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Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is similar to setting out on a road trip without knowing the directions. Every decision made at the wheel can potentially lead to new opportunities or present unforeseen challenges. As the founder and CEO of Mobile Clear Shield, I have navigated our company through the competitive and often turbulent auto accessories industry, where each strategic choice has significantly impacted our trajectory. This journey has been not only about managing a business, but also adapting to constant changes, seizing opportunities and learning from the landscape itself.

From the very beginning, our approach was to build not just a company, but a brand that stood for reliability, innovation and customer-centricity. This meant making decisions that were sometimes unconventional but always strategic, focusing on long-term growth rather than short-term gains. The path has been paved with both successes and lessons, each teaching us more about the industry, our clients and ourselves. These are the core strategies that have fueled our growth and shaped our business philosophy.

Related: Want to Be a Successful Entrepreneur? Fail.

Selling profit, not product

When we launched, the industry was filled with generic offerings that failed to meet diverse needs. Observing this, we focused not just on creating another product but on crafting a solution that addressed a significant market gap. This approach was built on a foundation of enhancing dealership profitability by providing high-quality, versatile protection products suitable for any vehicle model. Our products weren’t just better; they were designed to help dealers maximize potential profits missed by other suppliers.

By adhering to this philosophy, we managed to expand our client base to over a thousand dealerships. This wasn’t achieved by undercutting on price alone, but by delivering a product that dealers could confidently sell to their customers, knowing it would fit perfectly and last longer than competing offerings. Moreover, our strategy of maintaining competitive prices despite offering superior products was made possible by leveraging economies of scale, allowing us to buy in bulk and minimize costs without sacrificing quality.

For entrepreneurs, it’s essential to identify gaps in the market where you can add distinct value. Understand your customer’s business model and pain points to tailor your offerings. This approach not only helps retain customers but also attracts new ones who are seeking solutions that others need to provide more effectively. It’s about creating a product or service that is integral to your customer’s success.

Prioritize exemplary client service

From the outset, our commitment to unparalleled client service has been a cornerstone of our business strategy. This means more than just meeting expectations; it involves anticipating and exceeding client needs wherever possible. We ensure that our team is always accessible and ready to address any concerns promptly, maintaining a strong presence at every dealership we serve.

Exceptional service should be the hallmark of any business aiming for long-term success. Invest in training your staff to handle various customer interactions professionally and empathetically. Regularly solicit feedback from your clients to improve your service continuously. Remember, satisfied customers are your best advocates in the marketplace.

Related: How Failure Promotes Success — and Why It’s Time to Move Away From Perfectionism

Resist the temptation to over-expand

The resistance to dilute our focus is one pivotal decision that has defined our business trajectory. Many businesses fall into the trap of over-diversification in an attempt to capture more markets. However, we chose to perfect a core set of offerings before slowly introducing additional products. Each new product underwent rigorous testing to ensure it met our high standards and seamlessly integrated with our existing product lines.

This approach has ensured consistency in quality and reinforced our brand’s value proposition. We focused on niche markets with products like our tempered glass, which offers superior protection and is also easier to install. By concentrating on a few high-quality products, we avoided the complexities and potential quality issues associated with rapid expansion.

When scaling your business, maintain a laser focus on your core offerings before expanding. Ensure each new product or service meets the market’s needs and aligns with your brand’s reputation for quality. Expansion should be strategic and not at the expense of what made your business successful in the first place.

Embrace failures as opportunities for growth

Throughout our journey, we have encountered numerous challenges and setbacks. Rather than viewing these as failures, we saw them as invaluable learning opportunities that shaped our strategic decisions and innovations. For instance, early challenges with product installations and managing detailed customer data spurred us to develop a proprietary software platform that has become central to our operations.

This software has allowed us to automate and streamline our processes, significantly reducing human error and improving efficiency. It handles everything from customer invoicing to detailed tracking of installations, proving to be a critical differentiator in our ability to scale effectively and maintain an edge over competitors. This system supports our operational needs and provides us with the agility to respond to customer needs with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Adopt a mindset that views failures as catalysts for innovation. Use the insights gained from each misstep to refine your strategies and operations. This proactive approach to problem-solving encourages a culture of continuous improvement and can lead to significant breakthroughs that might not have been discovered otherwise.

Related: Why Entrepreneurs Should Aim to Fail — That’s Right. They Should Actively Seek It.

