? It’s installed, can’t tell if it’s working.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Trying both Kwaga and DokDok at the same time. Unfortunately neither works with Mailplane, so have to go back to Gmail in browser.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Invitation codes to beta startup apps that have 007 in them = cool
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

@jcleblanc I’m actually on vacation until March 9th, so might not be possible. Maybe I’ll sneak into Confoo on one of the days it’s running
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

Trying out tweets from digg — The Power of Scale – cool tilt-shift video: http://digg.com/d31HnRg?t
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

RT @dharmesh: RT @rczamor: "Make your launch about a movement and about a story." Great advise for start ups. #launchcamp
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 3 weeks ago

RT @MaxFinder: McGill startup career fair. Set up a table and recruit, or just network with students and other Montreal entrepreneurs. h …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

I’m at Trudeau Airport Montreal (, Montreal). http://4sq.com/aWhvud
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

@cindyalvarez totally agree re: bad revenue – have to know the diff between good and bad business
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

RT @cindyalvarez: "There is such a thing as bad revenue" might be most important line from Anti-patterns of Bootstrapping http://bit.ly/ …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

RT @dharmesh: RT @venturehacks: Launching StartupList, a new way to reach angel investors: http://j.mp/9sKGVX.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Stuck in an unpleasant line because @fredgno has to check in his bag. (@ WestJet) http://4sq.com/5DEs24
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

@colinsurprenant True. Assuming you know what you really did wrong. Helps to dive into and work with those that have done it "right"
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

. @giffconstable @cindyalvarez agreed. But considering most startups do almost nothing I’m thinking baby steps and mental shifts to start
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Good point from @cindyalvarez – get feedback, any feedback from anyone other than yourself: http://bit.ly/dhfv3D
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Heading back to Montreal this afternoon. Always nice to go home…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Marketing folks in Montreal (w/ 1-3 yrs in software marketing exp.) – please ping me. Have interesting opp to share. #montreal #jobs
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Fix Startup D.O.A (not DNA) – launching, no one cares, and you’re dead on arrival. Happens too often: http://bit.ly/9Ert12
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup D.O.A 5 months, 4 weeks ago

How often have you seen startups go down the following road?

A couple people come up with an idea. They’re excited. Really, really excited.
They get nervous about competition or people stealing their plans. So they get very hush hush.
They start building something. This usually involves locking themselves in a small, dark room with lots of caffeine.
They [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

First night in a hotel always results in a mediocre sleep. Second night is better…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

@duzins Thanks for the intro. It’s "Montrealer" *smile* — when is Confoo again?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

Why are the pillows in hotels always so thick? I feel like I’m sleeping sitting up.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 5 months, 4 weeks ago

I’m at Delta Hotel (105 King Street East, Kitchener). http://4sq.com/5PGjwL
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months ago

Arrived in Toronto now heading for rental car place (@ WestJet) http://4sq.com/5DEs24
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months ago

Heading to Kitchener, Ontario (@ Aéroport Pierre-Eliott Trudeau Montréal) http://4sq.com/dq5jXe
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months ago

@BryanPerson You should use Status.net – open source, free, cooler – http://status.net
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months ago

@UntoldEnt Really? I don’t know if I can do Jay Leno, but maybe next time!
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Telling Compelling Stories With Video 6 months ago

Video is a powerful storytelling medium. Just ask Thomas Clifford, who has been using video for many years to tell some great stories. Many of them might have seemed dull or unclear at the outset, but video and smart storytelling can work real magic.

We’re seeing quite a few startups use video prominently on their [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Using Mega Trends When Pitching Your Startup 6 months ago

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about “mega trends” and how to use them when pitching your startup. Investors like mega trends. After all, they’re big. And most of us are aware of them and have been affected by them (or expect to be in the future). Tens of millions of baby boomers getting set [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: What Should I Write About? You Tell Me! 6 months, 1 week ago

Every blogger suffers writer’s block at some point. It’s inevitable. And extremely frustrating. For some it means months without creating any new content, while others can recover much more quickly.

Skribit (the project of Paul Stamatiou and others) is a service [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Good Business Bad Business 6 months, 1 week ago

Not all business is created equal. Not all revenue is created equal either. Everything has a cost. Bad business and revenue can cost more than they’re worth to acquire.

