Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

A weekly show where Mary Scott, startup consultant with BusinessRiff, interviews experts in their fields for practical / tactical advice for new, startup businesses. Includes topics like Inventors, Investors, Marketing, Accounting, Legal, Social Media, Mindset, etc. Currently running on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@StartUpSuccessLaunch and in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/startupbusinesslaunchpad/ We want Startups to be wildly successful, and this information will get them there faster. Episodes can also be found at https://businessriff.com

Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 133 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad, a business show with 133 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #825

  Insurance Facts for Startups with Pete Shemetulskis from Marquee Benefit Advisors

  Aug 25, 20269 minS2026

  Insurance Facts for Startups with Pete Shemetulskis from Marquee Benefit Advisors Startup Insurance and Benefits Mary and Pete discussed the importance of insurance for startups, particularly focusing on employee benefits. Pete explained that the need for insurance depends on the industry and organization type, noting that benefits are more crucial for organizations with high employee turnover or those seeking to attract and retain staff. Business Insurance Requirements Discussion Pete discussed insurance requirements for businesses, emphasizing the need for health insurance and workers' compensation coverage. He advised startups to find a trusted insurance professional early in the business development process to help navigate benefits and risk management. Pete outlined common employee benefits including health insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance, noting that life insurance is particularly inexpensive for employers to provide. Employee Benefits Overview Pete discussed various employee benefits including pet insurance, critical illness and accident policies, and programs for nursing mothers. He explained that COBRA provides coverage for employees who leave the organization, and stop loss insurance protects employers from liability after a certain point. Pete also mentioned how employee benefits can help retain key personnel like chief scientists in biotech startups. Business Insurance Options for Solopreneurs Pete explained life insurance policies for business continuity and discussed health insurance options for solopreneurs, including group plans, ICRA arrangements, and chamber of commerce plans. He noted that while some solopreneurs may be covered under spouse plans, many employers now require eligible individuals to move to company plans. Pete also mentioned that two-person groups, including spouses, can sometimes get coverage but at higher costs due to lack of underwriting. https://marqueebenefit.com Book a 15 minute synergy call with Mary Scott at https://calendly.com/businessriff/15min

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  Episode #818

  Use a Book to Showcase Your Expertise with Suzy Prudden from Itty Bitty Publishing

  Aug 20, 20267 minS2026

  Use a Book to Showcase Your Expertise with Suzy Prudden from Itty Bitty Publishing Book Marketing for Startups Mary welcomed attendees to Stuck? Time to Improv! and introduced Suzy Prudden from Itty Bitty Publishing as an expert on using books as marketing tools for startups. Business Benefits of Marketing Books Suzy discussed various types of businesses that benefit from creating marketing books, including speakers, coaches, accountants, travel experts, website designers, ADHD coaches, medical professionals, sales experts, and even authors writing about space for children. She provided specific examples, such as an author negotiating a contract with Boys and Girls Club of America for 4 million kids and another author who wrote a book on TEDx speaking. Suzy emphasized that books serve purposes beyond simple sales, as they can support broader business goals and reach diverse audiences. Book Writing Processes Overview Suzy explained various book writing processes, including writer's clinics, weekend workshops, and support for different types of book projects. She described itty bitty books as short expert guides typically containing 15 chapters with two pages each, designed to help people learn specific skills or knowledge areas. Suzy noted that these books serve as marketing tools for experts to demonstrate their knowledge and attract potential clients. Book Template Discussion Meeting Mary and Suzy discussed a book template that Suzy uses to guide authors through the writing process, which Suzy described as a centerpiece for business activities like seminars and webinars. When asked if the template could substitute for a pitch deck, Suzy indicated it was not equivalent but could demonstrate an author's expertise to potential investors. Suzy also mentioned that authors can get sponsors to help offset book costs, and the conversation concluded with Mary expressing appreciation for Suzy's insights. Website https://www.ittybittypublishing.com Book a call with Suzy https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/suzy-prudden Gift for you: 4 hour Write Your Book Workshop FREE https://www.ittybittypublishing.com/products/444169/four-hour-seminar-write-your-book-now.htm Book a 15 minute synergy call with Mary Scott at https://calendly.com/businessriff/15min

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  Episode #811

  What an Investor Needs from a Startup with Randy Berholtz from Mesa Verde Venture Partners

