To save you and thousands of other aspiring hardware entrepreneurs a lot of self-inflicted pain, I created The Ultimate Guide To Bootstrapping Hardware Startups. Free to download, share and copy.
This guide aims encourage hardware entrepreneurs with the resources, processes and tips to help you build something out of nothing. It’s a collection of knowledge from seasoned engineers, manufacturing experts, supply chain pros and proven hardware entrepreneurs I either researched or personally know from the likes of XBOX, Kindle, LifeProof, Moment, OtterBox, Highway1, HAXLR8R, Bolt, TI and Apple.
It’s a collection of resources, best practices and experiences that are invaluable for your hardware starters.
The document discusses hardware startups and lessons learned from working with over 700 startups. It notes that hardware startups aim to take physical products to full scale production. It highlights global interest in hardware and makers from leaders like President Obama and China's Premier Li. Major players like Intel and Apple are investing in hardware and wearables. Hardware startups face many challenges from ideation through distribution. Events, communities, incubators, crowdfunding, and distribution channels can help hardware startups. Being ready to pivot and focusing on niche markets are also advised. The hardware revolution is ongoing.
Everybody knows all about lean startup, MVP, customer development and product/market fit (or at least, we hope everybody does). The key tenets make total sense: MVP as the smallest possible thing you can build to complete a build-measure-learn cycle; the need for speed; charge from day one if you can and so on. A software startup can easily go through two or three build-measure-learn cycle in a couple of months.
But what if your startup is creating a hardware product, where it takes 6 months or more to manufacture the smallest possible thing you can test with?
In this talk we will explore creative ways to apply key tenets of lean startup and customer development to hardware startups (ranging from consumer electronics to industrial products), where each product development and manufacturing cycle can run 6 months or longer. With minor tweaks, the same principles that help build great software startups quickly can be used to avoid capital expenditure mistakes in hardware startups. Join the conversation.
SharePoint for Startups, Tales from the TrenchesDave Healey
Dave Healey presented on using SharePoint for startups. He discussed how SharePoint can facilitate experimentation through the build-measure-learn feedback loop. Specifically, SharePoint enables continuous integration and a large pool of skilled resources. However, the platform requires proactive management. The presentation provided examples of startups using SharePoint to support their lean startup methodology and provided best practices around planning, risk management, and pivoting based on validated learning.
Petcube. How to build a hardware startup from scratchAlex Neskin
Petcube is a gadget that allows you to talk, watch and play with your pet from a smartphone. Successfully funded on Kickstarter at Nov 2013 and became most funded pet related project on croudfunding platforms ever
The Startup Ecosystem Landscape of Korea : a compilation of logos of Korean startup ecosystem participants. From accelerators, VC (corporate, foreign included) to media, consulting, co-working spaces.
Visit our website to view the latest version of the map: startupall.kr/startupmap/
From Idea to Market. How to build a hardware startupAgnieszka Nazaruk
This document provides an overview of how to build a successful hardware startup. It discusses how rapid prototyping, crowdfunding, affordable manufacturing, and online community have lowered the barriers to entry for hardware startups. The document outlines the key steps in the hardware roadmap, including developing a winning idea, prototyping, fundraising, manufacturing, distribution, and scaling. It emphasizes the importance of validating ideas, building community, managing cash flow, and expecting challenges throughout the process.
The autonomous vehicle, driverless or self-driving car will be one of the greatest technological developments of the next decade (if not all time).
It will profoundly change life on earth.
For the past century our car-centric culture has shaped infrastructure and ideals, landscape and lifestyle, ethics and enterprise. We rely on the mobility that cars provide us more than ever, but the car’s purpose and meaning changes as the driver fades out.
When the car drives itself, what we do in our cars and with our cars is exponentially different. When the car is intelligent, intuitive and adaptive, our relationship to the car alters. When the car builds itself, environments and economies are reshaped.
This report looks at the players, technologies and trends in the autonomous vehicle space and paints a picture of probable futures for citizens, businesses and marketers.
Buckle up. Bumpy roads ahead.
The document discusses hardware startups and lessons learned from working with over 700 startups. It notes that hardware startups aim to take physical products to full scale production. It highlights global interest in hardware and makers from leaders like President Obama and China's Premier Li. Major players like Intel and Apple are investing in hardware and wearables. Hardware startups face many challenges from ideation through distribution. Events, communities, incubators, crowdfunding, and distribution channels can help hardware startups. Being ready to pivot and focusing on niche markets are also advised. The hardware revolution is ongoing.
Everybody knows all about lean startup, MVP, customer development and product/market fit (or at least, we hope everybody does). The key tenets make total sense: MVP as the smallest possible thing you can build to complete a build-measure-learn cycle; the need for speed; charge from day one if you can and so on. A software startup can easily go through two or three build-measure-learn cycle in a couple of months.
But what if your startup is creating a hardware product, where it takes 6 months or more to manufacture the smallest possible thing you can test with?
In this talk we will explore creative ways to apply key tenets of lean startup and customer development to hardware startups (ranging from consumer electronics to industrial products), where each product development and manufacturing cycle can run 6 months or longer. With minor tweaks, the same principles that help build great software startups quickly can be used to avoid capital expenditure mistakes in hardware startups. Join the conversation.
SharePoint for Startups, Tales from the TrenchesDave Healey
Dave Healey presented on using SharePoint for startups. He discussed how SharePoint can facilitate experimentation through the build-measure-learn feedback loop. Specifically, SharePoint enables continuous integration and a large pool of skilled resources. However, the platform requires proactive management. The presentation provided examples of startups using SharePoint to support their lean startup methodology and provided best practices around planning, risk management, and pivoting based on validated learning.
