Kevin Cullis: How to Start a Business Mac Version

A few years ago I found a comment by a millionaire that at first I thought was a great idea, how do you define what a CEO is and does?

Not a bad question, right? Especially when it comes to being a startup.

Normally the CEO moniker, Chief Executive Officer, used in big Fortune 500 companies and even some startups that want the same prestige might work, but as a startup, it just doesn’t quite fit, do you see the same thing?

I have a friend that has a startup and she uses the CEO title on her business card and her web site. She’s a startup. But seeing it on her card it just sounds so old fashion and stuffy, as if “bestowed” by oneself for others to see how you want to project your image. But is that the true focus of a business? To make yourself look good?

Not so accurate.

So, here’s my attempt in our current business climate to get to the heart of what a business CEO title is about.

Read more…

When startup entrepreneurs go for “funding” of their business, product, or service, there’s a general idea that founder-led companies might not be “up to the task” as “professional CEOs.”

Well, the data is in and the answer is: Founder-led CEOs WIN!

Check out this article Why startup founders can make solid CEOs at CNN Money. Here’s the significant quote from a 2005 study:

Founder-led companies had a market-adjusted return of 12% over the course of three years and a survival rate of 73%, compared with a return of -26% and a survival rate of 60% for firms that hired a new CEO…

What are your thoughts?