Comments on: A note of optimism in these hard times http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/ Nic Brisbourne's view from London on venture capital and exploiting change in technology and media Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:57:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Mat Atkinson http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/comment-page-1/#comment-1696 Mat Atkinson Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:42:28 +0000 http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/#comment-1696 Nick Thanks for the mention. Paul is right pointing out that more mature businesses needing capital for customer acquisition may struggle to raise that capital. They would then be at a disadvantage against better capitalised competitors (time to focus on winnable niches?). Recessions are painful and will affect most sectors. All companies: new, old, SaaS, CPC will have to work harder and be more astute to succeed. However, those that do can take advantage with the right strategy. Nick

Thanks for the mention.

Paul is right pointing out that more mature businesses needing capital for customer acquisition may struggle to raise that capital. They would then be at a disadvantage against better capitalised competitors (time to focus on winnable niches?).

Recessions are painful and will affect most sectors. All companies: new, old, SaaS, CPC will have to work harder and be more astute to succeed. However, those that do can take advantage with the right strategy.

]]> By: paulsweeney http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/comment-page-1/#comment-1693 paulsweeney Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:00:56 +0000 http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/#comment-1693 Just an update: today from trendwatching on "conspicious consumption" in what I think is a related point: http://www.trendwatching.com/trends/statusstories.htm Just an update: today from trendwatching on “conspicious consumption” in what I think is a related point: http://www.trendwatching.com/trends/statusstories.htm

]]> By: paulsweeney http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/comment-page-1/#comment-1690 paulsweeney Fri, 04 Apr 2008 10:47:44 +0000 http://www.theequitykicker.com/2008/04/04/a-note-of-optimism-in-these-hard-times/#comment-1690 I think elements of this point are true, but not all of it. Yes, selling benefit will beat out selling "applications"; yes, holding back on the cash investment into the start up will help them to sharpen heir proposition and their business model (out of necessity), but for companies that have addressed these issues and are now ready for the big internationalisation heave, the money is still required for marketing and sales. I would posit that not all SaaS is the same: horizontal, vertical, focus etc. will all influence how the lack of investment will hit. But here's my take away: if you are selling incremental benefits through SaaS then this downturn will hurt you; if you are selling ten fold benefit that can be measured, its not going to hurt you. There is also value in gaining market leadership in any segment by investing when it is proven that the money will be well spent, and that the management is capable of spending that money well. IMHO. I think elements of this point are true, but not all of it. Yes, selling benefit will beat out selling “applications”; yes, holding back on the cash investment into the start up will help them to sharpen heir proposition and their business model (out of necessity), but for companies that have addressed these issues and are now ready for the big internationalisation heave, the money is still required for marketing and sales. I would posit that not all SaaS is the same: horizontal, vertical, focus etc. will all influence how the lack of investment will hit. But here’s my take away: if you are selling incremental benefits through SaaS then this downturn will hurt you; if you are selling ten fold benefit that can be measured, its not going to hurt you. There is also value in gaining market leadership in any segment by investing when it is proven that the money will be well spent, and that the management is capable of spending that money well. IMHO.

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