Petcube. How to build a hardware startup from scratchAlex Neskin
Petcube is a gadget that allows you to talk, watch and play with your pet from a smartphone. Successfully funded on Kickstarter at Nov 2013 and became most funded pet related project on croudfunding platforms ever
The Startup Ecosystem Landscape of Korea : a compilation of logos of Korean startup ecosystem participants. From accelerators, VC (corporate, foreign included) to media, consulting, co-working spaces.
Visit our website to view the latest version of the map: startupall.kr/startupmap/
From Idea to Market. How to build a hardware startupAgnieszka Nazaruk
This document provides an overview of how to build a successful hardware startup. It discusses how rapid prototyping, crowdfunding, affordable manufacturing, and online community have lowered the barriers to entry for hardware startups. The document outlines the key steps in the hardware roadmap, including developing a winning idea, prototyping, fundraising, manufacturing, distribution, and scaling. It emphasizes the importance of validating ideas, building community, managing cash flow, and expecting challenges throughout the process.
The autonomous vehicle, driverless or self-driving car will be one of the greatest technological developments of the next decade (if not all time).
It will profoundly change life on earth.
For the past century our car-centric culture has shaped infrastructure and ideals, landscape and lifestyle, ethics and enterprise. We rely on the mobility that cars provide us more than ever, but the car’s purpose and meaning changes as the driver fades out.
When the car drives itself, what we do in our cars and with our cars is exponentially different. When the car is intelligent, intuitive and adaptive, our relationship to the car alters. When the car builds itself, environments and economies are reshaped.
This report looks at the players, technologies and trends in the autonomous vehicle space and paints a picture of probable futures for citizens, businesses and marketers.
Buckle up. Bumpy roads ahead.
"IOS 18 CONTROL CENTRE REVAMP STREAMLINED IPHONE SHUTDOWN MADE EASIER"Emmanuel Onwumere
In iOS 18, Apple has introduced a significant revamp to the Control Centre, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. One of the standout features is a quicker and more accessible way to shut down your iPhone. This enhancement aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for faster access to essential functions. Discover how iOS 18's redesigned Control Centre can simplify your daily interactions with your iPhone, bringing convenience right at your fingertips.
Building a Raspberry Pi Robot with Dot NET 8, Blazor and SignalRPeter Gallagher
In this session delivered at NDC Oslo 2024, I talk about how you can control a 3D printed Robot Arm with a Raspberry Pi, .NET 8, Blazor and SignalR.
I also show how you can use a Unity app on an Meta Quest 3 to control the arm VR too.
You can find the GitHub repo and workshop instructions here;
https://bit.ly/dotnetrobotgithub
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
Creative operations teams expect increased AI use in 2024. Currently, over half of tasks are not AI-enabled, but this is expected to decrease in the coming year. ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool currently. Business leaders are more actively exploring AI benefits than individual contributors. Most respondents do not believe AI will impact workforce size in 2024. However, some inhibitions still exist around AI accuracy and lack of understanding. Creatives primarily want to use AI to save time on mundane tasks and boost productivity.
Organizational culture includes values, norms, systems, symbols, language, assumptions, beliefs, and habits that influence employee behaviors and how people interpret those behaviors. It is important because culture can help or hinder a company's success. Some key aspects of Netflix's culture that help it achieve results include hiring smartly so every position has stars, focusing on attitude over just aptitude, and having a strict policy against peacocks, whiners, and jerks.
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
PepsiCo provided a safe harbor statement noting that any forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and are subject to risks and uncertainties. It also provided information on non-GAAP measures and directing readers to its website for disclosure and reconciliation. The document then discussed PepsiCo's business overview, including that it is a global beverage and convenient food company with iconic brands, $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, and nearly $14 billion in core operating profit. It operates through a divisional structure with a focus on local consumers.
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
This document provides an overview of content methodology best practices. It defines content methodology as establishing objectives, KPIs, and a culture of continuous learning and iteration. An effective methodology focuses on connecting with audiences, creating optimal content, and optimizing processes. It also discusses why a methodology is needed due to the competitive landscape, proliferation of channels, and opportunities for improvement. Components of an effective methodology include defining objectives and KPIs, audience analysis, identifying opportunities, and evaluating resources. The document concludes with recommendations around creating a content plan, testing and optimizing content over 90 days.
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
The document provides guidance on preparing a job search for 2024. It discusses the state of the job market, focusing on growth in AI and healthcare but also continued layoffs. It recommends figuring out what you want to do by researching interests and skills, then conducting informational interviews. The job search should involve building a personal brand on LinkedIn, actively applying to jobs, tailoring resumes and interviews, maintaining job hunting as a habit, and continuing self-improvement. Once hired, the document advises setting new goals and keeping skills and networking active in case of future opportunities.
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
"IOS 18 CONTROL CENTRE REVAMP STREAMLINED IPHONE SHUTDOWN MADE EASIER"Emmanuel Onwumere
In iOS 18, Apple has introduced a significant revamp to the Control Centre, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. One of the standout features is a quicker and more accessible way to shut down your iPhone. This enhancement aims to streamline the user experience, allowing for faster access to essential functions. Discover how iOS 18's redesigned Control Centre can simplify your daily interactions with your iPhone, bringing convenience right at your fingertips.
Building a Raspberry Pi Robot with Dot NET 8, Blazor and SignalRPeter Gallagher
In this session delivered at NDC Oslo 2024, I talk about how you can control a 3D printed Robot Arm with a Raspberry Pi, .NET 8, Blazor and SignalR.
