Posts

LEARNING FROM FAILURE

As the New Year dawns, we look to reframe bad habits and create new ones that support us. This year, work to push through resistance and liberate yourself from fear. Do one thing every day that scares you. “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – […]

5 Daily Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs

It is important to plan your day and make the most of every minute. Here are five tips you can employ daily to boost your focus and your productivity, making sure every day is one day closer to realizing your dream. Own Your Morning. Use the morning hours for yourself. Plan what you want for […]

What’s the Single Most Important Driver of the Phoenix Startup Scene?

Greater Phoenix—and all of Arizona—has more happening in its startup scene now more than ever. Ask anyone in the community and they’ll demonstrate their excitement and general bullishness for our ecosystem’s continued growth. I am often asked what has been “the biggest change” that occurred to improve our startup community over the last few years. […]

Last Chance to Submit Entries for Invest Southwest’s 2016 Venture Madness Competition

Submissions will be accepted until December 17, 1015 PHOENIX (December 10, 2015) – Entrepreneurs looking to submit for the 2016 Venture Madness competition will have until 3:00pm MST on December 17, 2015 to enter their company for a chance at the $100,000 shared prize. In partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, Invest Southwest will select […]

Why I’m throwing my hat in the Venture Madness ring again this year.

Anyone in Arizona’s startup community knows that we have an electric entrepreneurial scene going on here. From ingenious new ventures to whipsmart founders to experienced investors, there’s a reason one VentureBeat article said, “Arizona is becoming the next hotbed of startups.” As a Phoenix startup founder on my second business, I’ve seen the rich potential […]

7 ways to motivate people to play and win like a team

Engagement is essential to propelling a team. When your employees are motivated to do a great job, the work will be easier, more productive and fun! To motivate your team to succeed, give individual attention and recognize the team. Here are seven ways to excite and inspire people to bring their a-game to your startup. […]

15 Great Resources for Phoenix Startups

It is often called the Silicon Desert. Phoenix is ripe with entrepreneurial activity and resources to support it. With an innovation ecosystem, Arizona attracts forward-thinking start ups. Here is a compilation of supportive sites for your bourgeoning business. EVENTS & SUPPORT: Arizona Commerce Authority—The Arizona Innovation Challenge (AIC) awards the most money in the country […]

The 5, make that 7, most toxic personalities that can poison your startup

Building a startup team is critical because you are bringing on and managing employees with minimal resources. Entrepreneurs need to find exceptional people to help their companies accelerate. And, they need to avoid bad hires that can poison morale. Here are the most toxic personalities and how to look out for them. “Nay” sayer. We […]

Venture Madness Competitor Spotlight: Picmonic

Picmonic is the visual learning platform that improves memory retention by turning dry facts into unforgettable images. As co-founder and CEO, I’ve devoted much of my life to this entrepreneurial mission. When I heard about Venture Madness, I made the decision to enter our company into the competition. Like the name implies, it’s been quite […]

Christie Kerner’s Take on Venture Madness & All Things Entrepreneurial

I guess you could say I’m a little fanatical about building businesses. But even beyond the art and science of launching companies, I’m completely dedicated to the brave entrepreneurs who are largely willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. So as we gear up for another year of Invest Southwest’s Venture Madness competition, I’m […]