You need to have clear definitions of good business and bad business for your own company. The definitions can change over time (almost everything does evolve) but [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

I’m attending BridgeCamp tonight at McGill. Interested in seeing the level of interest in startups at university: http://bit.ly/8uFpMQ
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

Congrats to Defensio team (including @cmercier) for 2.0 release – http://defensio.com/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@johnbeales Thanks John – much appreciated.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@johnbeales Tsawwassen.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

What bus do I take from the Vancouver airport to the ferry that goes to Nanaimo?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

RT @joshk: Nice blog post from @ceonyc – Entrepreneur-product fit http://bit.ly/803zGv – very good post.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@fdestin I’d be happy to speak with them further about it. Even if it’s just to throw out some suggestions on better job descriptions.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@fdestin Veracode needs to sell candidates a lot more, and check the typos/HTML errors in job descs.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@cmercier Thanks Carl. I appreciate that.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

Check out this free ebook "ClickPredictions" on content marketing trends for 2010. Disc: I helped produce the ebook. http://bit.ly/5pwFfr
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Free E-Book “ClickPredictions” on Content Marketing Trends 6 months, 1 week ago

I’m a big believer in content marketing. I’ve produced content to help market and promote my own business, and I’ve seen it used successfully by others as well. One [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

Cool to see my presentation – Turn your Company into a Recruiting Magnet – featured on home page of http://www.slideshare.net/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@CincyRecruiter Jennifer – thank you for favoriting my presentation: http://bit.ly/663bKz – I appreciate it.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

There’s "good business" and "bad business". When talking to a prospect/customer just keep that in your head.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

You have to know when to say "no" even if it’s hard.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@geoffdevereux Problem is that very few companies actually SELL job seekers at all. They just barf at them.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@geoffdevereux So then they should say that and not lie.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@geoffdevereux Surprise in what way?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@kirschty I’m happy to take a look. Easier if I email you thoughts …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

The worst is – "You must be motivated and enthusiastic." As opposed to what? Any companies out there eagerly hiring stupid, unmotivated ppl?
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How to Turn Your Company into a Recruiting Magnet 6 months, 1 week ago

Recently I presented at the Guelph Technology Economy Conference on the subject of recruitment. I put together the presentation built off of two posts I had written – The Future of Recruiting is Inbound and The Key to Startup Hiring: Build a Magnet. It went well (I think!) and was fun to [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

Just finished my presentation on recruiting at the Guelph Technology conference. Went well. Always fun to do public speaking.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

Getting ready to hear Jim Estill speak at Guelph Tech Conference. Thus is definitely Blackberry country.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@Sarah_Lolley I never used any hairspray…but Stone Road Mall sure looks different. I did recognize Stars (suit store) though.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 1 week ago

@MikeVanDervort Thanks for mentioning Standout Jobs on your blog – much appreciated.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@stephane_leduc thanks Stephane I’ll take a look in a couple days when I’m back at work
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at Stone Road Mall (435 Stone Rd W, Guelph). http://4sq.com/7QXnxD
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @danzarrella: I nominate @dharmesh for a Shorty Award in #smallbusiness because he’s a great guy http://bit.ly/shorty
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Tech startups – be careful about "geeking out" on sales calls. You’re selling solutions to problems not technology.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@MacSeth Up until yesterday I didn’t see a change, but saw it today. Wasn’t paying that much att, but PR definitely changed in my toolbar.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Looks like there was a Google PR rank update … http://instigatorblog.com – went from 3 to 5
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@ChrisFerdinandi I don’t know – I don’t think I’ve tried tweeting out any links via TweetDeck on the iphone yet.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

The best part of a startup CEOs job — paperwork!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

When are we going to get an uber-aggregator for all location-based services? Tracking check-ins in multiple apps makes no sense.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Continuing my obsession with customer support – How to implement proactive customer support strategies: http://bit.ly/7HCrNP
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How To Implement a Proactive Customer Support Strategy 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I’ve said before that great customer support has to be proactive. But what exactly does that mean?

The goal of proactive support is to identify and resolve issues before they become problems. In some cases you can be so successful with proactive customer service that you can solve problems before customers even realize they exist.