I also show how you can use a Unity app on an Meta Quest 3 to control the arm VR too.
You can find the GitHub repo and workshop instructions here;
https://bit.ly/dotnetrobotgithub
2024 State of Marketing Report – by HubspotMarius Sescu
https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing
· Scaling relationships and proving ROI
· Social media is the place for search, sales, and service
· Authentic influencer partnerships fuel brand growth
· The strongest connections happen via call, click, chat, and camera.
· Time saved with AI leads to more creative work
· Seeking: A single source of truth
· TLDR; Get on social, try AI, and align your systems.
· More human marketing, powered by robots
ChatGPT is a revolutionary addition to the world since its introduction in 2022. A big shift in the sector of information gathering and processing happened because of this chatbot. What is the story of ChatGPT? How is the bot responding to prompts and generating contents? Swipe through these slides prepared by Expeed Software, a web development company regarding the development and technical intricacies of ChatGPT!
Product Design Trends in 2024 | Teenage EngineeringsPixeldarts
The realm of product design is a constantly changing environment where technology and style intersect. Every year introduces fresh challenges and exciting trends that mold the future of this captivating art form. In this piece, we delve into the significant trends set to influence the look and functionality of product design in the year 2024.
How Race, Age and Gender Shape Attitudes Towards Mental HealthThinkNow
Mental health has been in the news quite a bit lately. Dozens of U.S. states are currently suing Meta for contributing to the youth mental health crisis by inserting addictive features into their products, while the U.S. Surgeon General is touring the nation to bring awareness to the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The country has endured periods of low national morale, such as in the 1970s when high inflation and the energy crisis worsened public sentiment following the Vietnam War. The current mood, however, feels different. Gallup recently reported that national mental health is at an all-time low, with few bright spots to lift spirits.
To better understand how Americans are feeling and their attitudes towards mental health in general, ThinkNow conducted a nationally representative quantitative survey of 1,500 respondents and found some interesting differences among ethnic, age and gender groups.
Technology
For example, 52% agree that technology and social media have a negative impact on mental health, but when broken out by race, 61% of Whites felt technology had a negative effect, and only 48% of Hispanics thought it did.
While technology has helped us keep in touch with friends and family in faraway places, it appears to have degraded our ability to connect in person. Staying connected online is a double-edged sword since the same news feed that brings us pictures of the grandkids and fluffy kittens also feeds us news about the wars in Israel and Ukraine, the dysfunction in Washington, the latest mass shooting and the climate crisis.
Hispanics may have a built-in defense against the isolation technology breeds, owing to their large, multigenerational households, strong social support systems, and tendency to use social media to stay connected with relatives abroad.
Age and Gender
When asked how individuals rate their mental health, men rate it higher than women by 11 percentage points, and Baby Boomers rank it highest at 83%, saying it’s good or excellent vs. 57% of Gen Z saying the same.
Gen Z spends the most amount of time on social media, so the notion that social media negatively affects mental health appears to be correlated. Unfortunately, Gen Z is also the generation that’s least comfortable discussing mental health concerns with healthcare professionals. Only 40% of them state they’re comfortable discussing their issues with a professional compared to 60% of Millennials and 65% of Boomers.
Race Affects Attitudes
As seen in previous research conducted by ThinkNow, Asian Americans lag other groups when it comes to awareness of mental health issues. Twenty-four percent of Asian Americans believe that having a mental health issue is a sign of weakness compared to the 16% average for all groups. Asians are also considerably less likely to be aware of mental health services in their communities (42% vs. 55%) and most likely to seek out information on social media (51% vs. 35%).
AI Trends in Creative Operations 2024 by Artwork Flow.pdfmarketingartwork
Creative operations teams expect increased AI use in 2024. Currently, over half of tasks are not AI-enabled, but this is expected to decrease in the coming year. ChatGPT is the most popular AI tool currently. Business leaders are more actively exploring AI benefits than individual contributors. Most respondents do not believe AI will impact workforce size in 2024. However, some inhibitions still exist around AI accuracy and lack of understanding. Creatives primarily want to use AI to save time on mundane tasks and boost productivity.
Organizational culture includes values, norms, systems, symbols, language, assumptions, beliefs, and habits that influence employee behaviors and how people interpret those behaviors. It is important because culture can help or hinder a company's success. Some key aspects of Netflix's culture that help it achieve results include hiring smartly so every position has stars, focusing on attitude over just aptitude, and having a strict policy against peacocks, whiners, and jerks.
PEPSICO Presentation to CAGNY Conference Feb 2024Neil Kimberley
PepsiCo provided a safe harbor statement noting that any forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and are subject to risks and uncertainties. It also provided information on non-GAAP measures and directing readers to its website for disclosure and reconciliation. The document then discussed PepsiCo's business overview, including that it is a global beverage and convenient food company with iconic brands, $91 billion in net revenue in 2023, and nearly $14 billion in core operating profit. It operates through a divisional structure with a focus on local consumers.
Content Methodology: A Best Practices Report (Webinar)contently
This document provides an overview of content methodology best practices. It defines content methodology as establishing objectives, KPIs, and a culture of continuous learning and iteration. An effective methodology focuses on connecting with audiences, creating optimal content, and optimizing processes. It also discusses why a methodology is needed due to the competitive landscape, proliferation of channels, and opportunities for improvement. Components of an effective methodology include defining objectives and KPIs, audience analysis, identifying opportunities, and evaluating resources. The document concludes with recommendations around creating a content plan, testing and optimizing content over 90 days.
