startup

Trust Agents: The Essential Startup Social Media Guide

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:29 AM

This month, the Sparxoo team read Chris Brogan and Julien Smith’s Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust. As top social media specialists themselves, Brogan and Smith have a lot of knowledge to share, and did not hold anything back. We want to share some key points and takeaways, and encourage you to read it...READ»

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Are Brands Dead for Good?

BY David CapeceThu Nov 5, 2009 at 8:22 AM

“Brands are dead!” says marketing guru, Faith Popcorn. Consumers are asking themselves, “Why would I buy a 50 oz Tide for $20 when I could buy a house brand for $3.99?” But she is not the only one declaring a fateful decline of brands. Brand values are down across the board, according to a new study by Interbrand. When budgets are tight, are consumers thinking about brands or…READ»

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Will Flowtown Finally Solve the Small Business Marketing Problem?

BY Francine HardawayWed Nov 4, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Most small businesses have it really rough. Whether they are retail or b2b, marketing is a huge problem for them because the can't do sponsorships, brand strategy, advertising and slick PR like the big boys. They've still got to get ...READ»

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Web Design and Advertising

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 7:31 AM

In the first part of our interview with Deirdre Zahl, Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, we outlined the basics of web design. We discussed the functionality of a web site, while touching upon the importance of aesthetic appeal. We also discussed the role of web designers in meeting the digital needs of customers and businesses. In this second part of the interview, we will do a deep dive on splash pages, the future of...READ»

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New Google Related Links Tool

BY David CapeceWed Nov 4, 2009 at 6:56 AM

Google recently released a new labs feature called Google Related Links. The webmaster tool is designed to increase...READ»

GETTING FUNDED | 6 comments

When Is the Right Time to Start a Business? Now.

BY Rob HayesTue Nov 3, 2009 at 1:29 PM

If you look at the history of successful companies, they start up in good times and bad.READ»

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Top 5 Crowdsourcing Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:13 AM

Technology has been kind to entrepreneurs, especially during a time when startup loans are hard to come by. With just an Internet connection, entrepreneurs have access to a wealth of knowledge. One of the ways they’re using it to their advantage is through crowdsourcing, a new trend taking the Web by storm. Crowdsourcing calls upon the people’s creative ideas and brings them together to form something new. As a form of problem solving, ideas are broadcast to a large group of people who...READ»

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Web Design Basics for Entrepreneurs

BY David CapeceTue Nov 3, 2009 at 6:07 AM

When is it appropriate to hire a graphic designer? When should you use Flash animation or HTML? We are joined by Sparxoo’s Senior Designer, Deirdre Zahl, to discuss the basics of web design and how entrepreneurs can utilize design for their brand.READ»

GETTING FUNDED | 1 comment

The Trouble With a High-Priced Valuation

BY Paul H. Lee, Senior Vice President, Peacock Equity FundMon Nov 2, 2009 at 4:23 PM

Lately, in spite of the down economy, I've been seeing what I would call rich valuations for companies in the digital media space. A certain white-label social networking site, a microblogging site, and a behavioral analytics firm all ...READ»

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The Twitter Lists Feature is Live

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 4:58 PM

Two-weeks after a beta launch, Twitter recently rolled out Twitter lists. The new feature enables users to create sub-streams, or categories of followers. It is a new way to organize and manage Twitter users. The bare-bones micro-blogging site strives to create a clean, simplistic...READ»

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Trend: How Whole Foods and The Fun Theory Are Changing Our Health

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 7:38 AM

The healthy lifestyle trend is about appealing to the customer in a creative way, not only creating new products, but calling them to action and bringing customers together on a whole new level. As a result, we're seeing positive lifestyle changes and surprisingly, an impact on...READ»

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New Media Stars Dominate Fortune’s 40 Under 40

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:58 AM

Recently, Fortune magazine released its annual list of 40 rising business stars under the age of 40. While there was sure to be a few media gurus in the mix, given today’s focus on social and digital media networks, 16 major players from areas of digital media and online technology are featured – making up 40 percent of the list. From Google and Hulu to Facebook and Twitter, some of business’ most...READ»

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The Scariest Inventions

BY David CapeceFri Oct 30, 2009 at 6:51 AM

In the spirit of Halloween, we’d like share some of the scariest inventions — those that make you scratch your head and ask, “What were they thinking?” For all of the successful entrepreneurs out there, there are many more that have failed to launch the next “must-have.” How is a noose-like head-rest safe? Or, who would want to have toilet-paper head? And why would anyone want to wear a bee-keeper…READ»

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If You Hear These, RUN, DON'T WALK!

BY David LavendaThu Oct 29, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Startup CEOs Say the Darndest Things....READ»

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What Do Glenn Beck and American Idol Have In Common?

