Startup Mixology: Tech Cocktails Guide to Building, Growing, and Celebrating Startup Success

Frank Grubers Startup Mixology is a clear and thoughtful distillation of what it takes to take an idea and turn it into a business. I encourage entrepreneurs of all backgrounds to read this book and apply its lessons. Steve Case, Chairman and CEO, Revolution, Cofounder, AOL, and Chairman, Case Foundation Too many entrepreneurs these days are burning out, stressing out, and pretending they have no choice. Startup Mixology reminds us all to pause and celebrate the small victoriesbecause the game is really a marathon. Gary Vaynerchuk, Bestselling author and Cofounder, VaynerMedia Startup Mixology is an inspiring guide to help take that leap in the right direction. Grubers advice on delighting your consumers and thinking like an entrepreneur is uniquely tailored to fit todays modern, wired age. Randi Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Zuckerberg Media, and Author, Dot Complicated Tech startups are hyped up and glorified lately, and Startup Mixology gives us a reality check: this isnt easy! The sections on what can go wrong help entrepreneurs avoid getting blindsided when reality doesnt live up to fantasy. David Cohen, Cofounder, TechStars This isnt a dry, how–to book. It brings us the stories of startups big and small and teaches by example and inspirationone of the best ways to teach. Tony Conrad, Cofounder, About.me, and Partner, True Ventures Startup Mixology is a GPS tool for entrepreneurs so they can enjoy the leap and avoid burning out. I wish I could have read this book before starting my company. Amy Jo Martin, Founder, Digital Royalty, and Author, Renegades Write the Rules Startup Mixology helps shine a light on potential obstacles and pitfalls and takes some of the fear out of making that first step. Fred Mossler, at Zappos.com Startup success is the convergence of opportunity, aspiration, and agility. No one knows this more than Frank Gruber. By following his lessons and working smart, he will help you become the next startup success story. Brian Solis, Digital Analyst and Author, Whats the Future of Business?

Acknowledgements Introduction Getting Started Chapter 1: Entrepreneurial Mind Chapter 2: Ideas Chapter 3: Action Chapter 4: Formation Product Chapter 5: Product–Market Fit Chapter 6: Launch Chapter 7: Metrics Team and People Chapter 8: Team Chapter 9: Culture Chapter 10: Celebration Chapter 11: Relationships Sales and Marketing Chapter 12: Marketing Chapter 13: Sales Money Chapter 14: Bootstrapping Chapter 15: Funding Growth and Change Chapter 16: Failure Chapter 17: Success Conclusion References

FRANK GRUBER grew up in the Midwest heartland and is an entrepreneur, new media journalist, and investor. His alma maters include Purdue and Northwestern respectively. He cofounded Tech Cocktail in 2006, which has grown into a hub for the creative class, offering tech startup focused news, events, and resources. Frank has built and launched products for the masses while at AOL, Tribune, and Classified Ventures along with startup efforts like Thankfulfor, Splog Reporter, and more. As a journalist his works have been featured in a number of top media publications. He was named by Forbes as one of the most connected people in tech. Frank is also a Venture Partner with Crystal Tech Fund.