How to Prepare For a Successful Job Search for 2024Albert Qian
The document provides guidance on preparing a job search for 2024. It discusses the state of the job market, focusing on growth in AI and healthcare but also continued layoffs. It recommends figuring out what you want to do by researching interests and skills, then conducting informational interviews. The job search should involve building a personal brand on LinkedIn, actively applying to jobs, tailoring resumes and interviews, maintaining job hunting as a habit, and continuing self-improvement. Once hired, the document advises setting new goals and keeping skills and networking active in case of future opportunities.
A report by thenetworkone and Kurio.
The contributing experts and agencies are (in an alphabetical order): Sylwia Rytel, Social Media Supervisor, 180heartbeats + JUNG v MATT (PL), Sharlene Jenner, Vice President - Director of Engagement Strategy, Abelson Taylor (USA), Alex Casanovas, Digital Director, Atrevia (ES), Dora Beilin, Senior Social Strategist, Barrett Hoffher (USA), Min Seo, Campaign Director, Brand New Agency (KR), Deshé M. Gully, Associate Strategist, Day One Agency (USA), Francesca Trevisan, Strategist, Different (IT), Trevor Crossman, CX and Digital Transformation Director; Olivia Hussey, Strategic Planner; Simi Srinarula, Social Media Manager, The Hallway (AUS), James Hebbert, Managing Director, Hylink (CN / UK), Mundy Álvarez, Planning Director; Pedro Rojas, Social Media Manager; Pancho González, CCO, Inbrax (CH), Oana Oprea, Head of Digital Planning, Jam Session Agency (RO), Amy Bottrill, Social Account Director, Launch (UK), Gaby Arriaga, Founder, Leonardo1452 (MX), Shantesh S Row, Creative Director, Liwa (UAE), Rajesh Mehta, Chief Strategy Officer; Dhruv Gaur, Digital Planning Lead; Leonie Mergulhao, Account Supervisor - Social Media & PR, Medulla (IN), Aurelija Plioplytė, Head of Digital & Social, Not Perfect (LI), Daiana Khaidargaliyeva, Account Manager, Osaka Labs (UK / USA), Stefanie Söhnchen, Vice President Digital, PIABO Communications (DE), Elisabeth Winiartati, Managing Consultant, Head of Global Integrated Communications; Lydia Aprina, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Nita Prabowo, Account Manager, Integrated Marketing and Communications; Okhi, Web Developer, PNTR Group (ID), Kei Obusan, Insights Director; Daffi Ranandi, Insights Manager, Radarr (SG), Gautam Reghunath, Co-founder & CEO, Talented (IN), Donagh Humphreys, Head of Social and Digital Innovation, THINKHOUSE (IRE), Sarah Yim, Strategy Director, Zulu Alpha Kilo (CA).
Trends In Paid Search: Navigating The Digital Landscape In 2024Search Engine Journal
The search marketing landscape is evolving rapidly with new technologies, and professionals, like you, rely on innovative paid search strategies to meet changing demands.
It’s important that you’re ready to implement new strategies in 2024.
Check this out and learn the top trends in paid search advertising that are expected to gain traction, so you can drive higher ROI more efficiently in 2024.
You’ll learn:
- The latest trends in AI and automation, and what this means for an evolving paid search ecosystem.
- New developments in privacy and data regulation.
- Emerging ad formats that are expected to make an impact next year.
Watch Sreekant Lanka from iQuanti and Irina Klein from OneMain Financial as they dive into the future of paid search and explore the trends, strategies, and technologies that will shape the search marketing landscape.
If you’re looking to assess your paid search strategy and design an industry-aligned plan for 2024, then this webinar is for you.
5 Public speaking tips from TED - Visualized summarySpeakerHub
From their humble beginnings in 1984, TED has grown into the world’s most powerful amplifier for speakers and thought-leaders to share their ideas. They have over 2,400 filmed talks (not including the 30,000+ TEDx videos) freely available online, and have hosted over 17,500 events around the world.
With over one billion views in a year, it’s no wonder that so many speakers are looking to TED for ideas on how to share their message more effectively.
The article “5 Public-Speaking Tips TED Gives Its Speakers”, by Carmine Gallo for Forbes, gives speakers five practical ways to connect with their audience, and effectively share their ideas on stage.
Whether you are gearing up to get on a TED stage yourself, or just want to master the skills that so many of their speakers possess, these tips and quotes from Chris Anderson, the TED Talks Curator, will encourage you to make the most impactful impression on your audience.
See the full article and more summaries like this on SpeakerHub here: https://speakerhub.com/blog/5-presentation-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers
See the original article on Forbes here:
http://www.forbes.com/forbes/welcome/?toURL=http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2016/05/06/5-public-speaking-tips-ted-gives-its-speakers/&refURL=&referrer=#5c07a8221d9b
ChatGPT and the Future of Work - Clark Boyd Clark Boyd
Everyone is in agreement that ChatGPT (and other generative AI tools) will shape the future of work. Yet there is little consensus on exactly how, when, and to what extent this technology will change our world.
Businesses that extract maximum value from ChatGPT will use it as a collaborative tool for everything from brainstorming to technical maintenance.
For individuals, now is the time to pinpoint the skills the future professional will need to thrive in the AI age.
Check out this presentation to understand what ChatGPT is, how it will shape the future of work, and how you can prepare to take advantage.
The document provides career advice for getting into the tech field, including:
- Doing projects and internships in college to build a portfolio.
- Learning about different roles and technologies through industry research.
- Contributing to open source projects to build experience and network.
