What would you like to see on StartupSmart.com.au?

Hi Ollie,
I'm enjoying the site so far and I've been enjoying reading all the content.
I'd like to see information about Online only Businesses and the different types of business models that could be adopted when starting one. I.e. I would like to start a website which I think would be popular, but I'm struggling to understand how it would make money eventually. Some discussion on the avenues available would be fantastic.
Regards, Chris

Online business models. Good suggestion Chris and one close to my heart. After seeing some of the websites that entered the SmartCompany Web Awards this year. I could definitely see some emerging trends here if aggregation and coupon sites. Perhaps we can set up an online business group, I'd be happy to share some of the things we have learnt along the way. Also I know we have some great experts who have registered who could share some of there pearls of wisdom.

Hi Oliver, articles on early stage funding especially innovative options rather than the typical venture capital and angel investment ones. For instance the US Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Here's an article on http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/217244

and another one on super angels http://www.forbes.com/2010/09/07/super-angel-investors-entrepreneurs-finance-wharton-sustainable-tech-10.html?boxes=entrepreneurschannellightop

Louise

Oliver

Thanks for asking! I’d like to see a functionality where members can pool / swap expertise on individual businesses. I’ve just built an online business and really need some marketing advice. I am a Chartered Accountant (though promise I haven’t had the personality bypass that often goes with that job!) so can offer finance / business planning skills other businesses might be able to use. Could StartUpSmart provide the forum to put people in touch with each other?

Anne-Maree

Thanks for the suggestions Chris, Louise and Anne-Maree.

Just on your point Anne-Maree, we hope that the groups we have set up will be used by members who want advice on certian areas. For example, if someone needs expertise in advertising, they'd go to the marketing group, same with IT support and the technology group etc.

The Will it Fly group is for people to float ideas and get a response from the community. We will look to add further groups along these subject lines, but I'm sure we'll could also consider a general advice swap group too.

Thanks,

Ollie, StartupSmart.com.au

Hi Ollie

I, for one, am in the market for both a mentor and business partner. Perhaps, Im not the only one who is building a team - but not necessarily recruiting. Maybe there is a need for a community section for this area here at StartupSmart?

Cheers

Rosemary

Hi Ollie

Great question!
I would love the opportunity to discuss your articles with fellow readers, directly after each article.
Will this be available at any stage?

Cheer and great work,
Helen

Ollie - only just joined the community but read the site a fair bit. I'd love to see more people profiles of startup folk - both the entrepreneurs and the teams that help make their businesses. Their stories of what worked, what didn't, their biggest learnings, and so on - would be great to see more of this. Adds a human touch to the editorial as well, as Startups are often about passion, hard work, and can get quite emotionally charged!

General site feedback:
1. This site really needs a mobile version.
2. Modal popup ads are really not cool.

Community section feedback:
1. We should be able to login via OAuth providers such as facebook and google. I know startupsmart.com.au is the centre of your universe, but for me it's just another site for which I have to remember my username and password.
2. Use gravatar.com for profile pictures. (Same sentiment applies - just another site where I have to upload a profile picture.)

Hi Ollie,

First the good. I really like a lot of the advice and stories on the site. Keep up the good work!

On to the bad.

I agree with Steve on the need for a mobile version of the site.

As for the Community, I'm not sure what software you use for your forums (sorry, groups) but it's weird! Having to create an account and then "join" every group in your forum is a real pain. Also why is it that the most recent comment appears at the top and not the bottom like it does it most forums?

Seriously, have a click around a forum like Whirlpool ( http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/ ) and then click around here and you'll see what I mean!

My advice is to take a look (or get your I.T. guys to have a look) at phpBB or vBulletin and junk whatever it is you're running here!