Docstoc Hires 2 Industry Veterans - Get more Business Plans

In addition, our very own Juan Aguilar, just got back after he PROPOSED to his long time girlfriend.  We now have an expecting-to-be-married young chap on our hands. We wish you a lifetime of happiness Green Arrow.

Kamran is one of the investors in docstoc and I’ve got to know him well and consider him a dear friend. I dig his concept of helping consumers find the best products through experts driven reviews. In this, he’s bucking the trend of “crowd sourcing” and simplifying a complicated process by letting us rely on a single trusted source.

I’m definetly an information junkie, but I like the idea of quickly finding the best products without much hassle. I’ve been looking for a potential TV purchase i may have to go with this Best Plasma TV.

I’ve included his press release here.

Bestcovery Launch Press Release - Get more Docstoc Buzz

The event is free and will hold about 100 folks, it will sell out, but we will have a waiting list.

If you’d like to attend register here

This is a follow up to the dinner/talk I hosted last month at docstoc.

Here are all the details:

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Cost: FREE
This event is capped at 90 attendees.
Confirmation will be required or your spot will be given up for our waiting list.

Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th St, Santa Monica, CA 90401

I’ve embeded this in my blog before, but this is a good overview of Raising Money for a Startup Company

Raising Money for a StartUp Company - Get more Business Plans

Venture Debt Providers - Get more Business Plans

In the world of blogging, twittering, anytime/everytime social media updates, personal brand building has become big online.  One great example is Shira Lazar.  She recently combined her personal website (that mostly focused on her hosting career) with her entertainment blog, and added in a dash of mashups and social media to launch the new ShiraLazar.com

Her new site looks great and is a wonderful example of how to build a personal brand online.  She’s effectively created a destination that integrates general purpose blogging, real time video live streaming, twitter updates, photo reels and pictures.  I don’t claim to be unbiased.  Lazar (no relation), has been one of docstoc’s biggest supporters and an even better friend.   I think shiralazar.com and her blog the Pop Report are effective examples others can copy when looking to build their online brand / presence.

Another great example is Sean Percival.  I got to know him, because well… I hired him.  He’s since moved on to a less crazy boss, but I’m a big fan of him and his newly designed site.  Lessons to be learned here peoples!

I recently did an interview with Vince Thompson for the Dog and Pony Show on the BNET network. We talked about building out the largest repository of professional documents on docstoc, what its like to run a startup, and a little bit of self help entreprenerus (i used to be a motivational speaker ).

Here is the full interview.

Microsoft launched a new program today for startups called BizSpark. Apparently they are giving away lots of software and other services / products for upcoming technology startups that meet certain criteria, for more information check the Techcrunch Post.

You need to be referred into the program so I called up our good friends at DealMaker Media. (btw look forward to an upcoming event we’re putting on together in Santa Monica this month).

We’ve applied for the program for Docstoc, and I’ve included the Microsoft BizSpark Program Guide for Startups here.

Microsoft BizSpark Program Guide for Startups - Get more Information Technology

Election Map - Get more Docstoc Buzz

Most interesting, was our conversation about the Viral Coefficient (V-Co). The viral coefficient is a simple algorithm to use as a baseline for viral growth. Being a document FANatic, I instantly did a search for a Viral Coefficient Presentation, and found this great example from WordCamp. I’ve embed the presentation with docstoc.

(ignore the first slide, its kind of odd)

Viral Coefficient - Get more Business Plans

We’ve recently moved into our new space , and we hope to see you all here.

Come join us for some treats and a few tricks. The office will be open to all this Friday October 31st from 3:00 - 6:00pm (1317 5th Street suite 300 Santa Monica, CA 90401).

Costumes are highly encouraged!