tbd: lessons from a short-lived start-up

Lessons from a short-lived startup

Steve ButtryAmerican University

October 13, 2012#TBDlessons

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Business lessons• Digital products need digital sales staff• Start small or be patient

Business lessons• Digital products need digital sales staff• Start small or be patient• Pursue multiple revenue streams• Pursue mobile opportunities aggressively

Business lessons• Digital products need digital sales staff• Start small or be patient• Pursue multiple revenue streams• Pursue mobile opportunities aggressively• No “Field of Dreams” marketing• Promote in media: traditional & social

Business lessons• Digital products need digital sales staff• Start small or be patient• Pursue multiple revenue streams• Pursue mobile opportunities aggressively• No “Field of Dreams” marketing• Promote in media: traditional & social• Promote through events

Journalism lessons• You can disrupt in breaking news

Journalism lessons• You can disrupt in breaking news• Excel in social media

Journalism lessons• You can disrupt in breaking news• Excel in social media• Develop strong local blog network

Journalism lessons• You can disrupt in breaking news• Excel in social media• Develop strong local blog network• Think differently about beats, coverage

Journalism lessons• You can disrupt in breaking news• Excel in social media• Develop strong local blog network• Think differently about beats, coverage• Experiment & embrace new tools

Journalism & biz lessons• Transparency builds credibility

Journalism & biz lessons• Transparency builds credibility• Master SEO & analytics

Journalism & biz lessons• Transparency builds credibility• Master SEO & analytics• Hire talented people

Journalism & biz lessons• Transparency builds credibility• Master SEO & analytics• Hire talented people• You give a name its meaning

Journalism & biz lessons• Transparency builds credibility• Master SEO & analytics• Hire talented people• You give a name its meaning• Leadership must be together• Legacy culture is difficult to overcome

Life Lesson: Turn the page

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