Recommended Startup Reading List: The Lean Startup, Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple, Startup Weekend: How to Take a Company From Concept to Creation in 54 Hours

   The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries is an awesome resource for startup enthusiasts. The Lean Startup is a new approach being adopted across the globe. Its a game changer for companies building and launching new products. 5/5

Success Through Stillness: Meditation Made Simple

I'm a huge fan of Russell Simmons books and teachings, in Success Through Stillness, you'll learn to use stillness as a powerful tool to access your potential. A good read for all levels and ages.

Startup Weekend: How to Take a Company From Concept to Creation in 54 Hours

As an organizer and mentor for startup weekend, this book is a must read for anyone looking to learn how to go from Concept to Creation in 54 hours.

Startup Weekend, the organization behind the 54-hour events were developers, designers and marketers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams and create startups. The book contains best practices, lessons learned, an empowering examples for the organizations experience.

Taking Uber in France, a Blessing

Uber in France has been a blessing while traveling. It came in very handy to arrange transportation to and from the airports and train station's with luggage.

Cool Coworking Spaces in Paris, France

So in my Startup Weekend global travels I came across Mutinerie in the 19th arrondissement in Paris, France. This space is awesome for people looking to co-work in a creative environments, its multi leveled complete with a cafe. phone booth and a very helpful passionate staff.

The cafe'

Custom Rubberized Sunglasses

Theses sunglasses rock! Durable and inexpensive. you can get them at AnyPromo

Rubberized Sunglasses Made Of Recycled Material. Price included 1 color/location only on right temple

Notes on Raising Capital

Generate traction and revenue. investors portfolios last on average about 10 years. Don't loose control of the company by giving it away. There is more syndication going on (spreading the risk). Investors invest in a management. Capital efficiency means I am lean, this is key.

Business to Business is a market that gets allot of attention. "Nice to have" is a copycat. Be significant. 


Intellectual Property (I.P.) is a very important asset for your company. 

a Light IP is an app made with other existing tools. 

Women are 12% of all easy state investments.

Disrupt!!

NETWORKING is the #1 way of raising capital. Who do I know?

 Los Angeles wants revenue and content, Silicon Valley wants tech and New York wants eyes.

What investors are looking for?
1. Management Team
2. A unique Idea in an empty space.
3. A breakthrough idea
4. Scaleability, it has to scale.
5. Defensability. Patents, Intellectual Property, Trademarks, Corporate Structure (Corp, LLC) 

How to Pitch Investors?
Prepare with:
10 Slides
20 Minute
30 point type

In reality, expect to get 3-6 minutes. Sound-byte it. Turn a 30 second pitch to a 60 second "tell me more".

Investors care about the deal. What is the valuation? How does the technology work? Why is it unique, and how can I prove it?

Assume my pitch will save their portfolio.

When choosing your investment partner, do your research! 

The Terms

What  are the terms? Whats your term sheet like?

Alternative forms of raising capital?
Strategic partnerships, revenue creating deals. (I'm a huge fan of this)

Take money as late as possible. Ask for enough capital to keep going.

Super angels make bets.

VC's grow their portfolio.

Bravo's Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles is Casting!

Looking for High-Profile Real Estate Agents in Los Angeles

Bravo TV's Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles is Now Casting!!!

The producers of BRAVO's hit TV show "Million Dollar Listing LA"
are searching for a high-end real estate agent to add to the
fabulous cast!

Now casting a prominent, big-personality real estate agent in
Los Angeles who handles the most high-profile clients, buyers,
sellers and listings in town.

If you're a real estate agent with million dollar listings and
live a life of lavish opulence ... .WE MAY WANT YOU!!!

To be considered: Shoot an email including a brief bio of who
you are, where you live, and where you work. Tell us about your
listings and neighborhoods, clients, social circle, and why
you'd be great for the show. Attach a recent photo, photos of
your listings/sales and phone number where you can be reached.