We’ve [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

A good overview of the interesting startup developments in Canada: http://bit.ly/4Qw5mK (from @davidcrow
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

For some reason my fingers aren’t listening to my brain today. Typing is a mess.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@richardbarley Thanks Richard. What that means is that GROUPS update faster because of how API calls are used.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m at Laïka (4040, boul. Saint-Laurent, btw Duluth O. & Rachel, Montreal). http://4sq.com/7cUt4m
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@TweetDeck Seems like Lists update WAY slower than Groups did. List updates use up more API calls?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 6 months, 2 weeks ago

@chudson Completely agree re: content creation as a lead gen tool for startups is underused. Also great for brand building
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Creating Customer Touchpoints 6 months, 2 weeks ago

When was the last time you played Red Rover? The game is quite simple. You create a chain of people who hold hands (roughly at arm’s length from each other) and the other team tries to break the chain [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Great Customer Service Drives Revenue and Profitability 6 months, 2 weeks ago

Too many people look at customer service as a cost center, when it really should be a profit center.

I recently read B-A-M!: Delivering Customer Service in a Self-Service World and it’s an important refresher and reminder of the [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 7 Key Points for Brainstorming Startup Ideas 6 months, 3 weeks ago

One of my favorite exercises is brainstorming startup ideas with other entrepreneurs. You can gain a lot of value from a fresh perspective. When “pitched an idea” for brainstorming or feedback I tend to go through the same 7 key points [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup Children: Introducing Talker 6 months, 3 weeks ago

One indication of a strengthening startup ecosystem is when past founders start new companies. Even if those previous companies weren’t successful (although that certainly helps!), it’s a good sign when entrepreneurs keep trying. Another good sign is when startup employees decide to make the leap into startup founders. In fact, I think [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: My Focus for 2010: Freedom 6 months, 4 weeks ago

For me, 2010 is all about Freedom. Not necessarily the type of freedom that requires you to crash through the proverbial wall of doom, or bang your head against it so many times that you’re lying unconscious in a pool of your own blood; but the type of freedom that’s built on top of [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup CEOs Need To Do Sales 7 months ago

Doing sales isn’t typically one of the favorite things of most startup CEOs (and by extension, startup founding teams). Certainly they want sales (because sales = $$), but they don’t want to actually do the sales. This is a huge problem for startups.

Startup CEOs need to be very close to their prospects and customers

Startup CEOs [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startup CEOs Make Millions of Decisions 7 months, 1 week ago

The job of startup CEO is all about making decisions. Lots and lots of decisions.

We tend to focus on and remember big decisions — over-emphasizing their importance in the grand scheme of things. But the trick to being a successful startup CEO is mastering the art of micro-decision making.

Micro-decisions are small decisions — the type [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Freedom 7 months, 2 weeks ago

A very wise man once told me (OK, it was recently):

There’s a certain freedom in being completely fucked.

He was quite right. Just to be clear: He was speaking in the context of running [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Indecision Kills Startups 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Startups die for lots of reasons. Of course the end game usually involves running out of money – until that point in time, you can still fight on (although it might not be worth it.) But at the [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Take the Mystery out of Software Pricing 7 months, 2 weeks ago

Pricing software isn’t a pure science. Far from it. But Neil Davidson does an awesome job of demystifying product and software pricing in his book, Don’t Just Roll the Dice – A usefully short guide to software pricing. The book is very short, and he’s made [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@startupcfo ya we make our own traditions I guess
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Decorating Xmas tree and listening to Raising Hell from Run DMC
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@davecarhart Too many to count. Teenagers are texting thousands of times per month. Parents use cellphones as leverage.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Overhearing a scary teenage girl conversation in coffee shop about cell phone plans and how much they txt msg
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Add Retweet Buttons to PDF documents – pretty cool – wonder if people click ‘em? http://bit.ly/3bmICi
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

RT @rayluk: Thanks to @startupcfo @seanpower @acroll for a great job organizing and DJ’ing #YULTide last night – AGREED!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

I’m at 3159 (3159 blvd st-laurent, Montreal). http://4sq.com/7VOSUu
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@thisisfranciswu ya but I still havent bought the kindle yet. Instapaper works great on the iPhone
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@offthehookshop You guys have Dosh wallets (from Australia) in stock?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@duzins If only the toilets auto-tweeted their birthdays and reported on how they felt. Although, probably wouldn’t feel very good…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Fascinating: http://www.toiletbirthdays.com #gottalovetheinternet
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@cmercier I’ll be there. Looking forward to it.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