- Developing a personal brand through a website and social media presence.
- Networking through events, communities, and finding a mentor.
- Practicing interviews through mock interviews and whiteboarding coding questions.
Google's Just Not That Into You: Understanding Core Updates & Search IntentLily Ray
1. Core updates from Google periodically change how its algorithms assess and rank websites and pages. This can impact rankings through shifts in user intent, site quality issues being caught up to, world events influencing queries, and overhauls to search like the E-A-T framework.
2. There are many possible user intents beyond just transactional, navigational and informational. Identifying intent shifts is important during core updates. Sites may need to optimize for new intents through different content types and sections.
3. Responding effectively to core updates requires analyzing "before and after" data to understand changes, identifying new intents or page types, and ensuring content matches appropriate intents across video, images, knowledge graphs and more.
A brief introduction to DataScience with explaining of the concepts, algorithms, machine learning, supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, statistics, data preprocessing, real-world applications etc.
It's part of a Data Science Corner Campaign where I will be discussing the fundamentals of DataScience, AIML, Statistics etc.
Time Management & Productivity - Best PracticesVit Horky
Here's my presentation on by proven best practices how to manage your work time effectively and how to improve your productivity. It includes practical tips and how to use tools such as Slack, Google Apps, Hubspot, Google Calendar, Gmail and others.
The six step guide to practical project managementMindGenius
The six step guide to practical project management
If you think managing projects is too difficult, think again.
We’ve stripped back project management processes to the
basics – to make it quicker and easier, without sacrificing
the vital ingredients for success.
“If you’re looking for some real-world guidance, then The Six Step Guide to Practical Project Management will help.”
Dr Andrew Makar, Tactical Project Management
Beginners Guide to TikTok for Search - Rachel Pearson - We are Tilt __ Bright...
Your ultimate guide to bootstrapping a hardware startup!
1. The Ultimate Guide To
Bootstrapping A Hardware Startup
Adam Benzion is the founder of Entirely, a network for hardware
startups. Previously a consumer electronics entrepreneur who sold
his company to OtterBox in 2012, Adam is a Microsoft alumni and
the moderator of The Hardware Startup on Linkedin.
Say hello @adambenzion
June 2014 | Public Domain | v1.5
2. Got a great hardware idea you really want to bring to life? Not sure where to start? You came to the right place.
This guidebook is a tool built just for you. It aims to help and encourage hardware entrepreneurs with the re-
sources, processes and tips to help you build something out of nothing. It’s a collection of knowledge from sea-
soned engineers, hardware hackers, manufacturing experts, supply chain pros and proven entrepreneurs from
the likes of XBOX, Kindle, Life Proof, Moment, OtterBox, TI, Bolt, HAXLR8R, and Apple. These are colleagues,
LinkedIn contacts, and close friends who were kind enough to contribute to this resource as a way to give all
hardware startups and their people a supportive boost.
Ready to start?
In the mental model I now use for starting your hardware endeavors, there are 5 “gates” to pass through:
This guidebook accompanies each gate with a series of specific questions resources and advice. My goal is to
help you deliver a hardware product with the least amount of missteps, back-pedaling, and pain. So go on
and give FitBit, Nest, and Apple the run for their money. Not only can you do it, the world needs you to do it.
3. Let's get started. Before a single nut is
connected to a bolt, there is an idea, and
with it, many questions must be answered.
This is not a moment to overwhelm yourself
with the details—there will be plenty of time
for that later—but it’s also not the time to
start playing with prototypes.
You will be better off in the long run if
you make your way through the list to
follow and see what you come up with.
Gate 1
Explore
4. What problem are you solving? Whose needs
will be served by your product? Would you buy
this product? What will the product cost at retail,
and is that in line with customer expectations?
How big is your market? Build a Marketing Re-
quirement Document.
What does your brand stand for? This is not the
same thing as a company name, logo or tagline,
but what you represent. Brand identity is a
huge part of today’s marketing world.
There are customer needs, and customer wants.
The question your product answers may be mun-
dane, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it
sexy. Test your idea’s seduction power with
Google Ad Words hitting your “future website”.
By the way, it’s probably never too early for
Intellectual Property and trademark
consultation, just for peace of mind.
Define your customer
segment
Find mentors and advisors. Tap people who you
trust. Whenever you can, talk to people who have
done this before.
Validate assumptions: Talk to at least 20 strangers
about your product. Gauge their enthusiasm, listen
carefully to their questions and don’t assume you
have the answers yet.
Build the right team. Yes, you need a skilled team,
but an entrepreneurial startup has to be stocked
with risk takers. Look for resilient, persevering
types who can keep each other motivated when
frustration levels are high.
Take technical classes, get involved, and learn new
things.
Involve others whenever
possible
5. Create cost estimates: Prototypes are expensive and so are the engineers
who build them. At this point, a full Bill of Materials will not exist, but accu-
rate cost estimation is still important.
Map your funding strategy. Cash flow is often the thing that makes or
breaks hardware startups. A funding strategy can take many forms, (and of
course will be considered more thoroughly when we get to “Fund”), but it
needs to be on the table as early as possible.
Grandiose products, even at this early stage, will come back to bite you later
if you can’t command top dollars when you sell them. Margins are business
killers. I felt it first hand and it was ugly. It’s never too early to think about
costs.
Cost is key, figure it out early"There are really two factors at play
here: what I call “microeconomics”
and ”macroeconomics”. Microeco-
nomics is things like your Bill of Ma-
terials (BOM) and Cost of Goods
Sold (COGS). Own these numbers.