LAREALTORCASTING@GMAIL.COM
Requirements:

Must have a constant flow of listings to be considered. Must be
a serious player in the real estate world. 

Angela Weingrad Bravo's "Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles"

Start Up Resource: oDesk.com

Start Up Resources

 Odesk.com. I love shopping for developers! Founded in 2003, oDesk allows you to hire people and find gigs.Odesk is the largest online workplace, where you can hire, manage, and pay a talented workforce of on-demand professionals. You can find web developers, Ruby on Rails developers, open social developers, Joomla developers, Software engineers, someone to build you a website or fix code. I recently used odesk to have someone build me both an iPhone and an android application. You can also set your own price. 

Check out the video below to see how odesk can work for you.

Los Angeles Small Business and Entrepreneurs Needed

MO.com is seeking small business and entrepreneurial candidates from the Los Angeles to interview. Candidates should be willing to share their background, advice, strategies and business philosophies with our readers.

About MO.com - MO is run by a team of entrepreneurs, so we get energized talking with others that have traveled down the same path of launching a new business or even those just about to embark on the adventure of starting a business. For a better idea of what we are after in our interviews, please check out
our site at MO.com. We interview entrepreneurs from all walks, across all industries, and from around the world. We focus on their habits and methods; what makes them tick.

Requirements:

Must be from the Los Angeles area



Contact:

Name: Mike Sullivan MO.com

Email: query-25c2@helpareporter.net

Tax Havens For Internet Companies

If your website or business does not operate out of a corporation or LLC, you’ve probably given some thought at one time or another as to whether there is any benefit to you or your business to have one. Online businesses are different from traditional businesses in many ways that make them especially good candidates for operating out of a formal business entity.

Website Magazine

One of the great benefits of incorporating is that you create legal separation between you and your business. In other words, your business is its own legal entity. It has its own bank account, pays its own taxes and, most importantly, has the option of “living” in whichever state (or country) you decide. Why then, do so many business owners limit themselves by forming corporations in their home state? Unless you are one of the lucky few that happen to live in a tax haven such as Nevada or Wyoming, take into consideration whether or not your state is the best tax climate for your company.

However, while businesses can “live” in whichever state they desire (technically called “domiciled”), they still have to register and pay taxes in each state where they transact business. And while each state has a different idea of what that term means, for the most part, if you have employees or office space in a particular state, you are transacting business there.

Qualifying Online Businesses and Tax Havens

If you operate a pure online business chances are your company only exists in a virtual world. If you don't keep office space and instead of employees you have independent contractors — such as programmers and server administrators, who are often in developing countries — you are a perfect candidate for saving on taxes via a tax haven.

Tax havens are generally states that are very pro-business and tax-free — no corporate taxes, franchise taxes or personal income taxes. There are two major tax havens in the United States — Nevada and Wyoming. The only significant difference between the two is that Wyoming seems to offer lower fees and doesn’t carry the tax haven stigma that Nevada has developed over the years.

If you have a truly virtual online business, all you have to do is form a Nevada or Wyoming corporation. Keep in mind that it can’t be an LLC unless you elect corporate taxation with the IRS. Otherwise, all of your income will pass through to your individual tax return in the state in which you live. This means that you will have to pay state taxes on the income at an individual level as if it were income to yourself.

When forming your corporation, it’s recommended to use a professional service. If you choose to go it alone, you may have to spend many more hours than you realize to understand the filing procedures and the nuances of that particular state — all from hundreds of miles away. A better bet is to use a national company with associates who specialize in each state and not only know the required filings, but also maintain strong relationships with state employees — an important factor to getting things filed in a timely manner.

Keep in mind that as soon as you issue yourself payroll, your corporation or LLC will need to register to transact business in your state — which means it will have to pay taxes from all income derived in that state. Therefore, you should try to take money out of your company in the form of loans and dividends.

