Tell me more ×
Answers OnStartups is a question and answer site for entrepreneurs looking to start or run a new business. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 6 down vote favorite
1

I have worked about an year on my startup website and I found that I need co-founder that would be able to sell ice to the eskimo nation online (online: marketing, sale and PR. But more of manager than technical skill).

I realized that the technical side of advertising online is not that difficult but that part is only 10% of the whole picture.

I'm located not far from New York City, so if you know about any events or places I would very gratefully. Also I have no problem driving up to Boston or surrounding states.

I know about startuply.com but I didn't find it helpful. I would rather meet people in person. I'm not sales guy but I think I have pretty good luck pitching my startup to people thus far.

share|improve this question

6 Answers

up vote 4 down vote accepted

I recommend networking, attending events. Meet people for real, you'll forge much stronger relationships than online.

But it will take 6 months for you to find someone, be realistic.

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

"Try a recent MBA marketing grad"

That's frankly my last choice. I want someone who's been in the trenches. If you know of an MBA program that emphasizes the psychology of marketing I'm truly quite interested.

Secondly, if you don't have those sales/marketing skills (they're not the same...do you need a strategist or a salesperson?) I would be skeptical you could hire someone to do that. I would consider a truly proven marketing coach to help you find the right person.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

This is one of my hardest to solve issues as well, I am trying to set it up so they find me.

More helpfully to you though, we have had success looking at other vendors to the target industry/market and finding them through trade show meetings. We have also found a good head hunter (rather than a standard recruiter) who knows us and our profile and is really good at matching the right person.

If you don't have a huge cashflow there are companies who train promising sales people up and place them with you for a while.

Or go to linked in and have a look through there for the right profile person or possibly have a look on Stackoverflow Careers as an outside bet.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote

Some ideas:

  • Try a recent MBA marketing grad
  • Direct Marketers often have strong quantitative skills, which may mesh well with your tech side, so try members of the Direct Marketing Association
  • Marketing alumni association at nearby university

In the meantime, read some Al Ries, Seth Godin, and Guy Kawasaki. Good luck.

share|improve this answer
up vote 1 down vote
  1. LinkedIN.com, you will find great many marketing professional over there and you can also see how they are connected. I love this.
  2. Blogs: You can reach to these marketing bloggers and if they are NOT interested then you can ask if they know someone
  3. Job portals too where you may find recent grads.

Finding them is pretty easy but finding the right one is difficult.

share|improve this answer
up vote 0 down vote

Are you affiliated with a college at all? That's a good place to meet people.

You can also find a lot of good people at conferences, and of course online.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.