I’ve had first hand experience of the difficulties in gaining a work visa in the US. It isn’t as simple as filling out a form, getting it stamped and looking for a job. No, it’s actually quite backwards. First you need to find a job, then you apply for a visa. For those unlucky people residing in countries which aren’t listed on the visa waver program, finding a job must be done remote. That was one thing I had in my favor. Being an Australian citizen, I could travel to the US for up to 90 days to secure a job before returning home to apply for a visa.
From the category archives:
General Business Chatter
If you are a start-up looking for capital, or an entrepreneur that will one day run with that great idea, then here are 10 blogs that are an absolute must. If you haven’t already, set up an RSS reader and subscribe to these blogs.
- A VC – Fred Wilson is a Managing Partner of two venture capital firms, Flatiron Partners and Union Square Ventures and has been a VC for 19 years. A VC offers a great insight of how a VC thinks and acts. A must for anyone wanting to approach a VC to finance their start-up.
Recently I was invited to present to the selection committee of an Angel Group. The role of the selection committee is to assess companies and approve/dissapprove them to present in front of their members.
The presentation went well, enthousiasm and excitement was generated amongst my audience and I successfully passed the test – our company has been invited to present to the Angel Groups members. Good oh!!!! Then comes the paperwork for me to fill out: company name (no problem), company description (easy), credit card details……. huh, for what?
This morning I came across a very interesting and insightful article written by Joseph G. Hadzima, Jr. – Senior Lecturer, MIT Sloan School of Management. In fact, following on from this one article I found an excellent resource for entrepreneurs.
Within his article, entitled “Consideration for Founders: Issues in Structuring Relationships Among Members of the Founding Team”, Joseph talks about the problems that commonly arise between the founding members of a start-up and throughout the article he offers simple and practical advise to solve these problems. Here is his opening paragraph:
It’s New Years Eve here in Sydney, and 2010 is looking to me like a year of opportunity. 2009 was a difficult year, and many entrepreneurs may have thrown in the towel. For those entrepreneurs dedicated to their craft, they will find comfort in a recent post by Mark Suster on Tenacity. He says:
Tenacity is probably the most important attribute in an entrepreneur. It’s the person who never gives up – who never accepts “no” for an answer. The world is filled with doubters who say that things can’t be done and then pronounce after the fact that they “knew it all along.”
Some months ago I stumbled across Google Local Business Center. Our company Cordula Consulting signed up and was amazing with the number of leads we started to generate for our business.
Most people use Google to search for a business or service. For example, you may be looking for a structural engineer in say Miranda, NSW Australia. If you type into the Google search bar “Structural Engineer Miranda NSW” up pops a map showing you local structural engineers in the Miranda area.
Today I thought I would share with you a source of my inspiration; a reason to sit at my desk and continually plug away each day for countless hours.
On my wall, sitting in clear view, I have four pieces of paper. They read:
Determination
At times it takes sheer will to overcome adversity.
Innovation
The best way to predict the future is to create it.
Passion
A powerful force that cannot be stopped.
Perseverance
The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.
