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Clarity

Michael Vizdos

Richmond, Virginia (USA)

Michael is an entrepreneur who can help you Focus and #deliver.

He can mentor you on the topics of lean start-ups, moving from freelancing to a becoming a small business owner, Scrum, Agile, and entrepreneurship.

You can also learn more about him at www.facebook.com/VizdosEnterprises and www.michaelvizdos.com.

$8.33/min

2 Calls

47 Reviews

22 minutes
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Entrepreneurship Lean startup Scrum Agile Team Building Business Strategy Agile Project Management International Relations Professional Mentoring Certified Scrum Trainer (CST)

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Entrepreneurship, Lean Start-Up, and Scrum (+ Other Agile Techniques)

I am a serial entrepreneur and small business owner who is committed to helping you Focus and #deliver.

In addition, I am a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and creator of www.implementingscrum.com.

I am co-founder of Gangplank RVA and volunteer with people around our mission of, "Less Talk, More DO."

Answers 29
Reviews 47

Answers

Michael Vizdos answered

What are a couple of books that explain the process of fundraising from an angel investor perspective?

Hi.

You may want to check out "Venture Deals" (second edition) by Brad Feld (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1118443616/ref=linkCode=as2&tag=finalchaptercom)

It gives a GREAT overview of the entire process and explains the different models from a VC perspective.

Hope this helps.

Thank you.

- michael vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Fundraising

Michael Vizdos answered

What taxes do business have to pay... what permits will I need to start a non food business?

This really is dependent on where you live in the world.

My best recommendation for this is to speak with a local small business friendly accountant or see if there is a local small business advocate (perhaps a local Economic Development Authority or Small Business Administration (SBA) or local incubator / co-working space with fellow entrepreneurs you could speak with).

Focus. #deliver.

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Tax

Small Business

Business Development

Michael Vizdos answered

How would you make this viable...but first..can a school own and operate a business?

This is an interesting question that is pretty loaded with possible results.

If you've got an idea -- that is awesome. It's now all about the execution of that idea.

With regards to your question of, "Can a school own a business" -- I'd recommend if you have an idea that you approach a school that you have a possible relationship with *already* and speaking to them about this model directly.

A business like this is ideal for starting in the "Lean Startup" (take a look at Eric Ries) approach by testing your initial hypothesis (what is that ONE question that would tell you if this would lead to customer #1 or FAIL fast and then pivot)?

This is a great start.

Keep going.

Focus. #deliver

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Financial Modeling

Business Development

Small Business

Michael Vizdos answered

What is the best service to hire to get SEO done for a website?

Good answers so far.

My recommendation is to also think about what your actual goal is with "SEO" getting done.

In the real world, it seems that consistent and relevant content [takes time] is the best way to "succeed" with SEO.

Hope this helps!

Focus. #deliver

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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SEO

Michael Vizdos answered

What are some marketing strategies we can use to reach new customers?

All great information so far.

One of the things I'd *add* to this thread is one that I also often forget:

Ask your current customers for referrals.

It's a simple thing.

And.

Your happy customers are always willing to help if you have done "right" by them!

Focus. #deliver

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Marketing Strategy

Social Media Marketing

Digital Marketing

Michael Vizdos answered

Does anyone have advice for a foreign band looking for gigs in the US or Europe?

Do you have a community or "tribe" or current followers or listener?

Engage with them.

Ask.

Focus. #deliver

- michael vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Music Industry

Music Licensing

Recording

Michael Vizdos answered

Are customers willing to wait 8 to 10 days for goods?

Recommendation: Ask your customers.

Focus. #deliver

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Online Retail

E-commerce

Michael Vizdos answered

Should we pay for an SaaS Business Coach or seek Mentors to minimize mistakes?

Serious question: What is the goal of getting (retaining?) a business coach or a specific mentor?

Focus. #deliver

- michael vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Business Strategy

Business Coaching

Mentoring

Michael Vizdos answered

What are a few example milestones an entrepreneur is asked to achieve within their first year of being funded?

One of the basic milestones that many people forget is this:

Get Customer Number One.