I have meetings today at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Oy.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Is LeWeb being recorded or only streamed live? #leweb
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@macournoyer Woohoo! Great news on the family – baby front. Congrats to you and your family!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@zeidel Same here…but the fact that we stayed makes me wonder…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@rogerchabra SRED credits. Right. Still…*sigh* #coldsucks
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

@danstuart Glad to hear things are going well…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Remind me again why we live in a frozen, windy wasteland?
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Why are Customer Development and Lean Startup Principles So Popular? 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Customer Development is hot. Lean Startups too.

Customer Development is gaining momentum thanks to Steve Blank’s book – The Four Steps to the Epiphany and the uptake of its principles by many startups. The Lean Startup model has emerged as a favorite amongst startups thanks [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: What are the Social Media Roadblocks for Companies? 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Seth Godin hits the nail on the head in reference to using the Web and social media for your business:

The problem is no longer budget. The problem is no longer access to tools.

The problem is the will to get good at it.

There also remains [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 4 weeks ago

RT @lruettimann: If you guys don’t know Kevin Wheeler, google him. He’s awesome. @kwheeler. #hrhappyhour – Agreed!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Unsolicited LinkedIn recommendations are nice. Still think a more dynamic recommendation system would be better.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 7 months, 4 weeks ago

It’s time to introduce my older son to one of my past obsessions: comic books. Comic-Con Montreal on Sunday: http://bit.ly/6uwXA9
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Saw this tweeted earlier – it is a cool idea: http://bit.ly/4VY9hZ
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

What a crazy day – just taking a quick breather, and yes, playing with my new iPhone.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

RT @macournoyer: @JeromeParadis congrats and good luck with http://shwowp.com/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@kristinematulis I’ll take the accidental karma if it comes my way…but since it was a computerized pay meter, doubt it helped anyone
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Just signed @thisisfranciswu’s Happy Birthday card. Unicorns and Care Bears. You can’t go wrong. Happy bday! http://hluv.me/7n5gyx #hashlove
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@fredngo I think I might – it was an honest mistake, and I did pay my $4.00.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Misread parking meter number so paid for the wrong space and got a ticket
Benjamin and Natalie are now friends 8 months ago
Benjamin and Ashley are now friends 8 months ago
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

[Blog post] If you have to fire people, do it quickly: http://bit.ly/5IwEOW
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@nbloom Rogers does offer voicemail to text — $6/month. Decided against it.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Firing People Quickly is the Best Way 8 months ago

Firing people is extremely difficult, especially if you’ve never done it before. But it’s made infinitely harder and causes significantly more damage if you delay it. When you know someone isn’t working out (for whatever reason), you need to let them go. For startups it’s a very difficult pill to swallow. Each person on a [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Does Rogers offer voicemail to text on the iPhone? Or is there an app I should use?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@saulcolt Maybe sleep on the couch?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Testing tweetdeck app from iphone
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@thisisfranciswu We’ll see. It will come down to whether or not I can type fast enough, and with one hand while driving.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

I got it to work now testing Amd configuring
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

I am now iPhone-enabled.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@startupcfo I’ll let you know when I’ve got the iPhone and see what you can do
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@TanMcG Agreed. And I don’t think this lululemon manager was tasked with responding. I’m going to find out though.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@startupcfo But I won’t have my iPhone yet … so no free Tungle app for me
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Lululemon impressed me – one of their store managers emailed me b/c I referenced them in a blog post: http://bit.ly/7ssGAB
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Great article from @ThomasClifford — 19 Surprising Questions To Help You Energize Employee Conversations: http://bit.ly/5OEBcR
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Instigator Blog Bookstore 8 months ago

Now that I’ve committed myself to reading more regularly and posting reviews and thoughts (from the books I read) on this blog, I thought it would be worthwhile to collect all the books in one place. So I’ve launched a very simple Instigator Blog Bookstore. It’s powered by Amazon.

