Holacracy is a new business model that strives to offer every employee a voice. But can a large business function in this way? Is the transition to such a new and different model too much for workers to handle? Could it be that even as independent adults we still desire to have a boss?
At Zappos, Pushing Shoes and a Vision
Thinking about starting your own business, ladies? Ingrid Vaderveldt, former Dell Inc. entrepreneur-in-residence has created software designed specifically for female entrepreneurs with the possibility of available backing. There are three-levels of the product ranging from free to $49 per month.
The Austin company employs four workers and also includes a foundation focusing on women-related policies and women in developing nations. The business side of the startup provides mentors and business plans in addition to software products designed to provide budding entrepreneurs with tools Vanderveldt has already tried herself.
Sounds like a wonderful tool for small businesses that have large goals.
How often do you drive by an empty big-box store and wondere if it will ever be occupied again? One company is working to re-purpose these unused spaces as part of their expansion plan. At Home, a re-creation of Garden Ridge, has been scavenging buildings from other chains and now has their eye on JC Penney locations that will be closing in the US. One unique fact about At Home is that they do not sell their products online. Relying on foot traffic, while offering a much larger selection than most other home decor and furnishing stores. These building purchases are not made by chance, but heavily researched ahead of time so that when the sales begin, At Home is ready to bid and buy quickly. Just think of it as recycling on grand scale.
When was the last time you were prompted to give a large tip for a small purchase? Ever notice how the opposable iPads gently nudge you toward a higher amount? Where is the line between food cost and tip requirement and are the foodservice industry wages in need of an overhaul? I don’t know about you, but the other day when I left a three dollar tip for a five dollar pot of tea, I wondered.
Disney tends to make more off of the branded merchandise than the movie itself, wild huh? “We create products that extend the storytelling — the emotional connection that the consumer has when they’re seeing the film carries on in the three-dimensional world,” says Josh Silverman, the executive vice president for global licensing. And they hit the jackpot in a big way with Frozen. Spanning the ages and the sexes. So, do you have an Elsa, Anna or Kristoff at your house? Or would you secretly like to be one of the characters yourself? I’m sure Disney can help you with that.
Ideas
abound in our current media/internet driven society and it doesn’t take much to make your business look and feel legit. This trend has opened the door to just about everyone with an idea, no matter of age. Alexis Ohanian, co-creator of Reddit attests to the fact that all you really need is an idea and an internet connection. I’ve got an art gallery in my accounting office space. What will you create?
When was the last time someone didn’t return you call even though you left a voicemail? Were they under age 35? Apparently that makes a difference and the trend is growing. When you really think about it, voicemails do seem ‘so five minutes ago’ when you could have just texted and saved your breath and mine. 😉
Below are two business models for the sale and distribution of fresh, organic baby food.
From their website: Kelly Grant and Noelle Newby founded The Baby Kitchen out of a desire to bring whole, healthy nutrition to our city’s youngest eaters.
They provide incredibly delicious, healthy baby food without all the additives and hidden ingredients. Their food is prepared fresh, then frozen immediately into one-ounce portions that enable you to thaw only what your baby will eat, so there is never any waste from unfinished jars. All food is handmade to order in a professional commercial kitchen. Small batches ensure quality and consistency. And for your convenience, The Baby Kitchen delivers food to your home! They purchase from local Austin are farmers whenever possible.
Freed Foods, which was founded as Freed Foods LLC in 2009, develops a line of dehydrated baby foods called NurturMe. The organic, gluten-free food is sold in serving-size pouches and rehydrated with water, baby formula or mother’s milk, according to the company’s website.
The author, Gina Keating, as quoted by NPR’s Steve Inskeep:
“This is a much bigger bet. It’s a lot more expensive; it is going to hit their bottom line in terms of cost,” she says, “and the objective here is to sign up subscribers — that’s all it is. It’s to bring people in the door, get them to see House of Cards, and then look around and see what else there is, and stick around.”‘
Inskeep went on to ask her if Netflix, with their 15 years of data concerning subscribers, knew that there were potential subscribers that could be reached by the business model of offering an original series, all at one time. Keating confirmed this.
She’s correct. The first thing I thought when I heard this interview was, maybe it’s time to add streaming to my Netflix subscription. I’ve been Netflixed.
Note his fund raising model.
Pedernales Brewing makes waves in local craft beer market – Austin Business Journal.