Read the entire article on

Tax Havens For Online Businesses - Website Magazine - Website Magazine

Examining Different Business Structures With Jennifer Reuting

Register Now for Nevada State Bank's FREE interactive webinar, featuring Jennifer Reuting, founder of MyLLC.com, an expert on corporate structuring and limited liability companies. Reuting will show you the best way to customize a business structure to meet YOUR needs.

Register for our July 12th webinar and discover:

• Which entity is right for you - LLC, Corporation or S-Corporation?

• How to operate your company effectively, while still maintaining compliance

• Which tools and resources are essential for structuring your business

Thousands of companies have entrusted and counted on Jennifer Reuting to address their corporate needs. She has founded multiple industry-leading companies to help lower the cost of entry for independent contractors and small businesses. A regular speaker and guest professor at USC Marshall School of Business, Reuting’s newest venture, DocRun.com, was born out of the need to provide small businesses and independent contractors with an easy, affordable way to create operating agreements and other contracts and agreements governing business operations.

MyLLC.com Joins Forces with Startup America Partnership

MyLLC.com, the nation’s leading document filing and business entity formation company specializing in LLC and Corporation formations in all 50 states, is proud to announce their alliance with the Startup America Partnership.

MyLLC.com

Start Up America Partnership

MyLLC.com, which has long been renowned for its education-based platform, intends to assist the Startup America Partnership through offering free advice, and discounts on business filings and business structuring to emerging and existing entrepreneurs from coast to coast.

Along with some of the world’s largest corporations such as Microsoft, HP, Cisco and Google, and non-profits including the National Center for Women & Information Technology and The National Venture Capital Association, MyLLC.com will serve as a valuable supplemental resource for entrepreneurs from the earliest stage of business development. “Since our inception, it has been our primary mission to educate entrepreneurs about the critical need for proper structuring and filing of their businesses, in order to ensure that their startups, their visions, and their labors of love are strategically and thoroughly protected,” says Greg Monterrosa, Vice President of MyLLC.com.

The Startup America Partnership, launched on January 31, 2011 with initial launch funds from the Case Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, was conceived as a means to encourage and support the innovation of American entrepreneurs. The Partnership will work hand in hand with the White House to contribute funds, develop new programs, and assist entrepreneurs as part of President Obama’s strategy to stimulate economic growth by creating quality jobs.

“MyLLC.com is thrilled to be a part of the Startup America Partnership,” says Monterrosa. “As a rule, MyLLC.com never misses an opportunity to promote high-growth entrepreneurship across the country. We know that every business in the world started with one person’s vision -- just one idea. It is our obligation as an educational company to ensure that the visionaries behind these ideas are well-informed about the proper formation and structuring of their companies so that they remain sustainable and continue to create jobs well into the future,” he adds.

In addition to its new alliance with the Startup America Partnership, MyLLC.com’s founder Jennifer Reuting is the author of the best-selling book Limited Liability Companies for Dummies™, now in its second edition. MyLLC.com also has partnerships with the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and works in conjunction with the University of Southern California’s E-Club to help educate emerging entrepreneurs.


###



About MyLLC.com: MyLLC.com®, the authors of Limited Liability Companies for Dummies™ offers customers: complete entity formation, entity dissolutions/withdrawals, foreign qualifications, corporate compliance, free name checks, trademark searches and registrations,, registered agent services, and corporate supplies such as corporate kits, stock certificates and embossing seals. These services are available in all 50 States as well as the District of Columbia. For more information visit http://www.myllc.com/ or call 888.886.9552.



The Startup America Partnership is a movement - by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs - to help inspire and celebrate entrepreneurs, their firms and the people that join them. Launched January 31st at the White House in response to President Obama’s call to celebrate, inspire, and accelerate high-growth entrepreneurship throughout the nation, the Partnership is bringing together an alliance of major corporations, funders, service providers, mentors and advisors working to dramatically increase the prevalence and success of high-growth enterprises in the U.S. AOL co-founder Steve Case chairs the partnership and the Kauffman and Case Foundations are founding partners, providing initial funding and strategic guidance. For more information on the Partnership, visit http://www.startupamericapartnership.org/ and follow at www.twitter.com/startupamerica and www.facebook.com/startupamerica.