Know that every penny counts. Con-
sumer products typically see a 3-4x
increase to the shelf cost (ie. a mi-
croprocessor that costs you $1 more
means the end price of the product
needs to be raised by $3 – $4).”
Ben Einstein, Bolt.
6. You are committing to deliver a physical product, and although we aren’t at “Proto-
type” just yet (that’s next), this is the time to sharpen your drafting pencils and
contact with the outside world that will help you define the experience you need to
deliver in order to succeed.
Develop visual concepts of software, hardware and people coming together in several
use case scenarios. Make them pretty, 3D renders, these are like ecstasy for the soul
and they keep you going to keep you inspired.
Define your product and experience architecture: Design is nice, but what
happens under the hood is more important, and as why people would bother to
use it and how it translates to everyday use.
Define your so tware strategy. Be mindful of the Internet of things, APIs. Will you
need to consider interoperability with other devices? Probably yes, so how does
that work? How does it look like?
Engaging a professional team to help you build the product? Do it after you’ve
de-fined the co e of you invention, the desired experience, and brand.
Over-communicate with your team and vendors; insist on “return on experience.”
Build an experience, not a product
7. Your Exploring Gate Resources:
Map your business strategy with a business model canvas
Access market research from CEA
Build a cool “coming soon” website to test your SEO seduction power
Join a Startup Weekend and validate your idea
Find great people on Angel List
Get a badass domain with a ton of options and dot.hacks
Tap product ideation and design firms: Teague, Anvil Studios, Whipsaw, Smart Design
Get to know the good people, programs and resources at Up
Read:
Steve Blank’s tools for startups
We’re sketching the big picture here. Keep track of your answers and ideas as they
change over time, and get ready to focus on the next gate: Prototype.
8. Gate 2
Prototype
Your early prototypes may not look like much. Your minimally viable products (MVPs) will likely be made
from duct tape and scrap wood, and you’ll probably destroy kitchen knives and scissors cutting plastic
and metal before super-gluing it all together. It’s hard to believe that these prototypes may one day get
translated into the final p oduct, but this is how you start. I built sad little prototypes from parts I ordered
from Alibaba.com before I met my co-founder.
When I joined OtterBox, a billion dollar business, I had the luxury to build amazingly fun and complex pro-
totypes incorporating appearance models, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and GPS radios, iOS and Android
apps, cloud, analytics and lots of fun RGB LEDs. It was rapid and the team was world class - that was the
dream, almost limitless. The reality for a startup begins with duct tape and Arduino boards and is
anything but limitless. But don’t be afraid to dream big about the performance and appearance of your
final p od-uct; a little daydreaming and imagination can fuel a self-fulfilling prophecy, at the worst, it will
keep you motivated.
The Prototype gate is often both fun and frustrating as you start understanding and developing your craft.
Enjoy the excitement but be prepared for setbacks. You exit this phase when you have a reliable,
working prototype, some high-quality visuals of what you think the finished product will look like, and a
list of the key hardware components.
9. By now you should have a product require-
ment document. Refer to it often: What
it is you are building, exactly? Discipline
yourself to use this document as a guide.
If your product starts to change radically,
that’s fine but that might mean a trip back
to the Explore phase.
It’s all process right now: Iterate, learn, im-
prove, learn, optimize, and learn.
When you finish your first prototype, start
working on your second, and third. Think
in terms of success metrics: It’s not how
many prototypes, but what is the bar for
the final one? And before that: What is
the bar right now, for the next build?
Test for manufacturability. A good rule of
thumb: By the time you reach your 3rd
prototype, you should be starting to verify
that it is actually buildable.
Process
Build it at home first: Order products from Alibaba.com and other
inexpensive suppliers, and stock up on ducttape.
Electronics: Start with kits, then breadboards, then custom PCBs, and
not the other way around. And if you have electronics in your product,
expect to have more before it’s all over.
Identify important components and hard-to-find ones keep track of re-
liable suppliers. An early relationship with Avnet will go a long way.
If batteries are part of the picture, think carefully about your require-
ments. Looking for a Lithium-ion battery? Do yourself a HUGE favor:
Source a pre-certified battery and save yourself a lot of time and cost.
If you can’t find the pa t you need, you can probably make it! 3D Print-
ers are now easily available around the world. Find a local shop and
make some friends.
Identify prototyping partners who can help you build and test your first.
This is also the time to start understanding consumer electronics
regu-lations and certifications.
Looking to get inspired? A personal favorite video blog and store
you have to check out when you start building is Adafruit.
Hardware
10. Create software experiences that engage users intelli-
gently. I used a firm in NYC called Fueled that really un-
derstood how human experiences related to mobile
power management, by delivering smart and engaging,
hardware connected experiences like never seen before.
Leveraging software to better understand your users
through embedded analytics like MixPanel. Hardware
alone is a box. Hardware with software is a blackbox.
Use software to fix upgrade, and evolve your hardware
through remote firmware and software upgrades.
Learn more about products or approaches that make it
easier to connect things to the Internet of other things.
Like Swarm from Buglabs.
Software
“To succeed, hardware
needs software that
makes it sing.”
Adam MacBeth
11. Your Prototyping Gate Resources:
Order gadgets, take ‘em apart, and duct tape - Alibaba
Make friends with open source hardware like Arduino and OSHWAS
Find a 3D printing shop
Make friends with your components distribution partner
Learn how to certify your products
Somebody at your startup should be solid with Solidworks
Kits! Affordable, low cost development kits from TI
Free 3D CAD library – WOOT!