I’ve also added a permanent link [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Saw Fantastic Mr. Fox at the movie theater over the weekend. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Crazy cool animation, great voice acting.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Great comment from Joseph Dager re: the struggles of retail – what do you think? http://bit.ly/5gHecL
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Ugh. Can’t comment on my own blog to reply — Disqus seems to be hiccuping.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

Save often. F-ck.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

RT @chrisarsenault: Great job guys! iNovia’s latest investment Vizu closes $6.75M round http://bit.ly/5puJe2
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months ago

@Advansun Thanks Chris – I’ll take a look.
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Where’s the WOW! in Retail Stores? 8 months ago

Most retail experiences suck. They just do. It’s rare that I go into a store and leave feeling amazed. I might be happy with what I bought, but beyond that, the experience is usually “Meh.” And some retail experiences are so [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Don’t Try to Get Funding Before You Know How It’s Done 8 months ago

If you don’t know how the process works to raise capital and get funding from angel investors or venture capital investors, you will never succeed at raising capital. What this means is that if you feel like raising angel investment or venture investment is critical for the success of your business, you need to go [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Over the last week or so I’ve been getting Skype spam — very irritating.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@mjangda That would be cool
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@chebuctonian He is. He’s in your ceiling.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Very cool move away from Presentation-centric board meetings – no Powerpoint allowed! — http://bit.ly/8IK72C
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@RobinBirdSounds In Montreal? Chances are I know who that is …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @mperron: Amazing use of Facebook photo tagging by IKEA’s http://bit.ly/5Aai24 – here’s a good explanation too: http://bit.ly/6Nz3dV
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@mjangda Ya. The gallery isn’t bad. Does it let you link each image to a separate URL?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@arrington Is that a regular poutine or a poutine with heavy-duty meat on it? Just askin’ …
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@mjangda Yes. Something that would let me position the images like that in a rectangle and make each one clickable.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Looking for a WordPress plugin to create an image gallery w/ clickable images like this: http://bit.ly/8VZYE0
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@joshk Great job post and survey, but the company needs to sell itself more w/ job post / blog / etc. for people to invest time to fill out.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@Biossquared Thank you. I hope the session was worthwhile for those that attended.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Francis Wu (@thisisfranciswu) is the man. Great guy. Ultra-helpful. #ux #design #web #ui
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Just signed @talentsynch’s Happy Birthday card. Have a great day! http://hluv.me/3u6bjl #hashlove
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@goeast Duplicating that language "We’ve always believed" isn’t a typo. Done for effect. But maybe it’s not effective
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Just getting ready to speak in Superschool Startup School on a bunch of topics (no login required): http://bit.ly/5LHCS3
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Finally decided to offer FREE career site reviews to anyone that wants ‘em: http://bit.ly/8EYwxi
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@afrognthevalley I don’t think they exist yet either, just thought it was an interesting request.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

And demanding excellence from vendors, service providers & employees is NOT wrong, as long as you demand it from yourself too.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Pick your battles, but don’t hesitate to break the rules at least once in awhile. You’ll feel better for it.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @Emergent007: Call to action: Do you know good augmented reality devs for iPhone here in Quebec?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Definitely attending StartupDrinks in Montreal tomorrow. Looking forward to it!
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Some ideas at 1am turn out to be brilliant. Others, not so much.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

This is the coolest stop-motion video I have ever seen. 2.9M views on YouTube too: http://digg.com/d3tPWo
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@xutopia Muhahahahahahahahha… Congrats! Mom and baby look great. Welcome to FATHERHOOD.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@Joem32 That wouldn’t surprise me. I’ve done something similar in the past too – give ppl a budget to get what THEY want / need.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Interesting detail about Asana – they give you $10k to setup workstation however you like. Nice recruiting touch! http://bit.ly/7kE0eh
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @doshdosh: Social Media Analytics: Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis of Twitter. http://bit.ly/7YXSBv
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Great quote from that last post (http://bit.ly/5uHfXq) – "Startups, don’t play to your weaknesses."
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @cindyalvarez: "most [startup] successes launched with what seems to be an impossibly small set of features" http://bit.ly/5uHfXq
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Trust agents-in-training – now is your time to shine, be found and get hired. Step up: http://bit.ly/6Tp9ts
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Every once in awhile I lean on a "social media" friend and it reminds me how great connections are made. Thank you @Starbucker.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

20 Easy Ways to Take Social Media A Little Less Seriously http://dzdyt.th8.us (from @starbucker)
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

The future of recruiting is trust agents: http://bit.ly/6Tp9ts
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Future of Recruiting is Trust Agents 8 months, 1 week ago

I’m currently in the middle of reading Trust Agents by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith. Combined with reading Inbound Marketing I can’t help but think more about how inbound marketing and trust are related to recruiting.

