Jay Ebben, Ph.D.


The Problem With Being First

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Jun 1, 2005

Customers and investors don't give much credence to a company that touts first-mover advantage as they do to the company that has the right product or service.  Read story

Working On Your Business Versus Working In Your Business

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  May 1, 2005

In past columns, I've stressed the importance of vision and developing a road map for your business, whether written on paper or not. Part of this inclu...  Read story

The Problem With Being First

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  May 1, 2005

Customers and investors don't give much credence to a company that touts first-mover advantage as they do to the company that has the right product or service.  Read story

Managing Risk in a New Venture

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Mar 1, 2005

You can't get rid of all the risk of starting up a business, but you can certainly take a few steps to mitigate it.  Read story

Developing Effective Mission and Vision Statements

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Feb 1, 2005

When used properly, mission and vision statements can be very powerful tools, especially for new and small firms.  Read story

Choosing the Right Legal Form

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Jan 1, 2005

What legal form your business takes can have significant implications on your personal risk in the business as well as your potential for financial returns.  Read story

The Importance of Gross Margin

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Dec 1, 2004

One vital aspect that I often see entrepreneurs overlook in starting and managing a business is that of gross margin. Gross margin (sales minus direct co...  Read story

Telling Your Story

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Nov 1, 2004

I often hear the following sentiments from entrepreneurs: "Why should I write a business plan'¦things never happen the way they're predicted. I don't wan...  Read story

What Makes a Good Opportunity?

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Oct 1, 2004

Evaluate your business concept using the three "M's" before you start up.  Read story

Pleasing Some of the People All of the Time

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Aug 1, 2004

When you start a business, one of the things you will have to come to terms with is the fact that you can't be everything to everybody. This will be toug...  Read story

Secrets to a Solid Growth Strategy

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Aug 1, 2004

A few years ago, a good friend of mine started a small recycling business that planned to serve corporations in larger metropolitan areas. He had what he...  Read story

Think Global, Borrow Local

By Jay Ebben, Ph.D. |  Jul 1, 2004

Every time you turn around, it seems like one big bank is merging with another big bank. Or, they're gobbling up smaller banks like they're going out of ...  Read story