A Great place to start learning about IP
Phabricator, an open source, software engineering platform
The CAD giant that never goes out of style Autodesk
Product development partners: Synapse, Nytec, Carbon Design Group
Get to know this company sooner than later: Dragon Innovation. Indispensable!
Design, compile, and simulate your project electronic online at 123D Circuits
Search engine for components? Yes it exists: Octopart
Stay forward-looking, but hold on to
your past. Please keep your first p oto-
types. As souvenirs, these mementos
will mean more than you know later on
when you become the next Samsung.
They are your first-born the something
you made from nothing. Not to men-
tion: You never know when you might
go back to those early prototypes for a
fresh reminder of your original vision.
If you make it through this gate, with
ready prototypes in hand, you’ve come
a long way. But the two most critical
gates in building hardware startups are
still ahead: Fund and Manufacture.
Must Read:
Marc Barros’ hardware blog
12. The bottom line is that you can only raise money with something
physical, something built. A PowerPoint may raise some interest,
but getting your prototype built is a rite of passage, a passage
to cash. And as far as funding is concerned, the more the better.
That probably seems obvious, but I’ve said it before: Hardware
is fairly expensive to build and experiment with. You will need
around $20K to play with plastics only, $40K to build something
that has more mechanical parts or optics, and around $80K to
build a serious consumer electronics prototype. I truly believe
that these numbers are the bases, a minimum and not an aver-
age. And on that note not all money is equal. If you can, find a
future customer that will fund your first o der, and only then try
Crowdfunding and venture or debt financing
Speaking of Crowdfunding, it has changed everything, as ev-
idence by so many success stories from Moment to Poppy to
Ouya and Pebble. These makers found money by connecting
with a community of future customers who made it happen for
them. And funding accelerators are another great option that
not only help you with cash, but also with much needed
relation-ships, processes and mentoring.
Gate 3
Fund
"In our world, Kickstarter is foreplay. So much other
stuff has to happen to create a successful hardware
business. And if we're successful, for hardware com-
panies the only barrier to entry will be their passion."
Liam Casey, PCH CEO
13. It starts with you. You have to be willing to take a risk on this if you are going to ask others to do the same.
Is selling your car or part of your 401K starting to look real? Good; that means you’re obsessed. (For those
who answered No, either you are already independently wealthy—congratulations! Or you may have to re-
evalu-ate how serious you are about this.)
Crowdfunding is the name of the game, the place where many startups really get started. It’s not about
money only, but about validation and social ideation. But it’s tricky. Raising $500K on Kickstarter is not
longer the anomaly, but shipping 4,000 units on time is no joke. Once again, please, call Dragon Innovation.
Accelerators/Incubators are another source of resources. I'm not a big fan of software accelerators, but
I'm one for hardware. I wish I knew of one to join when I started in 2010.
Venture capital is all about money. When the public backs you through crowdfunding, the venture capitalists
will start to pay attention. And if someone in this league picks up your project, you may gain access to other
resources and partners.
Crowdfunding: Your first 8 hours a e critical to your success. Months before you kickoff your Kickstarter
campaign, start teasing your friends, family, and media with your invention. Start trickling information
to build interest, support and viral sharing. And when they day comes, ask 500 people you’ve nurtured
for the past three months to support, you and create that first-day momentum you need to hockey-
stick your funding run.
Savvy social marketing can be a lifesaver. If that’s not strength, consider hiring someone to help you.
And if nobody seems to care over social, you might want to pivot your idea before you launch your
campaign.
Funding Sources
14. Your Funding Gate Resources:
One awesome accelerator you need to join - Highway1
Another awesome accelerator you need to join - China Accelerator
Ping the good people at Bolt to help you fund and staff a team
VCs specializing on hardware
Kickstarter's creator handbook - awesome!
Great Slideshare from Cyril Ebersweiler (visionary expert on all things hardware)
HRTrek published a complete guide about this topic you will find super useful
Making it through the Fund gate can feel like the finish line but it’s really a mega
step. The reason you seek additional funding is to take that prototype and turn it
into a finished product for resale. Hardware gets real when you get to
Manufacture.
You might also consider offloading your entire project to Quirky!
15. Gate 4
Manufacture
What’s the hardest part of all this? The answer to that will vary from person to person, company to company, and
project to project. But without question, the gate with the greatest number of steps, the one with the most unknowns
to a newbie, is Manufacture. Now you put your design in the hands of others who have the facilities and knowledge to
produce. Getting that done well, it requires skill, experience, and careful communication. A seasoned engineer once
told me to consider the path to manufacturing the same as to having a child: Nine months.
After our startup was bought we had to learn very fast about scale manufacturing, USA vs. China, early stage vs. ma-
ture. It was hard, and full of friction. You will be creating tools, creating your sub-assemblies, testing tools, doing first
runs, and making trips to China or Wisconsin. Distance presents a challenge, and I highly recommend that you start in
the USA (or your home country) and only later consider scaling elsewhere. Once again, this is the time to get cozy with
companies like Dragon Innovation and PCH as you start to understand tooling, certifications, regulations, logistics, and
customs.
Fortunately, some of my friends at Microsoft’s XBOX and Amazon’s Kindle helped me think through this process,
filled with questions and check-offs for you and your manufacturing partners before you kick things off. I'm also
grateful for the good folks at Synapse that always help our small Seattle community with a plethora of information
about this subject. If you make it through the following list, you are closer (though you never feel totally ready) to
passing this gate.
16. Is your complete functional product spec done?
Are your Bill of Materials and Cost of Goods Sold estimates complete?