  Aug 14, 202610 min

  What an Investor Needs from a Startup with Randy Berholtz from Mesa Verde Venture Partners Early-Stage Life Sciences Investing Randy discussed his background in investing, explaining that he transitioned from being a lawyer with an MBA to working as a CEO and now invests through Mesa Verde Venture Partners, an early-stage life sciences venture fund in San Diego. He typically invests $500,000 to $1 million in US companies as the first VC investor, with an additional $1 million in reserves. Randy expressed his interest in identifying promising opportunities early and looking 20 years ahead in his investments. Biotech Startup Investment Guidance Randy explained that startups should prepare a detailed presentation specifying the problem to be solved and their exit strategy, including potential buyers and competition. He emphasized that biotech startups particularly need to demonstrate market viability, asking whether someone will pay for their product, whether through insurance or direct pay. Randy indicated his investment focus spans therapeutics, diagnostics, medical devices, and healthcare improvements, with personal interest in longevity and health span technologies. Academia to Biotech Transition Guidance Randy advised that scientists transitioning from academia to biotech should focus on commercialization rather than just basic science, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and people skills in the industry. He highlighted that successful biotech companies require collaboration across multiple disciplines including chemists, biologists, engineers, marketing, sales, regulatory, and clinical trial personnel. Randy noted that the average time to bring a drug to market is about 12 years, and successful commercialization requires working with diverse teams rather than focusing solely on scientific expertise. FDA Impact on Medical Technology Randy discussed the impact of FDA shakeups on the industry, stating that while some change is beneficial, delays in SBIR and STTR programs could hurt science and investing in the long term. He emphasized the need for more government certainty and less politics in the regulatory process, particularly regarding medical technology approvals. The conversation concluded with Mary providing contact information for Randy's venture capital firm and promoting her startup services. Randy's link: https://mesaverdevp.com Book a call with Mary Scott at https://calendly.com/businessriff/15min

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  Episode #804

  Startup Marketing Tips from Alesha Henley, A Dose of Insight

  Aug 7, 20268 minS2026

  Marketing Tips for Startups with Alesha Henley from A Dose of Insight. Startup Marketing Strategy Discussion Mary and Alesha discussed key tips for startups, focusing on the importance of clearly defining the target audience rather than marketing to everyone. Alesha emphasized that social media should be used for personal engagement rather than just transactional purposes, as building trust with potential customers is essential for business growth. Effective Marketing Audience Strategies Alesha emphasized the importance of understanding the target audience's demographics and their preferred social media platforms for effective marketing. She highlighted that authenticity and trust-building are key to successful communication, and marketers should focus on addressing customer pain points and benefits rather than just promoting themselves. Social Media Content Strategy Alesha recommended including pictures on social media as people are visual and have short attention spans, though she noted that the type of content depends on the audience and message. She explained that younger audiences prefer quick videos while more mature audiences are more willing to read longer content. Alesha emphasized the importance of including a call to action to direct followers to a website, stating that having an online presence is essential for appearing legitimate as a business. Low-Cost Business Startup Strategies Alesha advised Mary on low-cost strategies for new businesses to get started, including using free platforms like Zoom and social media to create initial content. She emphasized that consistency beats going viral and recommended affordable website creation tools with templates for startups. When asked about hiring developers or graphic artists, Alesha suggested they are beneficial but acknowledged budget constraints for new businesses, suggesting alternative affordable software options instead. Alesha's links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/69446054/admin/dashboard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DoseInsight Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adoseofinsightmarketing/ Book a free consultation: 30 Minute Consultation: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/my-30-minute-consultation Book a 15 minute synergy call with Mary Scott at https://calendly.com/businessriff/15min

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  Episode #728

  Entrepreneurship for Engineers with Richard Bowling

  Jul 28, 20267 minS2026

  Entrepreneurship for Engineers with Richard Bowling, MicroPod Global Engineer Entrepreneur Academy Engineer Entrepreneur Transition Challenges Richard identified the primary challenge for engineers transitioning to entrepreneurship as overthinking the process, particularly struggling with business development, marketing, and validation rather than technical aspects. He noted that engineers must make a significant professional mindset shift from seeking perfect solutions to launching products despite uncertainty. Richard explained that his program, Micropod Global Engineer Entrepreneur Academy, uses micro-hacks to help engineers transition, including concepts like "action precedes clarity" and the "70% rule." Product Development and Customer Engagement Richard discussed product development strategies, emphasizing the importance of making decisions when a product is 70% complete rather than waiting for 100% completion. When Mary asked about hacks to help engineers overcome social anxiety when talking to potential customers, Richard shared an example of an engineer who was psychologically resistant to customer interactions and mentioned that they provide personal development coaching to address these fears and build confidence in business development activities. Entrepreneurship and Product Validation Insights Richard advised engineers to join communities or beta test with other engineers to overcome isolation during entrepreneurship journeys. He emphasized the importance of validating ideas through lean startup principles before building functional products, even using simple mock-ups to confirm market needs. The discussion concluded with Mary thanking Richard for his insights and promoting her startup consulting services.

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