VIDEOS
Why Do So Many Startups Fail? (preview for S3E29!!) #startup #business #entrepreneur
Why DO so many startups fail?
* They run out of cash?
* Poor market fit?
* Bad timing?
* Founder temperament?
Check out Episode 29 that answers the listener question, "Why do so many startups fail?"
And check out my show Ask Christa! where I review the listener question, answer using practical tips, then offer additional resources (always in the show notes)!
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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, …
Ask Christa! Why Do So Many Startups Fail?
Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common question of why so many startups fail. She explores the assumptions about founders, the importance of vision and mission, market fit, business management, and effective leadership in startup success. She discusses how founders are often driven by a deep belief in the vision for their business and mission of their product(s) rather than a tolerance for risk. Christa emphasizes that while startups face numerous chal…
New product and new business? Focus on FUTURE VALUE #business #investing #innovation
Build the prototype and THEN find funding? Or get funding TO build the prototype? Chicken or the egg?
Well... the goal is actually about VALUE, so the answer to the question is...
Season 3 Episode 27 is part of my Business Basics series where I’m answering a lot of general questions I’ve received in the last two months. Questions include: how a business runs, how to learn about the basics, and how to get savvy about funding in make-sense, easy ways.
Check out the ep…
Today's business research is not our grandparents' business research... #business
One of the best ways to learn about business basics is to read articles based on evidence-based research.
While that sounds like a real snoozer, current business research isn't like what it was decades ago-- at least, not "applied research" that focuses on real-world solutions based on real-world studies.
Seek out articles from media that offers evidence-based research in readable ways: Harvard Business Review (don't let the name fool you, the articles are…
The best funding models are the RIGHT funding models #business #innovation
Episode 28 is LIVE and is the 3rd of 6 in the Business Basics Series. It answers the question, "What's the best funding model for startups?"
(use the Video Chapters in the episode's show notes to skip around as needed)
Once you learn about the different funding models, you can begin to narrow in on the right ones for your business...
And check out my show Ask Christa! where I review the listener question, answer using practical tips, then offer add…
Funding mixes are very prevalent in smart startups-- how many funding models are there? #business
Episode 28 is LIVE and is the 3rd of 6 in the Business Basics Series. It answers the question, "What's the best funding model for startups?"
(use the Video Chapters in the episode's show notes to skip around as needed)
In my experience, many first-time founders or entrepreneurial-curious people interested in learning how to startup a business do not realize the various funding models-- OR that your first consideration should not be how much money you need.…
Ask Christa! What's the best funding model for startups? #startupfunding #innovation #business
Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses the various funding models available for startups, understanding which model aligns best with a founder's objectives and business goals. She reviews the misconceptions surrounding funding, the significance of ownership and leverage, and the complexity of products in determining funding needs. She also highlights the common misconception that venture capital is the only funding option and encourages entrepreneurs to expl…
Learn about business through TV shows that focus on recovery! (no, not Shark Tank...) #business
Tabatha's Take Over (oldie but goodie!), Bar Rescue... even Undercover Boss.... to learn about business QUICKLY, go for the TV shows that focus on RECOVERING a business...
Episode 26 just dropped, and it's part of my "Business Basics" series. Similar to my "Strategy Series" from season 1, this series consolidates a lot of questions I've received about learning the basics: how to learn about business, what funding models mean, why businesses fail-- e…
New product idea? Time to think about PROTECTION!!! #business #investing #innovation
Build the prototype and THEN find funding? Or get funding TO build the prototype? Chicken or the egg?
Well... the goal is actually about VALUE, and a big part of value is assuring you have freedom to operate-- you are free to make the claim that your product (and all parts of your product) are YOURS...
Season 3 Episode 27 is part of my Business Basics series where I’m answering a lot of general questions I’ve received in the last two months. Questions include: how a business…
Ask Christa! Business Basics Series (1/6) Is the Product or the Money More Important? #business
Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's dilemma about whether to prioritize product development or seek funding for a prototype. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market research, protecting intellectual property, and building value before approaching investors. That puts you in a position of strength. The conversation explores various funding strategies, including seed funding and the significance of prototypes in demonstrating prod…
De-risking your business increases its value, and funding is about value... #funding #business
Build the prototype and THEN find funding? Or get funding TO build the prototype? Chicken or the egg?
Well... the goal is actually about VALUE, so the answer might surprise you...
This is the listener question for Season 3 Episode 27, which is part of my Business Basics series where I’m answering a lot of general questions I’ve received in the last two months. Questions include: how a business runs, how to learn about the basics, and how to get savvy about funding in make-sen…
Learn about business through reading about businesses that recover... #business
There's no better way to learn a trade than by fixing problems after you have the basics down....
Episode 26 just dropped, and it's part of my "Business Basics" series. Similar to my "Strategy Series" from season 1, this series consolidates a lot of questions I've received about learning the basics: how to learn about business, what funding models mean, why businesses fail-- even what outsourcing means and why it matters.