The reality is that the [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@Zelnox one underachieving forward for another? Change of scenery trade I guess…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Very cool simulation on CO2 emissions + birth/death rates globally: http://bit.ly/f9tdR
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@jrubyist Not quite. It’s the business of taking care of your shit, so you can stop worrying and sleep at night. Apparently
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

. @kattansey has a great bio on Twitter: "Passionate about helping people get better sleep." http://bit.ly/2SqrGT
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@duanebrown Agreed. Twitter is limiting as the only means to connect. But it’s designed to build more followers…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

And as often as people say Technorati is no longer of any significance, it’s still always referenced in books on social media and blogging
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

So many more blogs have Twitter listed as a means of contact vs. email address. No one wants spam, but Twitter spam is OK.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Full list of family activities for holidays in Montreal: http://bit.ly/4ztZiv
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@macournoyer Why resist?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

I found this Sample Survey Size Calculator interesting: http://bit.ly/2jIxfO
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@miss_mu Ha! I think that beats mine…although Mr. T was cool.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Snippet: "He shares some outrageous stories of shootings, and how his business partner was arrested by the FBI for attempting to kill him."
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Funniest book review request from PR firm ever- Topless Prophet: The True Story of America’s Most Successful Gentleman’s Club Entrepreneur
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @lincolnmurphy: Great post on Seth’s blog "Embracing lifetime value" http://j.mp/85e0L8
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@dacort Thank you – I’ll take a look at both of them.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

What’s the most popular site for sharing videos on Twitter?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @startupcfo: congrats to the Status.net team on the launch of their new site! Looks great http://status.net/
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

I’ll be speaking at Startup School (virtually) thanks to @steli’s invitation: http://bit.ly/4lclCv – come join me!
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Speaking at Startup School – Please Join Me 8 months, 1 week ago

I’ve been invited by Steli Efti (here’s his blog) to speak in Startup School’s Founder Interview Series. Startup School was recently launched, and here’s how Steli describes it:

The goal of this Supercool School is to empower entrepreneurs globally [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

@tamar And time seems to go faster as they get older…which is even scarier…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

RT @startupcfo: Post: Usage-based business models http://www.startupcfo.ca/2009/11/usage-based-billing-models.html
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

Like this post – Do You Ever Have Days Like This? http://bit.ly/AMJGV
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 1 week ago

It’s refreshing and interesting to go through your blog archives occasionally to remember & reflect on why you wrote certain things.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @bolidea: RT @mtlnewtech: Developers? Join us @ Take your Code to the Spa Camp –> http://twtvite.com/gwmsct
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Ha! Just used the UNDO feature on Gmail, worked like a charm. And phew, I’m glad it did.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Thinking about trust -> reputation -> social capital and how they can decay over time. Thoughts? http://bit.ly/1r293j
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Half-Life of Trust, Reputation and Social Capital 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Half-life is the period of time, for a substance undergoing decay, to decrease by half. Trust, reputation and social capital also decay, but at varying degrees. First, let’s look at how they’re built up:

Please excuse the [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

. @jowyang That does seem expensive for a custom LinkedIn group. But direction is definitely interesting for LinkedIn.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I find myself more productive when working on multiple projects on a daily basis. Keeps the creativity going.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@EricFriedman I would tend to agree with the sentiment that 3 co-founders is a good number. Obviously lots of different ways work though.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @davidcrow: wow! congrats @antseyeview on acquiring @benmcconnell @jackiehub http://bit.ly/4fVX1P #churchofthecustomer
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @rdempsey: RT @TechCrunch Good Question! The Eight Best Questions We Got While Raising Venture Capital http://bit.ly/30tLzq
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Funny (but important) quote: "The less data, the stronger the opinions."
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @libernie: Steve Hurwitz explains the maddening structure for US VC’s, who want to invest in Canada: http://tinyurl.com/y9r4axp
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Not "life" — lift. Oy.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

From whichtestwon.com – "for previously untested sites, testing gives an average ~40% conversion life."
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@Jerry_Albright Ah ok, makes sense. Guess they just didn’t do it in this case.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Webinar software should do more with the "waiting introduction screen". Why not let presenter load up some cool stuff?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