CASTING: Entrepueneur Moms in Real Estate

 CASTING: Entrepueneur Moms in Real Estate, Interior Design, or something "home related"!

Mom Entrepreneurs

My friends at Departure Films is looking for a multi-tasking mom with her own business in either the fields of interior decorating or real estate (other home-centric ventures also considered). We want to find the woman who has it all and does it with style! A woman who still has school-aged children and balances that world with her successful business venture.

The series is in early development and could go in many directions, but the nature of this business should in some way relate to the home. If you are an interior designer, we are seeking someone who does a fair volume of projects for paying clients- impeccable style and hands-on skill are a must. This mom’s design business should have sprung from a natural love of design, and does not necessarily require formal training. Real estate moms should have a real solid knowledge of the industry and consider themselves a major player in their market.

They should deal in residential sales or brokerage, and deally work with homes that are mid-grade to high end. In either case, this mom should be a rock star who has been able to maintain a balance in her work and home lives- the kids may tag along at a client consultation, or deals might be sealed at half-time of a Pop Warner football game, but Mom is always as step ahead of her client and two steps ahead of the kids! Please email with a brief introduction, phone/email contact info, and some information that highlights your background, and a list detailing your complete skill set.

Please email all materials to jessika@departure-films.com. Please include any pictures of yourself and your family, past projects, links to video, etc


 

Aweber Business Tool

"The Money Is In The List"

Name:

Email:

AWeber proves it to thousands of businesses every day.


Learn how email marketing software
can get you more sales, too.

Create An Email Newsletter with AWeber

Send Your First Email Newsletter Today - AWeber Communications

The BusinessMakers Radio Show-Jennifer Reuting of MyLLC.com -

Best Selling Author and Founder of MyLLC.com Jennifer Reuting is interviewed on the BusinessMakers Radio Show

Jennifer Reuting of MyLLC.com - The BusinessMakers Radio Show



Thanks

Why Do People Friend and Follow Brands?

Why Do People Friend and Follow Brands?

Two separate studies have been released over the past week that show why people "friend" and "follow" brands on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

The first, from Google, looked at Facebook. The study found that 55 percent of Facebook users do not friend or "like" any brands on Facebook. Of those who do, 18 percent become a fan of one or two brands, 11 percent do so for three or four brands, 10 percent five to nine brands and just 6 percent ten or more brands. And why do they become fans?

25 percent to receive discounts and promotions
18 percent to show others they support the brands
10 percent because it's fun and entertaining
8 percent to hear new info first

The second study comes from ExactTarget and surveyed Twitter users ages 15 and up. They found that:

38 percent of users follow brands to get updates on future products
31 percent to receive discounts and promotions
30 percent to get updates on upcoming sales
28 percent to get a "freebie"

The writing is on the wall. Your top business social networking priorities should be to offer discounts and promotions, and to keep users informed about product releases and other company news that will benefit the user. This does not mean announcing a new CFO, but rather a new product line, an update to an exisiting product or news about how your products can help improve consumers' quality of life, for example.

Of course, discounts and promotions loom large. Build a value system with users by rewarding their loyalty with discounts and you are likely to see new fans and followers. And, don't stop at promoting this strategy solely on networks - make sure your website provides links to your network profiles and informing users that, by becoming a fan or follower, they can expect discounts and promotions. As always, set a strategy including well-defined limits. After all, you don't want to give away the store should a discount go viral.

Free subscription to Website Magazine

I get subscribe to allot magazines. Most of them great publications, but one of the few I make sure to read cover to cover is website magazine. This publication is really ahead of its time with delivering cutting edge concepts. I almost feel like I'm giving up a secret weapon buy letting you know they are currently offering a free subscription to this magazine.


Go to ...WebsiteMagazine.com... to get the free subscription.

