Every stage of a company’s growth holds unique challenges. In my opinion, the startup phase until about $2M in revenue for a software company is the hardest. The “hardest” analogy for hardware companies would be around startup to $10M. That’s because hardware company revenue is usually higher at the same “stage”. But growing a business […]
Integrating Sales & Marketing at Software and Hardware Companies
In some, but not all, tech companies the Sales and Marketing functions are managed separately. They are separate, but closely related functions that some people without a strong background in either function tend to confuse. Normally, a VP or Director is heading up the Marketing department, and another VP or Director leading the Sales staff. […]
Integrating the Marketing and Engineering Functions at Technology Companies
In most tech companies, Product Marketing and Product Development/Software Development/Engineering are managed separately. There is usually one VP over the Product Development function and another VP over the overall marketing function. This usually (but not always) includes both current product management/marketing and future product planning. This is certainly an appropriate way to organize a software […]
Dell Computer
Dell has been in the news recently, and like many big companies that have had a glitch in their performance, not in a good way. Slowing revenue growth, accounting scandals and customer service issues–you’ve heard it all before. By the way, where was the seminar that all big company managements attended, encouraging them to cut […]
Expense Controls for Early Stage Software and Tech Companies–Can You Overdo It?
I’m sure you’ve seen it too many times before. The free-spending startup software or hardware company burns through its funds like a cocaine addict on vacation in Columbia. It’s ultimately a sad tale, with great potential often wasted, many jobs lost and multiple lives hurt. But it is hard to feel sorry for the management […]