Have you passed all verification tests and gotten approved for production?
Can you optimize the design to use more common components?
Have you taken care of tooling, fixtures design and verifications?
What kind of inventory profiles do you need to maintain?
Are you 100% sure you have the green light from your Contract Manufacturing partner? Even though this step should
have been covered in the final p ototype phase, this is the time to check it again – is the product manufacturable (DFx)?
Find out sooner than later.
China vs. Local. My personal preference is to start locally and scale in China later.
Be realistic about your volumes so your CM doesn’t drop you when you never hit the 5 million units per year target.
Regularly test and validate your product at the factory. Gary Rayner who founded LifeProof lived in Taiwan and China
for a total of 6 months during the early production months of his juggernaut product.
You don’t need to be best friends with your CM leadership. But you need to like them, be able to clearly communicate
with them and build trust. Road trip baby.
Ready
17. What payment terms have you negotiated with your contract manufacturers or suppliers? Can you increase
payment terms to optimize your cash conversion cycle?
Do any key technologies have cost reductions over time that you can leverage? Did you know that you
can usually order components from your CM and cut your distribution free, saving you 20% of your costs?
How much margin is each of your suppliers or contract manufacturers making? It’s important to under-
stand how much of your supplier margin is passed through to your customers, and ensure the value is dis-
tributed appropriately.
What liability will you have if you over-produce and your supply exceeds your demand?
Do you know when will you start to recover the capital through sales?
An important note: If you intend to work with Chinese facilities, please learn about Chinese New Year.
Factories are closed—like really closed—for over a week, no exceptions.
Stop here and remember your vision for this product. Quality is everything: Get samples often, test them
completely, keep a log of change requests and hold your manufacturing partner accountable to deliver
the best quality product. There are no shortcuts here, only painful product returns.
One last tip I got from a local hardware entrepreneur – visit your CM’s warehouse, storage area. Is it
clean? Is it dry? Is it climate controlled? Mold, dust, dirt, bugs, these are things that will ruin your
packaging and that can kill the dream. Funny how the smallest things that we often overlook can come
back to bite us.
Set...
18. You can write and read entire books on this topic but nobody has time for
that. Just make sure you pick the right manufacturing partner that can help
you figure things out as a partner, not as a vendor to make your life a lot
easier. Okay then, go on to the final gate: Ship.
Go!
19. Your Manufacturing Gate Resources:
China Manufacturing Experts on LinkedIn
A great contract manufacturing partner in Taiwan specializing in metals
Free BOM template
Free COGS template
Join a top accelerators with real experts like Cyril from HAXLR8R or Highway1
Tap Dragon Innovation for help
Read:
You need to plan a visit to Huaqiangbei
Manufacturing partners: Sanmina, Celestica, Jabil, ZaoTech, Wistron
Global Gadget a startup specialzing in navigating the Asia manufacturing maze - worth pinging!
20. If you make it to this last gate, I know you’ll be eager to just
start selling as soon as possible. This gate is not just about
logisitics and shipping, but about your business strategy.
You’re not done until you have figured out all the details
of getting your product into the hands of distributors and
consumers. Everything that happens in the areas of
distribution, retail, orders and inventory management,
shipping, returns, and support happens here.
Gate 5
Ship
"There are two persistent myths for hardware startups.
The first is that the end game is selling at big box
retailers like Wal-Mart or Best Buy. The second is that
once your amaz-ing gizmo is on the shelves it will sell
itself. Those two ideas are dangerous.”
Cyril Ebersweiler and Benjamin Joffe
21. Is your business model and go to market plan ready to execute?
Have you prepared for media outreach for your launch?
Have you finalized your logistics plan
Did you look at your factory’s warehouse? Where are your prod-
ucts stored after the production line? Where are your products
stored back at the home-port? How is inventory being man-
aged?
What process do you have in place to monitor customer
demand and build your product to meet that demand?
Do you have buffers in place to handle increases in demand?
Are you ready with your support strategy? How will customers
contact you? Who will handle their questions and feedback?
Is your product repairable? What is the warranty? How will you
handle a customer if there is an issue with the hardware? Will
you replace with a new product and scrap the old product?
Have you mapped out your product lifecycle strategy? If your
product is successful, it’s likely that consumer response will lead
to some re-design, and you’ll be on to a v2. Start working on
your next gen versions before you ship your v1.
Consider the following Your Shipping Gate Resources:
OrderWithMe - easy, startup-ready supply chain
PCH is the service provider that can help you ship
Use the magic of Amazon’s fulfillment service
Support and returns by Amazon
Talk to Genco - the experts
Hot packaging? Convice Tether to give you a sexy deal
Read:
Logistics considerations and resources
"Demand creation is a result of your positioning (which
covers your target user profile pricing and branding) as
well as your media, community and marketing activities.
If your products are consistently in demand and fly o f the
shelves (even if you have limited shelf space), you will find
ways to finance growth....Learn how to sell profitably."
Cyril Ebersweiler and Benjamin Joffe
Easy e-commernce for hardware startups with Shoplocket
22. Building hardware products is as rewarding as it is difficult The tactile nature of your product is something
that no pure-play software geek will ever feel. The allure of materials, finishes colors, lights, software and
utility all coming together – it’s magic.
Hopefully reading this has given you some deeper insight into the challenges of a hardware venture. If
you like pictures and want to review this from a different angle, check out this awesome deck from a
successful maker, Alex Neskin of Petcube, on how to build a hardware startup from scratch. Like me, he
wants you to know: Hardware is hard, but people do it every day, and so can you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Adam Benzion
Go for it!