Angle on Angel Investing - Op-Ed

Featured Articles of this post
The Study
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/venture/story/2086690/

The first report from VentureBeat http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/venture/story/2038735/

With a V8 kind of thud to the head, this Kauffman commissioned study says angel investors do better when they go into deeper due diligence, invest in industries where they have experience and make a better return when they are actively involved in helping the company succeed.

An Angel Investor's thoughts-
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/venture/story/2079811/

My thoughts from the viewpoint of a serial entrepreneur, entrepreneur network leader and former leader of an angel investor network.
http://localtechwire.com/business/local_tech_wire/venture/story/2086690/

Be Part of the Solution! Decisions are made by those who participate!

An example of an innovative entrepreneur creating a solution for an actual problem

Featured article of this post
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/11/british-inventi.html

Why did the dot com boom go to a dot com crash?
Business plans were being funded that were solutions looking for a problem.

I am aware of this problem and now has this possible solution.
Night driving is a problem for people who have good vision.

While most solutions have been expensive new headlights for existing cars, this seems to be a good use of new technology and uses solar energy.
(By the way, Cree is a North Carolina based company that is active in the LED lighting space.)

Be part of the solution! Decisions are made by those who participate!

Featured article of this post
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2007/11/british-inventi.html

Why "Bowling Alone" hurts Gen X

Featured link of the day.
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/QuestionsaboutLeadership/PositiveLeadership/LawsofPositiveLeadership.aspx

I recently had a goodbye dinner with some business colleagues in the Asheville market when a person I respect said that attending Toastmasters changed his life for the better.

I have always heard about Toastmasters from people such as Jeffery Gitomer during my days in Charlotte.

But as Mr. Putnam wrote in his book Bowling Alone, people in my generation are joining fewer of the traditional clubs which is why organizations such as the Jaycees are seeing a decline in membership.

So as I am going through a career change, I began to look at options of where to network in my new home of Chapel Hill, NC. I began to think of my friend at dinner and looked up the toastmaster web site.

I found this list of leadership lessons that I thought was appropriate.

• Give more than you expect others to give.
• Combine optimism and perseverance.
• See everyone as a diamond in the rough.
• Express appreciation; accept responsibility.
• Keep your ego in check.
• Show respect for the people around you.
• Treat team members as family.
• Be a source of inspiration.
• Stress cooperation, not competition.
• Maintain a sense of humor.

These are admirable traits in a leader that I would want to be my mentor.

Be part of the solution! Decisions are made by those who participate!

Featured Link of the day:
http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/QuestionsaboutLeadership/PositiveLeadership/LawsofPositiveLeadership.aspx