Startup and Funding

During Commitech’s EnterpreneurFest, the “experts” – VCs and Angels – talked about revenue as really being the best source of funding. I am deep into becoming a salesperson for 21CSI, since I don’t have the funds to hire one. But I realize three things as I do this.

1. It detracts from the other things that I need to be doing as the startup CEO.

2. It does not come naturally to me, although I can discipline myself to do it.

3. It really is the best source of funding, because it is providing me with an early market test of my ability to sell the ideas behind 21CSI.

So on to the direct mailing, network, cold calling, follow ups and sales closure

Cold calling and introverts

It amazes me how reluctant I am to engage in the disciplined practice of cold calling. But my calls are not really cold. We have identified the people. We have sent then a snail mail package with an article. It is really more of a followup call. We use Salesforce.com to track what we are doing. But I still have to push myself to do it. Guess that is what it means to be in “introvert”.