Tag Archives: startup

New Business Launched – Golem Technologies

Posted on February 2, 2011 by Charlie B

After many months of work, I have finally officially launched Golem Technologies, a website and web application security scanning SAAS application. This is designed to be the world’s easiest security scanner, offering one click scanning (only enter a URL and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bootstrapping as Method, Startup Challenges | Tagged entrepreneur, Golem Technologies, Security Scanning, startup, website launch | 3 Comments

Going Solo: How Much Income Do You Really Need?

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Charlie B

If you are like me, and dream of starting a successful small online business one day so you can truly be self employed, it helps to know ahead of time what constitutes success. If you read my about page, one … Continue reading →

Posted in Bootstrapping as Method | Tagged entrepreneur, planning, small business, startup | 2 Comments

Modern Day Careerism

Posted on December 22, 2010 by Charlie B

A lot of people talk about starting their own business. A small percentage of those people actually work towards it, and an even smaller percentage actually manage to start something. Why is this? I was recently in a meeting for … Continue reading →

Posted in Career Satisfaction | Tagged career satisfaction, entrepeneur, inspiration, opportunity, small business, startup | 2 Comments

Product Launch and My Pre-Launch Checklist

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Charlie B

I am preparing to launch a new web service in the next few weeks. I don’t have an exact date yet, but I have been putting together my pre-launch checklist of things to do, as well as a detailed launch … Continue reading →

Posted in Startup Challenges | Tagged entrepreneur, launch, pre launch checklist, startup, website launch | 11 Comments

WordPress vs. Joomla vs. Drupal – Picking a CMS for your Business

Posted on November 12, 2010 by Charlie B

Last week I wrote about why every business should build their site on a CMS. This week I will help you select which CMS is the right choice for your business website. The three I highlight here are all highly … Continue reading →

Posted in Technology | Tagged cms, drupal, joomla, programming, small business, startup, wordpress | 3 Comments

Internet Start Up Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Posted on December 13, 2009 by Charlie B

I launched my first web business 2 years ago, and just like that the venture flopped. Resurrecting the whole thing was pointless, and I spent a fair amount of time reflecting on what went wrong, what went right, and why it was doomed to failure from the beginning. Since that time, I have met many people in the same boat, or who were heading in that direction. To help prevent others from facing the same situation, I compiled a list of the main mistakes I made and see others making, and some tips on how to avoid them.
1) Not seriously writing a business plan

Many first time entrepreneurs and even some long-term entrepreneurs make this mistake. Everything you read online will suggest writing a business plan, but many people take this step for granted, hubris that they have skills others do not, and thus are bound for success with their great idea. The problem is that the idea may not be so great, or the execution of the idea may fail. The business plan forces you to consider this carefully and honestly, to assess if it will be a successful venture, and what your chances of success are.

Indy Game Economics 101

Posted on November 15, 2009 by Charlie B

I recently entered the Indy gaming market, a crowded market if ever there was one. I liken being an Indy game designer / programmer to being a first cut author, except without an entire publishing industry looking for hot talent. Imagine being an author and getting your first book put on Amazon for download, or included in an online store along with millions of other titles, many of which have name brand recognition, thousands or millions of dollars in marketing spend backing them, or a lower price point (free). Your book is new, it touches universal themes, the writing is solid, and the characters alive. Still, it is useless unless people see it and buy it. How is such an author to make enough to feed the family?