I've led marketing at ventures all the way from inception to IPO - attracting over 30 million users between them (see my LinkedIn profile for more details). And while luck is certainly important -
a data driven, systematic, iterative approach significantly improves the chances of success.
I'm continuing to optimize my startup launch process through focused short-term Interim VP Marketing assignments - and sharing my findings on my new blog at www.startup-marketing.com.
Check out my latest project Xobni (www.xobni.com), where I serve as Interim VP Marketing. Xobni transforms Microsoft Outlook into a social network by giving you a new contact-based view into your
inbox (which is Xobni spelled backwards). You'll wonder how you ever lived without it. But you'll have to wait a bit; Xobni is still in private beta.
I also consult with VCs on the marketing viability of new venture investments they are evaluating.
Do you run marketing at a VC-backed startup? Let's connect and trade ideas, war stories, baseball cards, whatever...