About to jump into a webinar from WhichTestWon.com on 7 testing pitfalls. Should be interesting.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @chrisbrogan: GREAT new project by @copyblogger for Lateral Action. Great free report – http://bit.ly/3owymL
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @twtfelipe: TwtSurvey is finally out… I’ve been planning this since the beginning of the Summer @ http://twtsurvey.com
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

The future of recruiting is inbound, get to it: http://bit.ly/3V5Obo #socialrecruiting
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Future of Recruiting is Inbound 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Successful recruiting is more complicated than most people realize (except for those who are actively recruiting on a daily basis).

Getting a ton of applicants is easy.
Hiring people is easy.

But successful recruiting isn’t.

Successful recruiting means a few things:

Maximizing tight budgets to use money wisely in attracting people.
Attracting the highest quality candidate possible, not the most [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @pricing: Ultra-efficient Operations are achieved by maintaining the highest standards of organization & communication. #accountability
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Trust Agents has an excellent definition of social capital. If you don’t get that…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Reading Trust Agents: came up with a cool idea for a fiction story. I might have to write it.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I need a WordPress plugin developer for contract work. Any location. Please tweet me or email byosko@gmail.com.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Looking for a WordPress plugin developer w/ experience in Montreal for contract work. Please get in touch.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@williamtincup Congrats! Enjoy fatherhood…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @tracytran: HR Pros: If You Can’t/Won’t Recruit, You’re a Secretary… http://j.mp/1KiBqL
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

All recruiters should read Inbound Marketing. Just replace Marketing w/ Recruiting: http://bit.ly/3nwiHc #socialrecruiting
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

10 key insights gained from reading Inbound Marketing by @dharmesh and @bhalligan – http://bit.ly/3nwiHc
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @shelisrael: If you buy @MItchJoel ’s excellent Six Pixels…" this week, you get a couple of neat prizes. http://bit.ly/1lAmd7
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 10 Key Insights from Reading Inbound Marketing by Dharmesh Shah and Brian Halligan 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m a big believer in inbound marketing. I’ve seen it work, and I’ve leveraged many of its tactics for myself, my business, and for others. I believe it will (and has already started to) fundamentally change how companies market to consumers.

Dharmesh Shah and Brian Halligan are smart guys. They’re [...]
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @scottporad: Most web2.0 businesses don’t have technology risk. It’s not "can it be built?", it’s "should it be built?" — @ericries
Benjamin and Eric are now friends 8 months, 2 weeks ago
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Using social media as a means of talking to customers is the same thing as using social media to attract new users.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @danmartell: RT @sachinrekhi A dozen of the best start-up pitches on the Web: http://j.mp/1lHyOV by @jonbischke
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @danmartell: RT @sachinrekhi A dozen of the best start-up pitches on the Web: http://j.mp/1lHyOV by @jonbischke
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

RT @isfan: hey montreal and toronto startup friends, please help get word out on Founders & Funders Ottawa Dec 3. http://bit.ly/2tqqZF #ton
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m still looking for SXSW recommendations, anyone? Need place to stay…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@saulcolt Hey, I’m not the one with the rash…
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@saulcolt Imagine being Bar Mitzvah’d 3 times … every 13 years … *laugh*
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

Looking at booking trip to SXSW – any recommendations on hotels / places to stay?
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@markevans Thanks man, much appreciated for the kudos.
Benjamin posted a new status update via twitter: 8 months, 2 weeks ago

@startupcfo That was fast! FREE helps
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How Copywriting Reveals Market Segmentation Strategies 8 months, 2 weeks ago

As most of you know by now, I’m a big fan of Steve Blank and his book The Four Steps to the Epiphany.

One of the [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: 650 Strategic Ways to Choose a Premier, Unique, Full Service, Interactive Marketing, Digitally Driven, Results Oriented, Innovation-Focused, Creative, Social Media Marketing, New Media Global Consultancy Agency 8 months, 3 weeks ago

Say that 5 times fast, will ya?