Building a business with purpose and precision

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape requires a blend of innovation, focus and the willingness to learn from every situation. We have built our success on the principles of offering unmatched product quality, maintaining strategic focus and leveraging technology to enhance our operational capabilities. No matter the business, it’s important to embrace a similar mindset: Focus on what truly adds value, learn from every encounter and proceed with a clear strategy. This paves the way for sustainable growth and builds a legacy of excellence in an ever-evolving market.

With all of your files residing digitally, the security and privacy of your data have never been more important. For those who handle sensitive information, relying on less secure cloud storage services can pose significant risks, which is why it’s advantageous to take a few minutes to ensure your storage solution is serious about security.

Internxt is a Dropbox alternative that offers a lifetime subscription to secure and privacy-centric cloud storage. Designed specifically with security in mind, it’s an ideal option for businesses and professionals who demand control over their data. A lifetime subscription to 2TB of space is on sale for just $129.97 (reg. $999), but there are other larger options available at slightly higher prices.

To appreciate the value that Internxt brings, it’s essential to understand the potential dangers of using traditional cloud storage providers. When you upload files to these platforms, you often give up ownership and control over your data.

Many traditional cloud storage services retain the right to access and manage your data. This means that your sensitive business information could be in the hands of a third party, with limited control over how it’s used.

Internxt says it offers a safer alternative by prioritizing privacy and security in every aspect of its service. Your files are protected with end-to-end encryption so that only you and authorized parties can access them.

This Dropbox alternative also has zero-knowledge storage, which means even Internxt’s servers cannot access your files. Its commitment to transparency can be seen in its open-source code, which allows users to verify its security measures—a level of accountability rare in the cloud storage industry.

And while security is a top priority, so is user experience. Internxt supports large file handling, quick and easy sharing, and fast performance across various devices and operating systems. Whether you’re working on a desktop, laptop, or mobile device, it can integrate seamlessly into your workflow.

Invest in the storage solution Tech Radar called “A cloud storage provider that’s big on privacy and security” and have peace of mind moving forward.

A lifetime 2TB subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage is on sale for just $129.97 (reg. $999) for a limited time.

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We live in a complex world. It goes without saying that the data and information we use and share are more complicated, too. One of the best ways to communicate complex data or workflows is to do it visually. Luckily for us all, there are tried-and-true tools to help make that super easy to do.

Priced at just $19.97 for a limited time, Microsoft’s powerful diagramming tool, Visio, is designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, making it an invaluable asset for anyone looking to enhance their presentations, reports, and projects with clear, professional diagrams.

Visio 2021 Professional provides an extensive library of templates and shapes, allowing you to create a wide range of diagrams, including flowcharts, organizational charts, and floor plans. You can also easily create network diagrams to show how devices and networks work together.

Whether you’re an engineer, IT professional, project manager, or business owner, Visio’s intuitive interface and comprehensive tools make diagram creation simple.

One of the most valuable features of Visio 2021 is its ability to link diagrams to live data sources. This dynamic data linking allows your diagrams to reflect real-time updates, making them more than just static visuals. Additionally, Visio’s collaboration capabilities enable multiple users to work on diagrams simultaneously, which goes a long way in keeping the team aligned and productive.

Unlike many software solutions that require ongoing subscription fees, Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional is a one-time purchase. This means you can enjoy all the benefits of this powerful tool without worrying about recurring costs. Plus, as an on-premises solution, Visio is installed directly on your PC, giving you full control and accessibility whenever you need it.

Visio is an ideal investment for anyone looking to enhance their visual communication and streamline their workflow.

Don’t miss Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional while it’s on sale for just $19.97 (reg. $249) through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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In today’s visually driven world, eye-catching and thought-provoking imagery is important for businesses to stand out and engage their audience. While it sounds easy enough to incorporate into your marketing plan, not everyone is confident enough in their artistic abilities to leverage it on their business.

Entrepreneurs looking to enhance their brand’s visual appeal can now access the award-winning Luminar Neo editing software, along with six add-ons and a comprehensive how-to video, all for just $149.97 (regularly $752). This makes it an exclusive bundle that can help you elevate your visuals game.

Luminar Neo is renowned for its powerful photo editing capabilities and user-friendly interface. Rated 4.6 stars in the App Store, this software allows you to transform ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art with just a few clicks.

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a novice, Luminar Neo provides AI tools to create captivating art easily. Do you love an image but think it could be tweaked? AI allows you to change out skies and enhance landscapes and even portraits.