Sometimes people forget these even before getting funded (wow!).

Focus. #deliver

- michael vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Fundraising

angel investing

Michael Vizdos answered

What is the best method for me to monetize from my social media following?

Create excellent content and keep it free.

What is it that you'd like to "sell" your followers in order to convert them to customers?

Based on THAT answer, there are a few different paths to take.

We can talk more if you'd like.

Thank you.

- mike vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Lead Management

Lead Generation

Michael Vizdos answered

Many companies try online marketing but fail to see positive results. What are they doing wrong?

Quick answer:

There is possibly not an effective "call to action" and the message gets muddy.

They may be going to the wrong group of people.

Do you have a specific example you'd like to chat with me about? Let's talk!

Focus. #deliver

Thank you.

- michael vizdos
www.michaelvizdos.com

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Online Marketing

Digital Marketing

Marketing Strategy

Reviews

Mike has been my mentor for two years. He's as passionate as in the beginning. Always curious and open.

Always available. We are 6 timezones away, yet he is there when I need him.

He immediately graps the situation I describe. He helps me look at the problem from very different angles, offering alternative solutions.

Sometime he is more directive, while there are cases when he lets me try different things. He recognises when more hands-ons and when hands-off coaching is beneficial.

Miklos Vargyas Source: Clarity

I worked with Michael at a major financial institution implementing Agile (Scrum and XP). Mike is quiet, down to earth, practical guy. Fun to work with, with a gentle sense of humor. I always respected his knowledge of Agile. His style typically was to let the person he was working with come to their own conclusions (typically much more effective). With his developer background, he brought things to agile coaching that others could not. I know several people who felt that their interactions with Mike were amongst the highlights of their experiences with Agile. I look forward to continuing to work with Mike, and I recommend him without reservation.

Joe Little Source: LinkedIn

Michael has the unique ability to take a team of professionals that are comfortable with the Waterfall approach and a bit cynical of other methodolgies, and transform them into a highly effective, cohesive Agile team. He creates a constructive balance between letting the team struggle with decisions and guiding the team to results. He spends the time necessary with the team and individuals as needed to ensure that the concepts are not just being applied, but also understood. He can quickly change gears when required to ensure that the team is moving forward. Michael is professional, knowlegeable, dedicated, and pleasant to work with.

Julie Behne Source: LinkedIn

Michael was a pleasure to work with at Brience. His attention to detail, consistant follow-up and concern for the customer was top notch.

Joe Villa Source: LinkedIn

The best supervisor I've ever worked for. Very balanced, great industry knowlegde, excelent comunicator, very good planner. Mike knew better than most of the other management team members and CXO level.

Mauricio Iannini Source: LinkedIn

Michaels upbeat attitude and good nature helped employees and customers alike see things in a more positive light. While juggling multiple customers, he always managed to make each and every one, no matter how small or how large, feel important. His professionalism toward coworkers was unsurpassed. Michael comes highly recommended.

Joe Kueser Source: LinkedIn

Mike is a self-motivated proven leader whose impact on Brience extended beyond the Professional Services Organization he led. For example, he conceptualized and authored a comprehensive document outlining/defining the processes to be followed by all departments within the company. It was a pleasure working with Mike and I would highly recommend him to any company considering him for employment.

Scott Stewart Source: LinkedIn

Mike's a great guy. I've known him for some years now and have worked with him in the past. He's great to work with. He is professional while yet retaining a sense of fun. I have no reservations endorsing or reccomending Mike.

Dave Astels Source: LinkedIn

Michael is very responsive and on top of issues. I recommend his work highly.

Susan Fowler Source: LinkedIn

Mike has a gift for listening to clients' needs, and conveys genuine interest in providing the right solution. He is a straight-forward, down to earth professional who has always shown me the highest level of ethical conduct.

Gary K. Evans Source: LinkedIn

Michael Vizdos has used the services of our federal agency to add to his already extensive knowledge of international business development and market entry strategies. He is both thorough and organized in his approach to increasing sales revenue for a company.

Carrie Brooks Source: LinkedIn

Member since December 2014