Episode 26 listen…
Business isn't a difficult subject to learn... (the hard part is the people part)... #business
You know what’s hard about business? People. And yet, business is all about people—your customers, your team, fellow employees-- even the difficult ones.
Season 3 Episode 25 is LIVE and answers the listener question, “How Can I Feel Less Intimidated by Business?”
As part of my answer, I explain why mastering human dynamics is the most underrated (and essential) business skill, yet very few think about it that way—and this skill often drives how much you actually understand a…
Management isn't for everyone, and that's OK-- it isn't the only career path! #business #management
Episode 23 of Ask Christa! is LIVE and answers the listener question, "What Are the Top Skills of Effective Managers?"
(it's not what you think...)
And btw: management isn't for everyone. If you want to go fast, if you want to make quick decisions, if the thought of working through team conflict and sitting with team members 1:1 to discuss their career paths or performance, then you'll quickly languish and burn out in a management role.
Gone a…
Business isn't just for "Business People" (and who are "Business People" anyway?) #business
If you’ve ever said, “I’m not a business person,”—pause and ask yourself why not?
I’m challenging the labels we give ourselves, and I’m on a mission to break down the myth that business belongs to a select few. It's amazing how many times I hear people who think they aren't business people perpetuate that myth (all on their own).
Whether you’re in science, engineering, manufacturing, various trades, postal services, or anything else—you’re likely more of a business…
Want to learn the basics of business? Look around you.... #business #learning
Episode 26 just dropped, and it's part of my "Business Basics" series. Similar to my "Strategy Series" from season 1, this series consolidates a lot of questions I've received about learning the basics: how to learn about business, what funding models mean, why businesses fail-- even what outsourcing means and why it matters.
Episode 26 listeners submitted questions asking "How can I learn about business basics?" and a lot of my answers is abou…
Ask Christa! How do I learn about business basics? #business
Summary
In this episode of Ask Christa!, host Christa Dhimo introduces a new series focused on business basics, addressing common questions about how to learn about business. The episode itself explores the fundamentals of learning about business. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal learning objectives and how they shape the learning process. She emphasizes the importance of understanding personal learning objectives and suggests various resources and methods for acqui…
Being a manager is a tough job-- companies need to select and prepare better!! #business
Episode 23 of Ask Christa! is LIVE and answers the listener question, "What Are the Top Skills of Effective Managers?"
(it's not what you think...)
AND... companies shouldn't take this role for granted. SELECT the right people, TRAIN them, and SUPPORT them!!!
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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact
© 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Chris…
You don't need an MBA to understand business you need curiosity #business #professionaldevelopment
You don’t need an MBA to understand business. Most people picture spreadsheets, complex modeling, and endless meetings—but real business skills show up in everyday life.
If you’ve ever organized a fundraiser, managed a budget, or helped someone take a leap—you’re already practicing core business principles.
Season 3 Episode 25 is LIVE and answers the listener question, “How Can I Feel Less Intimidated by Business?”
And check out my show Ask Christa! where I review t…
Short term austerity (holding off on spending money) can quickly save a business #business
Episode 22 is LIVE! In this epi of Ask Christa! a listener asks how to do more with less when every year they are asked to do more with less-- no investment in better tools, no reduction of scope, understaffed teams well over capacity, high expectations to deliver yet no one ever delivers.
Long term austerity (holding off on spending money due to financial hardships) isn't a good strategy. BUT! It's one of the best and quickest ways to save a business that's in troubl…
Thinking about leaving your job? Here's a way to determine the "when"... #personalgrowth #work
Check out Episode 24 that explores the listener question, "When should I leave?"
Only you can decide when to leave, but there are a few things to consider when you're asking about timing-- asking "when" and not "whether."
And check out my show Ask Christa! where I review the listener question, answer using practical tips, then offer additional resources (always in the show notes)!
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Ask Christa! Business Q…
Business is a process-- not a mystery! #business #entrepreneur #learning #professionaldevelopment
Season 3 just started, and this one is all about listener questions focused on BUSINESS CONCEPTS.
Many people feel intimidated by the idea of “business”—but it’s not as complicated as it seems. Here's a simple truth I used to teach graduate STEM students while teaching them advanced business concepts: business is a process—nothing more.
You don’t need to be a born strategist or deep problem-solver to succeed in the business world—there’s room for every kind of thinker…
Ask Christa! How can I feel less intimidated by business?
Note: the frozen frame in the last 5 seconds of the video is a glitch... and we couldn't "fix... the glitch" (IYKYK)-- it's not your browser... but it's also only the last few moments of wrap-up, so I hope you enjoy the content and thank you for your patience!
Summary
In the Season 3 opener of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses the common intimidation felt by individuals entering the business world and engaging in business concepts, particularly those …
Employers: if you want success, treat your employees well #business #work #leadership
Check out Episode 24 that explores the listener question, "When should I leave?"
Only you can decide when to leave, but there are things to consider that will guide you along on timing. I talk about that in my latest episode.
Meanwhile, for the managers and employers: even your best employees, highest performers, and most dedicated team members WILL ask themselves this question ("When should I leave?") if you aren't treating them well.
Treati…