Making Money with Online Surveys

So I have been a member of surveysavvy.com for a few years now. Survey Savvy sends me emails daily asking to take part in online surveys that last anywhere from 5-20 minutes for cash. I usually do these survey from my phone when I'm waiting or bored. its been an interesting way to make cash, and they are very quick to pay you. Do date I've made over $300 with these guys, again filling our easy online surveys. Fun if anything and easy.  You can sign up to do theses and give it a try at http://www.surveysavvy.com/

MyLLC.com is proud to sponser The Perfect Pitch 2010.

OPEN CALL TO ENTREPRENEURS

Pitch submissions are now being accepted for The Perfect Pitch 2010.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN

If you are seeking capital or strategic partners for your business, this competition will provide powerful introductions, media exposure and a chance to change the trajectory of your business.

More than 100 angel and venture capital investors are participating as judges.
These investors represent more than $10 Billion in capital.

Judges will select the best entrepreneurs in these categories:
• Startup Businesses
• Established Businesses
•Students (college/university)

The Top 3 in each category will win airfare, hotel, limo, prizes and VIP tickets to PerfectBusiness Summit 2010.

Qualifying as a finalist in The Perfect Pitch 2010 can change your business forever:
INVESTORS
STRATEGIC PARTNERS
MEDIA EXPOSURE

Our 2010 conference has grown dramatically. This will be a massive two-day event in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino on October 7 - 8.

More than 60 powerful speakers will be participating, including:


Tony Hsieh CEO of Zappos
Tony Hsieh led Zappos from almost no sales to over $1 billion in sales, before selling Zappos to Amazon for $1.2 billion.

Isaac Tigrett
Legendary Founder of Hard Rock Cafe & House of Blues
Isaac Tigrett founded and built two of the world's most recognizable brands - Hard Rock Cafe and House of Blues.


Gavin Maloof
Owner of Palms Casino & NBA's Sacramento Kings
Palms Casino Resort is the hottest casino in Las Vegas and regularly hosts events attended by popular musicians and Hollywood celebrities.


Billionaire John Paul DeJoria
Founder of Paul Mitchell & Patron Tequila
John Paul DeJoria is one of America's greatest success stories. He is a former homeless person who amassed a $4 billion fortune by launching 2 companies that have exceeded a billion in annual sales.


CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PITCH

Whether you are seeking capital, business partners, knowledge or inspiration, I truly hope you will join us for two amazing days in Las Vegas.

The Affiliate Convention Party comes the Beverly Hills June 16, 2010

AffiliateConvention will be in Beverly Hills on June 16, 2010 from 9pm to 11pm at the Stone Rose Lounge. The event attracts hundreds of affiliate marketers, including super-affiliates.



Ticonderoga Ventures, Inc. announces the AffiliateConvention Event will be in Beverly Hills. Affiliate Convention Events are a series of intimate networking events that provide a relaxed and enjoyable forum for affiliates to make new business contacts, network with colleagues and leaders in their industry. The event will take place inside the Sofitel Hotel at Stone Rose Lounge in Beverly Hills from 9pm-11pm.

Attendance to the 2010 Affiliate Convention Event is free for affiliates that RSVP online by June 15

The June 16, 2010 affiliate networking event in Los Angeles allows affiliates and affiliate managers to meet in a social business setting to make new contacts and strengthen existing business relationships. Affiliates attending Affiliate Convention Events vary in levels from beginner to super-affiliate.

The event is timed with the Internet Dating Conference and Social Networking Conference, taking place June 16-18 in Los Angeles. Along with other industries, Online Dating Affiliates will have the rare and unique opportunity to meet directly with the owners of well known leading internet dating and social networking sites.

Elitemate is the sponsor of the event. Moss Networks, a marketing, public relations and event production firm that specializes in affiliate marketing and technology industries is planning the event.

Ticonderoga Ventures, Inc. a company that specializes in the production and logistics of niche conferences and events, is running the AffiliateConvention event.


For more information on the Affiliate Convention, please visit the website at http://www.affconla.com/