The truth is, I don’t have 650 reasons to do anything, but having spent the last few days doing some research into digital agencies, social media agencies, web companies, PR firms, etc. (all service companies) it’s somewhat shocking and hugely disappointing to see the amount of wasted bits and [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Check Out These Startup Blogs 8 months, 3 weeks ago

One of the best things about being involved in startups is the global community of entrepreneurs that exists. Many startup founders and employees blog and participate actively via social networking and social media sites. They do so to share lessons learned (often hard ones!), network, promote themselves (personal branding is good!), and pimp their companies [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Startups Aren’t Small Companies 8 months, 3 weeks ago

Everyone says that startups are fast-paced, innovative and able to take bigger risks more quickly than large companies. But the reality is that too many startups are not prepared for the risk-taking and innovation that has to take place.

Just because a startup is small doesn’t guarantee that it’s agile or decisive.

The agility and decisiveness [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Where’s the Surprise on the Web? 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Join me for my latest obsession: Surprise.

In thinking about Surprise and how it relates to my business and the Web in general, I realize that there’s absolutely not enough surprise on the Web.

How often do you visit a website and get surprised?

Sure there are crazy, silly, surprising videos on YouTube. And those often spread [...]
Benjamin became a registered member 9 months ago
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: People Will Pay for Surprise 9 months ago

Turns out, people like surprises. Who’d a thunk it?

Actually, some surprises may anger, disgust, scare or shock people — but that’s a good thing!

And most important for businesses out there: People will pay for surprise.

Andy Nulman is Mr. Surprise. Go read [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Creativity Loves Blowing Constraints Out of the Water 9 months ago

We often hear, “Creativity loves constraints.”

The premise is that real creativity, insight and innovation come out of situations that are constrained in some way. Oftentimes it’s a lack of money that forces startups to be smarter, faster and better. But there are a whole host of constraints — time is another big one — that [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: You Won’t Believe What Running a Startup is Really Like 9 months, 1 week ago

…until you’ve actually done it.

If you’re running a startup, or thinking about it, or have an inclination that some day you want to, or you work at one, go read Paul Graham’s latest essay, What Startups Are Really Like.

For me it reads like my “startup autobiography”. He’s publishing a list of “surprises” that he [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How To Write Great Surveys with Actionable Data Results 9 months, 1 week ago

Writing a great survey isn’t easy. At first it might seem straightforward, but after banging out a few questions with your favorite survey tool (I use Wufoo most of the time), you start to see the complexity and intricacies involved.

More and more startups are creating surveys as a means of collecting data from early [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Raising Startup Capital is an Achievement, But Not the Most Important One 9 months, 1 week ago

HubSpot recently raised $16M dollars in a new funding round. The total capital they’ve raised to date: $33M. That’s a huge amount of money. Dharmesh Shah, one of HubSpot’s founders isn’t in love with the idea of raising venture capital (but he did it, and explains why too.) He considers himself a <a [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Lack of Market Focus Can Kill Your Startup 9 months, 1 week ago

Too many startups lack market focus. They don’t really understand their target customer and what that customer wants. And that lack of focus kills startups.

It’s easy to look at and define a big market as a single entity – [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Key to Startup Hiring: Build a Magnet 9 months, 2 weeks ago

Hiring at startups is hard. Get a handful of startup people in a room and ask them about their biggest challenges and hiring is always at (or near) the top of the list.

Typically startups don’t offer the same salaries and benefits found at larger companies. Some argue that the risk is higher (although <a [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: The Inauthentic Potential of Personal Branding 9 months, 2 weeks ago

I’m a fervent believer in the value of cultivating and promoting one’s personal brand. I’ve put a fair amount of thought and effort into my own personal brand and reaped considerable benefits. If you want to advance your career in some way (whether [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: Product Managers in Startups: What’s their Role? 9 months, 2 weeks ago

Product managers are the unsung heroes in startups.

The Wikipedia definition of product management states:

Product management is an organizational lifecycle function within a company dealing with the planning or marketing of a product or products at all stages of the product lifecycle.

Product management (inbound focused) and product marketing (outbound focused) are different yet complementary efforts with [...]
Benjamin wrote a new blog post: How Social Media Improves Lead Conversion 9 months, 3 weeks ago

A recent study by GroupM Search and comScore looked at the relationship between search marketing and social media. It’s an interesting read.

The crux of the report is that people who are exposed to a brand via social media are more likely to search directly for that brand (or search terms that are lower level/closer [...]