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:54 AM

With consumer outrage at financial institutions egregious misconduct, there has been a renewed attitude about good vs. evil. This polarization has reflected in pop culture with such films as Monsters VS Aliens and web sensations like Red VS. Blue. However, the top TV shows of 2009 illustrate that it's more complicated than just black and white, good vs. evil -- everyone has their own winner. Increasingly, we want get behind "our guy or girl" and cheer them on. The Cheers and Jeers trend is about being passionate and getting behind people...READ»

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How Apple’s iPhone and Wii’s Mii Make Non-Techies Tech Geeks

BY David CapeceThu Oct 29, 2009 at 6:48 AM

On June 29th 2007, thousands of people waited impatiently in seemingly endless lines to get their hands on newly minted Apple product. It was not just another iPod or Mac computer, it was an entirely new platform that at the time, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on the tech industry. On June 29th 2007, the iPhone was released. Since that day, Apple’s iPhone has become the #1 selling smart phone on the market and revolutionized…READ»

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American Idol and Dooce Give Power to the People

BY David CapeceWed Oct 28, 2009 at 6:22 AM

You’ve probably heard the news that American Idol garners more votes than the presidential election. While there are some factors to consider in this situation – age, number of times to vote, etc. – there’s something to be said about the power of choice given to audiences. Just a few decades ago, audience participation may have been considered yelling out to the TV, with no opportunity to give feedback or have any…READ»

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Coca-Cola and Nintendo Re-Invent Brand Image

BY David CapeceTue Oct 27, 2009 at 6:07 AM

Imagine sitting down with an ice-cold Coca-Cola, finishing up the volcano level on Mario Kart just in time to watch the Transformers. When you imagine this, what decade are you in? The re-inventing icons trend is about re-energizing cultural icons in fresh, new and exciting ways–to capture new audiences while re-connecting with the generation that grew up with them. Pop culture icons born in the 1990s, like…READ»

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2009 Pop Culture Trends

BY David CapeceMon Oct 26, 2009 at 6:17 AM

When bell-bottom jeans became all the rage for teens in the late 90s, parents everywhere cringed at the thought. The style that had once been popular in the heyday of the boomer generation in the 60s and 70s was once again coming back – ready to be embraced by a whole new crowd. Bell-bottoms, Ross and Rachel, American Idol, Harry Potter, and the iPod – all iconic remembrances that have made pop culture history because of the masses who embrace them. Topics and trends that spark a...READ»

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Microsoft Opens Its First Store

BY David CapeceFri Oct 23, 2009 at 8:12 AM

In addition to launching its latest operating system, Windows 7, Microsoft recently opened its first bricks-and-mortar retail store in Scottsdale, AZ. In a scene reminiscent of the iPhone launch, legions of Microsoft fans flooded the software giant’s first retail store — impatiently waiting to check out the Zune, Microsoft Surface, Windows 7 and…READ»

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Google and Bing Face Off with Real-Time Facebook and Twitter Social Search

BY David CapeceFri Oct 23, 2009 at 6:44 AM

As Google continues to topple Microsoft’s Bing in the area of online search, Microsoft showed us that they’re not backing down, and surprised the social media world with a major announcement on Wednesday: Bing will now feature “tweets” – and soon, Facebook status updates – in real-time as part of their search engine…READ»

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New Influencer: A Social Media and Blogging Classic

BY David CapeceThu Oct 22, 2009 at 7:00 AM

Thinking about writing a blog for your small business or are you a marketer looking to dial-up your clients presence on the web? Paul Gillin’s book, The New Influencer: A Marketer’s Guide to Social Media, offers practical advice for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned marketer or digital novice, to increase brand presence and capture new audiences in the online space. Nearly four years after its publication, it remains relevant and useful to industry professionals and greenhorns…READ»

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Brand Spotlight: Hulu

BY David CapeceWed Oct 21, 2009 at 7:04 AM

Beyond a product, a brand is important for establishing a company’s image in the eyes of its customers. On the Internet, it’s even harder for a Web-only brand to establish itself, considering the hundreds, if not thousands, of other sites ready to take its place. In order to get the attention of users, offering a unique product is key, while putting a solid brand and image…READ»

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Debunking Myths About Gen Y

BY David CapeceTue Oct 20, 2009 at 7:20 AM

Over the past few years, the media has seemingly defined Gen Y into a single stereotype. While some may fit the stereotype, there are tens of millions more breaking the mold and exceeding expectations. Gen Y is 76 million members strong, full of diversity, creativity and bursting with potential. Gen Y wants to be remembered. They’ve been through the highest highs and lowest lows on both personal and economic levels. Many are establishing themselves as leaders, influencers...READ»

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KaChing Takes the Thinking Out of the Stock Market Gamble

BY Chris DannenMon Oct 19, 2009 at 2:32 PM

KaChing is a new startup that allows you to bet alongside top investors, so that every move they make can be duplicated in your portfolio. VentureBeat likens it to "fantasy football for investing junkies," but its effect is more ...READ»