CloudOps42

They all started with a great idea.

Seems to me, a successful "startup"* needs to solve a problem, relieve pain, or create something revolutionary that creates elation/astonishment. It needs to be something the market wants. In other words, it is a great idea. Implementation is a matter of hiring the right tradesmen/tradeswomen to make it happen.

People enjoy paying for what they want; they resent paying for what they need. Ideas uncover 'wants.'

Frank Lloyd Wright. Ideas. General Patton. Ideas. Sir Richard Branson. Ideas. Sun Tzu. Ideas Clausewitz. Ideas Edson. Ideas. Ford. Ideas. Larry Page. Ideas.

Sometimes, great ideas come from those who implement that idea, sometimes the ideas come from those outside the industry. Either way, it's the idea that is at the center of the product the market wants.

* Startup: launch of a web-based application.

There's a real problem with the sex distribution numbers. Not saying it's a YC problem, but it is a problem. There're too many talented women out there to lose them to other industries. When we can pull them over here, watch out!

My own disclaimer: I run http://www.DashboardToSuccess.com.

Our belief is that a small business management Dashboard must be simple. We also recommend, per Jim Collins and every CPA out there, finding your Profit per X or Revenue per X and keeping a keen eye on that number.