#ShapingtheBlogs

As tech firms work to settle charges of ageism and retreats are popping up to help workers over 30 learn to compete with younger employees, many people may assume that any age over 25 is too old to launch a startup. But luckily for older workers, that view is inaccurate. In reality, the mean age for founders at the highest-growth new ventures is 45. That's the word from a report conducted by researchers from MIT, Northwestern University and the US Census Bureau, which was recently published by N...

You're beginning a new company and as such, you're most likely looking for funding. This is where venture capital comes in. What is venture capital? It's the financing that is invested in startups. It's usually a high risk investment with the potential for unlimited growth. Most people who provide venture capital do it on an ongoing basis. In other words, that's their business. To help you decide whether or not you should seek it out, we look at the five advantages of seeking venture capital.&nb...

One of the best things about starting a new business is picking out an office location and setting it all up. It solidifies your position as a growing startup and puts you on the path to success. In this article, we look at how startups can approach office design to maximize your space and the potential of your staff. Why is office design so important? One study shows that the design of your physical workplace is one of the top factors affecting employee performance and job satisfaction. Because...

It's worth noting that while startup life is obviously never easy, tackling it head-on as a female entrepreneur presents its own unique set of challenges. Thankfully, we are at the cusp of a shift, and these obstacles should soon be a thing of the past. But until then, here are three hurdles worth looking out for, and how to leap over them.   ​[Read full article on Entrepreneur]

Are trade shows worth it for your startup? The answer is yes. While many businesses forgo trade shows for other forms of advertising, if you do this, you're leaving money on the table. Trade shows create an incredible opportunity for your startup to be seen. It's a great place for people to try your product and see it in person. What's more, Meeting Professionals International found there's a 40% close rate for meetings you have in person. Let's say you're selling hot tubs at a trade show – that...

Everyone has at least one hobby, whatever it might be – it could be playing video games, watching TV shows, practicing sports, going to the beach, hiking, or anything else that can help you unwind at the end of the day. Hobbies can be done alone or as a part of a group and they are extremely important for our mental health, as they make us feel happier and more relaxed. Not everybody wants to turn their hobby into a career but, for some, their passion can be a lot more than just a fun way to pas...