You said social media wasn't helping you grow your business - what has been the best approach for you in finding new customers?

Channels, channels and more channels. Find where your target customer lives – and then do deals with those channels to integrate your product/service/offer directly in that channel. For example, we just announced a deal with AutoTrader http://blog.communitylend.com/2010/08/17/communitylend-newsletter-august-2010/ – where we get to match our loan offer with their sales offer. They have 5M uniques on their site in Canada.

Founders who are talking

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How can I start developing a content strategy that will provide the fuel for my social media initiatives? It seems like a big, steep hill to climb with no real pay-off in t...

Answered by Jen Evans – Founder, Sequentia Environics

It doesn't have to be a big steep hill. It can start as a small shallow incline ;) the key is to get some guidance on where to invest before you start, and invest gradually... (more)

I've got a unique, solid idea that has been scratched out into a rough plan and the numbers look good - even after dropping them massively. I can develop code but am concer...

Answered by Andrew Patricio – Founder, BizLaunch

I'd recommend you get the partner to sign a non-disclosure document. Ideally get a lawyer to write this up for you to ensure you protect your idea (more)

What is the best way to get in touch with angel / early stage investors? My company is looking for an early stage injection of 75-100k, any suggestions? How do I pitch my s...

Answered by Corey Kossack – Partner, Game Change Ventures Posted in Money

The best way to get in front of investors is simply networking. There are a few competitions you can apply for that will help you get in front of investors (Open Angel Foru... (more)

If you found a company that your company could bring lot value to and you were thinking about asking if they would like to partner, what would be the best way to approach t...

Answered by Jason Cohen – Founder of Smart Bear Software. Posted in Operations

Before you approach them, you need to think of a way that you can make their business bigger than it would be without you. You have to decide what's in it for THEM, and ma... (more)

What has been the most surprising thing you've found owning your own company?

Answered by Erica Ehm – Founder, YummyMummyClub

That I could do it. And that its growing. And how its changing lives. And how we (women with kids) are redefining how women can have it all in the way the website is run vi... (more)

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