Other tools give you easy access to control all aspects of a photo’s light, layering, masking, and making local adjustments. There are even presets you can rely on if you’re looking for quick, pro-level results.

Because this is lifetime access, you will get future updates. Some of the more recent updates Luminar Neo went through include AI light manipulation, removing noise from photos, and panoramic stitching.

This software also comes with a how-to video and six add-ons that extend its capabilities. Some of the add-ons are a Light Reflections Overlay and a Wintertime Overlay.

Luminar Neo was awarded a Red Dot Award in 2022 and has 4.8/5 stars on Trustpilot, which means it’s worth a try, especially at this price point.

Invest in Luminar Neo today and unlock the potential to create stunning, professional-quality visuals that enhance your brand’s image and help drive success.

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Though U.S. mortgage rates are now at their lowest level in 15 months, home prices are still high.

As the U.S. faces a shortage of 4.5 million homes, construction company Icon is using 3D printing technology to mass-print houses — and it’s wrapping up the final properties in a 100-home, 3D-printed community in Georgetown, Texas.

Icon uses a 45-foot-wide 3D printer and fills it with a combination of concrete powder, water, sand, and other materials. The printer then pipes the mixture, layering it until it stacks up to form a house.

Related: I Designed My Dream Home For Free With an AI Architect — Here’s How It Works

The project to build 100 of these 3D-printed homes in Georgetown, Texas, started in November 2022 and is slated for completion by the end of the summer, according to a Reuters report.

How it’s going….how it started. 95 homes printed & a few more to go at Wolf Ranch. https://t.co/pX4iDWHXSB pic.twitter.com/6C3IeKgFOy

— ICON (@ICON3DTech) May 31, 2024

The homes are single-story, three to four-bedroom structures that take up 1,500 to 2,000 square feet.

Each one costs between $450,000 and $600,000. In comparison, the median listing home price in the area was $499,900.

The exterior and interior walls of each home are made out of 3D-printed concrete, which Icon says can hold up in extreme weather.

Icon says that 3D-printed homes have several advantages over traditionally made ones. The company claims that the concrete materials make the home soundproof, energy-efficient, and carbon-friendly.

The homes also take less time and money to build—one human crew and one robot could replace five different human crews, the company says.

Icon has sold about 25 of the homes in the community so far. One resident told Reuters that the house “feels like a fortress” capable of withstanding a tornado.

Besides 3D-printed homes, Icon is also testing an AI architecture bot that can churn out floor plans for a dream home.

‘A Brief History of the Future’ on @PBS is a unique six-part documentary series about our futures and how we can reimagine them.

Hosted by @AriW, directed by @Andrew_Morgan ✨ ICON on ep5 pic.twitter.com/o6p8f9wmWx

— ICON (@ICON3DTech) May 10, 2024

The ability to communicate well is an asset not everyone has. To be able to communicate effectively across languages is considered a beneficial skill for a variety of reasons. But, really, not many of us have the time to learn a new language between the demands of work and personal obligations.

Babbel is a language-learning app made to help even the busiest individuals learn a new language quickly. A lifetime subscription to this top-rated learning platform is currently on sale for just $139.97 (reg. $599) through August 11 only. That means you have access to all 14 languages for life without any monthly subscription fees to add into the financial equation.

The courses are designed to fit seamlessly into the busy schedules of business professionals. With lessons lasting just 10 to 15 minutes, you can easily integrate language learning into your daily routine, whether during your morning commute, lunch break, or winding down at the end of the day. These short, focused sessions are crafted to help you make steady progress without overwhelming your schedule.

Whether you’re looking to communicate better with loved ones, connect more effectively with international colleagues, or converse with locals while traveling, Babbel provides the tools and resources you need to succeed. From Spanish and French to Danish and Russian, you have the freedom to learn at your own pace.

Babbel teaches you using real-world topics you’d encounter in an everyday situation, including dining, business, and shopping. It also offers personalized review lessons and speech recognition technology to ensure you’re pronouncing things correctly.

With a 4.5/5 star rating on the Google Play Store and 4.6/5 stars on the App Store, you can unlock new possibilities and achieve your language-learning goals more easily with this platform named one of Fast Company‘s “most innovative companies in education.”

Don’t miss the chance to score a lifetime subscription to Babbel language learning while it’s on sale for just $139.97 (reg. $599) through August 11.

