While I’m happy to post here once a week, I’m posting much more frequently over at my main blog, Planning Startups Stories, which is also hosted on bplans.com. As of the end of 2011 I thought it might be useful to post here about my most read posts over there. These are the most-read posts on that blog for 2011. They are in order of traffic, page views, which isn’t the same as quality, but still, what better measure is there? . Links into certain pages affect these results. So here are the 10 favorite posts, based on page views:
- 8 factors that make a good business plan. A 2009 post that’s withstood the test of time; I still like it.
- 10 traits of successful entrepreneurs. This is another 2009 post. On this one I have mixed feelings, to be honest; I think entrepreneurs are all different, and have few traits in common. I’d be happy to hear what you think.
- Read this before getting an MBA degree. Behind the scenes, one of my daughters was thinking about it, and I wrote this for her. I wanted her to do it, she decided not to; so much for my persuasiveness.
- 3 stories your business strategy depends on. I like this as a good strategy summary for the rest of us. Not academic at all.
- Read this before hiring a coach or consultant. My skepticism shows up on this one. Watch out for shark-filled waters.
- 5 Non-traditional ways to get startup money. This is a good list and a good reminder that it isn’t all about angel investors or venture capital.
- My recommendation about your Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Which begins with the reminder that it’s publishing, not private.
- 10 lessons learned in 22 years of bootstrapping. This is my personal favorite for this list. I just reposted it here two days ago.
- Business planning isn’t about pages. This one is a bit of a rant.
- Angels vs. VCs on business pitches. Too often we lump these categories together, as if they all want the same thing. They don’t.
My readership on that blog and this one has grown again this year, and I thank you for that. Page views and readers make that worth it to me. Thank you. And may you have a happy, healthy, safe, and personally profitable new year.
Tim Berry is the founder and chairman of Palo Alto Software and Bplans.com. Follow him on Twitter @Timberry.
