The Capital Cabal is the brainchild of Hank Dearden. Hank has been active in Washington, D.C.’s Internet and New Media scene since 1994, and enjoys producing networking events and professional seminars. The focus is typically, but not always, on Internet commerce and communications technology, how it is being used, and its effect on business, government and society at large.
For his day job, Hank is founder and Director of 3D Technologies Ltd., a sales, marketing and Internet advertising consulting firm in the Washington, DC area. We continue our conversation and in part two of this five-part series and get some sound advice on entrepreneurship from a seasoned player.
Hank on Entrepreneurship
Steve: One question I get from people thinking about starting a business is “do I need a business plan”? I tell them that if they are a freelancer and selling their skills, they don’t, but… if they are planning to grow a business that they can’t run without one. What is your philosophy on this type of thing?
Hank: I’m going to respectfully disagree with you on that one, but maybe not too much.
Back in the Day Mr. Mario Marino, founder of the Netpreneur group, was emphatic that anyone starting a business needed a business “plan” – but nothing longer than two pages to start out. There needs to be something on paper that defines who you are, what your goals are, what your niche is, what your skill sets are…in short: WHAT DO YOU WANT? I ask this question of people all the time when they are starting a business or even just a job search. I’m constantly stunned to find out how few people can answer this question quickly and succinctly.
To be continued…
In Part 3 and 4, we talk about creating great networking events and in Part 5 we will discuss great tips for networking in general.
Also, if you missed the previous parts of this interview you can find them here:
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