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Navigating a startup’s IPO process is a crucial moment for any company. As a late-stage VC investor, I’ve invested in several companies through this challenging phase. Here, I’ll share my key strategies and actionable advice for balancing innovation with compliance to ensure a successful public offering.

1. Keep the vision alive

What I’ve seen work: One of the first things I look for in a potential IPO candidate is whether the founding vision remains strong and relevant. A successful IPO often hinges on the leadership team’s ability to maintain the original mission even as they tackle new challenges.

How you can do it:

• Revisit the mission: Encourage the leadership team to regularly revisit their mission statement and align their strategies with it. This can be done through quarterly “vision check-ins” to ensure the company stays true to its founding goals.
• Celebrate milestones: Recognize and celebrate achievements that reflect the company’s core values. For instance, a company I worked with celebrated each product launch as a step toward achieving its larger mission.

Example: At one company, the CEO held monthly sessions where team members shared how their work supported the company’s vision. This practice kept the team motivated and focused on long-term goals.

Related: The Resurgence of Startup IPOs

2. Assemble a strong IPO team

What I’ve seen work: A well-rounded and experienced IPO team is essential for a smooth process. Having the right mix of professionals can make a significant difference in navigating the complexities of an IPO.

How you can do it:

• Hire experts: Look for advisors with a proven track record in IPOs. For example, bring on an advisor who has previously led successful IPOs for companies similar to yours.
• Raise from the right investors: Raise money from investors who understand your product and your vision, and who have funded other companies with successful IPOs.
• Build a diverse team: Ensure your team has experience in finance and legal matters, in addition to your company’s industry. This diversity ensures that all aspects of the IPO process are covered.

Example: In one instance, one of our portfolio companies brought in a seasoned advisor who had managed multiple successful IPOs. Their expertise was invaluable for setting up internal financial controls and regulatory requirements and preparing Form S-1.

3. Integrate compliance with innovation

What I’ve seen work: Balancing compliance and innovation requires creating an environment in which these two elements complement rather than conflict.

How you can do it:

• Create a compliance-innovation framework: Develop a framework where compliance is integrated into the innovation process. For example, establish regular meetings between compliance and product development teams to align on regulations.
• Encourage open communication: Foster a culture where compliance issues are discussed openly. Implement “compliance and innovation” meetings where teams can explore how to meet regulatory standards while pursuing new ideas.

Example: A tech company we funded set up regular meetings with legal advisors, outside counsel and R&D. This helped address regulatory challenges without hindering creative processes.

Related: How Founder Personalities Contribute to Startup Success

4. Showcase clear growth trajectories

What I’ve seen work: A successful IPO often involves demonstrating a clear path to future growth. Investors need to see both past achievements and future potential.

How you can do it:

• Develop detailed financial projections: Create detailed financial forecasts that showcase future growth. This includes revenue projections, market expansion plans and product development roadmaps.
• Prepare case studies: Share past successes and future opportunities. Highlight successful market entries and future product innovations to build investor confidence.

Example: During an IPO, one of our portfolio companies prepared a detailed growth section of their deck that included future product releases and market expansion strategies. This approach helped illustrate the company’s potential for sustained growth far beyond the IPO.

5. Stay ahead of the competition

What I’ve seen work: Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for positioning your company effectively during an IPO. A clear grasp of where you stand relative to competitors can help highlight your unique strengths and opportunities.

How you can do it:

• Conduct regular market analysis: Keep a pulse on industry trends and competitors’ strategies. Use this information to adapt and innovate continually.
• Leverage competitive intelligence: Gather insights on competitors’ weaknesses and strengths. This can inform your strategic planning and help you highlight your advantages in IPO documentation.
• Differentiate your offering: Clearly articulate what sets your product or service apart. This could be through unique features, superior customer service or innovative technology.

Example: One of our portfolio companies conducted thorough competitive analysis sessions quarterly. They used these insights to adjust their product roadmap and marketing strategies, ensuring they stayed ahead in their industry and were well-prepared to showcase their competitive edge during their IPO.

