Maartje van Krieken from The Chaos Games Consulting talks about 'turning business chaos around"

The main topic of their discussion was to provide tips to startups on how to prioritize and increase productivity amidst chaos.

Decision-Making Hygiene in Startups

In the meeting, Mary and Maartje discussed the importance of decision-making hygiene in startups. Maartje emphasized the need for clear decision-making frameworks, such as the Stanford method, to avoid biases and make informed decisions. She also highlighted the importance of understanding stakeholders' decision-making processes and tailoring pitches accordingly. Mary agreed, noting that startups often struggle with focus and the need for multiple pitch decks. Maartje offered her services as a mentor for further guidance, and Mary encouraged startups to reach out to her for support.

They also discussed the importance of decision-making hygiene in startups, with Maartje emphasizing the need for clear decision-making frameworks and understanding stakeholders' decision-making processes. Mary agreed, noting that startups often struggle with focus and the need for multiple pitch decks, and Maartje offered her services as a mentor for further guidance.

Chukwudum Chukwudebelu from the ChumEffect talk about the Developmental stages of a Startup

Developmental Stages for Startups

Mary and Chumze discussed the concept of developmental stages for startups, with Chumze sharing his personal experience of launching a business prematurely and reflecting on his mistakes. Chumze explained that businesses go through different stages, like babies, toddlers, teenagers, and adults, and each stage requires a different approach. He emphasized the importance of managing expectations and understanding the life cycle of a business. Chumze also mentioned that he has written a book on this topic and plans to write more series in the future.

Aligning Expectations in Business Integration

Mary and Chumze discussed the importance of understanding a business's unique needs and style of integration into the world, likening it to raising a baby. They emphasized the need for support, resources, and skills when starting a business, and the importance of aligning expectations. Chumze shared his personal experience of losing money in his first business and rebuilding it with the help of his older brother. They also discussed the need for financial mentors and the allocation of time for a business when working a 9-to-5 job. Chumze highlighted the crucial phase of hiring the first employee, which can make or break a business.

.Business Growth Stages: Baby to Adult

Mary and Chumze discussed the growth stages of a business, likening it to a person's life. They agreed that a business is like a baby when it's just starting, with a focus on structure and systems. As the business grows, it becomes like a teenager, making money but lacking operational structure, and finally, it becomes an adult, with a solid foundation and ability to expand quickly. Chumze emphasized the importance of having a system in place for adult companies, making them easier to consult for. Mary appreciated the analogy and Chumze's approach to business growth. Chumze also shared his book's website, https://businessasababy.com.

Shawni Jackson from the Women's Business Development Center talks about WBENC certification for women-owned startups

WBENC Certification for Women-Owned Businesses

Mary Scott from BusinessRiff and Shawnee Jackson from the Women's Business Development Center discussed the importance of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification for women-owned businesses. Shawnee explained that the certification provides access to government contracts and subcontracts, and that it is an asset that helps businesses compete. She also mentioned that the certification requires a business to be 51% or more female-owned and involves some documentation. Shawnee further discussed the services offered by the Women's Business Development Center (WBDC), including cohorts, regional meetings, and Kiva loaning. She also highlighted the importance of the Kiva funding program for startups.

https://wbenc.org https://wbdc.org