Many entrepreneurs with a great idea want to take it all the way, but they know they can't without money. So rather than working hard, building their businesses up, and growing out of profits; they want to move fast and furious and use other people's money. It makes sense to take the path of least resistance for a young startup company full of diehard entrepreneurs, and yet, if they are seeking venture capital money from any of the top venture capital firms, they need to understand the reality of the game.

Your joint venture may be an exciting and profitable time in your business career. However, a JV can take a great deal of time away from your own business and other commitments. Every day, you may find that your "to-do" lists get larger and larger and your available time becomes less and less. How do you focus on the important things and get things done more efficiently?

The Venture Capitalists in Silicon Valley are crying up a storm due to the difficulties in the market and challenges in raising capital. Many of the firms have closed and the game has changed, everything from the IPO market to the largest firms ball-hogging the game. Interestingly enough, I see a whole lot of sniveling going on in the VC world.

If you think you need to raise 1 million dollars giving away 30% of your equity, you better show 10,000 hours of work! Have you ever heard that 80% of businesses failed? Well, that is simply not true. Someone made the point and it stuck. Like so many paradigms: wealthy families are unhappy, or mean to each other; if you work hard you will get to the top; create a great product and you will succeed, and so many others...