Related: Even If You Don’t Plan to IPO, You Should Run Your Business Like a Public Company

Practical advice for a successful IPO

A successful IPO is about more than just having a great product or service with a large totally addressable market. From my experience as a late-stage VC investor, the key to a successful public offering lies in balancing innovation with strict compliance requirements. By focusing on maintaining the original vision, building a strong IPO team, integrating compliance with innovation, demonstrating clear growth potential and effectively managing both compliance and growth, you can turn your startup into an investment-grade asset and set it up for IPO success.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, having the right tools can make all the difference in efficiency and productivity. Now, you can equip your team with Microsoft Office 2019 for Mac or Windows at an unbeatable price of just $24.97 (reg. $229).

This incredible offer provides a comprehensive suite of essential applications designed to streamline your workflow, enhance communication, and drive business growth—all without straining your budget.

MS Office 2019 includes the four core classic applications you need to run your business smoothly. With Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more, you can handle everything from document creation and data analysis to presentations and email management. These industry-standard tools are essential for daily business operations, whether you’re drafting proposals, managing finances, or communicating with clients.

Both versions include the four mentioned above, as well as OneNote, which provides a central place to manage and organize notes. Only the Windows version also includes Publisher and Access, while only the Mac version has Teams Classic.

Unlike subscription-based models, Microsoft Office Home & Business 2019 for Mac and Professional Plus 2019 for Windows offer access for a one-time purchase, providing lifetime access to the software. This means you can avoid ongoing monthly or yearly fees, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to manage expenses.

For startups and small businesses, managing costs while maintaining high productivity is critical to success. Microsoft Office 2019 offers essential tools needed to run a professional business environment without the overhead of software subscriptions like you’d get with Microsoft 365.

Don’t miss this opportunity to upgrade your business’s efficiency for a limited-time low cost.

Choose one of the following versions to save through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT:

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Everyone needs a reliable storage solution to keep and protect their files, photos, and videos. Business owners, in particular, need access to storage that’s easy to use and access and can grow with the company.

To that end, this unbeatable deal gives you 20TB of Prism Drive cloud storage for life and can certainly check a lot of the must-have boxes. For a one-time payment of $79.97 (reg. $1,494), you can access a fast, simple, and affordable cloud storage service designed for both personal and business use without any ongoing monthly fees.

First and foremost, Prism Drive prioritizes your data’s privacy and security with a zero-knowledge encryption model. This means only you have access to your data, and even Prism Drive cannot view or manage your files. It also uses AES 256-bit and HTTPS encryption. This level of security is crucial for businesses handling sensitive information and want to ensure confidentiality.

With Prism Drive, you can access your data from any device, whether a desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This cross-platform compatibility is perfect for business owners and teams that need to work remotely or collaborate across different locations.

The platform is designed to be user-friendly, providing a seamless experience for uploading, managing, and accessing your files, including file preview, drag-and-drop navigation, and more. Whether you’re tech-savvy or new to cloud storage, Prism Drive’s intuitive interface makes it easy to get started. You can also share files (even large ones) with anyone you choose using a link.

The 20TB of space in this offer means there’s room for your business to grow. Secure your digital future with this fast, simple, and affordable cloud storage solution at a great price.

Get lifetime access to 20TB of Prism Drive cloud storage for just $79.97 (reg. $1,494) when you order through September 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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For most business leaders, ensuring efficient business operations while balancing costs is like walking a tightrope. Luckily, there are ways to support this balancing act. Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 offers a powerful suite of tools designed to give you an easy way to boost productivity.

It’s also currently available with a lifetime license for just $89.99 (reg. $219). Unlike Microsoft 365, which requires ongoing monthly fees, this one-time payment provides permanent access to essential applications (with future updates), making it a cost-effective choice for business owners.

Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 includes the core applications to help you run your business smoothly. Create professional documents with advanced editing and formatting tools in Word and manage data while performing complex analyses with Excel spreadsheets.

You also get PowerPoint to create killer presentations, Outlook to manage your mail and schedule, Teams (basic) to communicate more effectively with the crew, and OneNote for one centralized place to keep and organize your notes.

Another advantage of a lifetime license is that it provides a predictable software expense, allowing you to manage your business budget more effectively. This eliminates the uncertainty of variable costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365, which can include potential future price increases or unexpected renewal fees.

By choosing this lifetime license with 5/5 stars online, you lock in your software costs, giving you peace of mind and greater control over your financial planning.

Designed specifically for Mac users, this suite integrates seamlessly with macOS, providing a user-friendly experience. The familiar interface and functionality make it easy for you and your team to transition and use the tools effectively from day one.

Don’t miss this reasonable price on a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Home & Business for Mac 2021 for just $89.99 (reg. $219).

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