The problem with social media outlets like twitter and Facebook is that they're too broad for small businesses to use. For example, ppl don't just go to Facebook or Twitter to connect with small businesses.
I think you're broadly correct about the broadness, but that does depend on 2 things -
1) The industry, because some promote more consumer engagement than others - I could see people becoming a Fan of their architect or Following the great interior designer who did their friends' place because they might do the same next year.
2) The brand the business wants to develop, because some brands are designed to be more engaging. I was tempted to use 'a butcher' as a counterpoint to the example in 1), but then I realised I would probably become a Facebook Fan of my butcher if he had a page. He remembers our names, always waves when we go past, etc etc - that works for his business, not all in his industry, so some social media might work for him and his brand as well.
Thanks Paul. Oh and I know you like to eat cheese.
Anyways, so should I be picky about which firm to go with?
Does anyone have any good law firm recommendations in the Silicon Valley?
The top firms are expensive, but worth it. It's usually not worth trying to economize on lawyers unless you really know what you're doing. Once a startup is established, it can make sense to try cut down one's legal bills by e.g. hiring an in-house counsel, but when you're inexperienced you don't want to be cutting corners in the legal dept. Better to overpay your lawyers than end up with some disastrous term in your funding agreement.
Isn't there a conflict of interest if a firm is introducing you to their investor network but then helping to craft the agreements? Or is this degree of cross-fertilization common and even necessary?
Still, if there's that prior relationship between the firm and some investors, how can we be sure our interests are being best represented?
If they're representing you, they're legally required to act in your interest, and they take that pretty seriously. I can't think of a case among all the startups we've funded where the startup felt their lawyers were selling out to the investors. There have been all sorts of disputes with lawyers (excessive bills, slowness, incompetence), but never that.
Large firms have done a lot of business with a lot of companies. When we needed some urgent advice, our big firm couldn't give advice specific to the situation before a conflict waiver, which delayed things significantly.
We don't use them anymore, and I don't think there is much value added to justify the added cost of a large firm.
You should be picky. I've had an instance where a lawyer ruined the prospects of getting a startup funded by acting in a very inappropriate fashion while "helping out" during fund seeking.
You might want to focus on smaller bloggers since they're more desperate for content and more willing to write about you. Having multiple write ups from upcoming bloggers can can add up to more hits to your site.
Yeah I would totally quit and start your own company! Think of it this way since a lot of superfluous startups are dying, you'll have less competition.
Plus, life is too short working for douchebags.
It might be most effective on a state by state basis. A few states opting out might make the others complain for Federal action, which would then do away with the system, hopefully.
