Much of my opinions here are based on my own journey in helping build STORM's customer service function. (This is obviously a work in progress) Since STORM services thousands of employees across a growing number of firms, we had to make sure from the onset we were making the right choices as far as customer service is…
A couple of weeks ago, I was waiting in line at a Toyota Service center, waiting for someone to estimate the costs for the damages done to my car. (by a brake-free 20-wheel truck going down a flyover - but that's another story) I waited around one hour. Then, someone signalled for me to proceed to a…
Do you want to know what's truly important to you? There's really no need for further philosophical / existential analysis. Here's a surefire way to know. Take a look at your calendar for the past month. Take a look at the number of hours you spend on certain tasks. Where you spend your time will show you…
If you've been reading this blog for awhile now, you already know how much emphasis I put at the process of finding the right partner. Actually, wrong partner selection is THE single reason I've failed in multiple previous startups. Do NOT take this delicate process haphazardly. To help you with this process, I'd like to share some…
Coming back from lunch last Monday, I was surprised to see someone who has been a frequent attendee at JGL events. Let's call him Mark (not his real name). When I began talking to him in our conference room, tears began to well up in his eyes as he narrated his story. This wasn't going to be…
As usual, everyone had a grand time in the June edition of JGL's Open Coffee series held at the beautiful 47 East compound last Saturday. It was a good mix of seasoned startup guys (like Joey Gurango, Ari Bancale, Jojy Azurin, Glenn Santos, David Elefant, Jason De la Rosa, Robert Bernabe, Roxanne Aquino, and so many others),…
A few months ago a friend of mine told me about her recent life-changing plane trip It was the stuff of nightmares. The plane she was riding in was becoming unstable. So much so that they actually released the gas masks and were given instructions to brace themselves. She thought that was it for her. Fortunately, no…
Google "real-life Tony Stark" and the only name you'll see is ELON MUSK. Somehow, I think Elon is still under the radar. My wife doesn't know him. The man on the street won't know him. He doesn't have Jobs's brand. Yet, I think he's a much more fascinating entrepreneur than Jobs ever was. (with all the Apple…
Looks like we'll be having our biggest open coffee yet! 75 people now confirmed! We have to cap the attendees to a manageable level (too many people doesn't work for the format used). We'll be closing off registration at 100 slots. Do register HERE now to quickly reserve your slot. (I suggest doing it NOW) I'm excited to…
It was one of my most painful learning experiences as an entrepreneur. Around 3 years ago I was invited to be an investor/co-founder in a mobile startup. We were four people. The resumes of my co-founders were dazzling - Ivy League degrees, corporate stalwarts, multiple successful ventures. I signed up immediately. I also proceeded to make the…