For the most part, I believe that brands should not take a stand on larger social issues if those issues are something of controversy. Religion, politics, sexuality; these topics are the things that make big bar brawls and even larger socio-messes. Why should brands feel that “they” have the right to get involved and take a stand on something that is a matter of opinion? I have always believed that there are topics that have no right or wrong answer. For instance, sight, smell, taste – everyone is different, so there is no right or wrong with these items. The larger social issues are no different. What is “right” for one person or group may not be “right” for another and therefore both can be right. It’s not about proving one side correct at the expense of disproving the other side. Both sides are right for the groups who feel “that way.”

There are, however, some issues on which brands (in my humble opinion) can take a stand. Poverty, hunger, helping others – these are things that are universally good. Nobody will argue that helping the poor, the needy or a starving child is bad. A brand that wants to take a stand in order to faciliate the end of suffering, in my opinion, is a good thing. Any brand that decides to take a stand on some religious, political or issue concerning sexuality should take a look in the mirror and at least admit to themselves that they are doing so for some ulterior motive.

To see the actual article in YFS Magazine, click here.

Our Director of Marketing, Christina Kugel responded on my behalf after we reviewed the subject matter together. Below is what appears in the article. If you would like to see the article on Bank of America’s website, please click here.

When your growing team demands more and more of your time

TeliApp Corporation, a high-tech startup that builds new smartphone apps for mobile devices, went through a major expansion—a good sign of growth and success, yet the company’s organizational issues also grew. “Prior to expanding, the company consisted of me, a CTO, a graphic designer, and a handful of programmers, all answering to me,” says CEO Josh Weiss, “As business began to pick up, we had no choice but to bring on more people. We added a marketing department, a business development/sales department, more graphic design personnel, and a social networking internship program. [However] every decision was still coming to me—and my email was flooded hourly with questions from my employees.” Weiss had to make a change. He drew up a flow chart, designating department heads (based on job performance and experience) to take on more responsibilities and is searching for a COO. “I could no longer be the only ‘go-to’ guy. Establishing a hierarchy is essential for a clear distribution of responsibility and to avoid duplication of work and enhance efficiency,” says Weiss.

“Preparation and organization are absolutely the most essential steps to prevent one’s self from becoming overwhelmed. As my company expanded I did my best to anticipate what our new needs would be and took the necessary steps to be ready for them before they hit. Sometimes, I had to bring on new people but mostly preparedness and organization called for a restructuring of our internal hierarchy in order to distribute responsibility. Initially, everyone answered to me. Expanding meant creating new management responsibilities for my employees, alleviating some of my pressure and allowing us to be more efficient.” See the article live by clicking here.

]]> http://teliapp.com/windows-shops-look-to-surface-pro-tablet-for-salvation-from-byod-chaos/feed/ 0 http://teliapp.com/how-we-got-our-business-name/ http://teliapp.com/how-we-got-our-business-name/#comments Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:06:56 +0000 Joshua Weiss http://teliapp.com/?p=881 TeliApp’s Business Name

Recently, I was asked by Ashley Pourter, a journalist from CEO Blog Nation, how we came up with our business name. I explained that the “Teli” is an ancient mystical word that is connected to the constellation Draco and the path of the ecliptic that circles it. It has special meaning to me, as it represents connection, duality and togetherness. The second part of our company name, “App”, was a logical fit since creating mobile apps is what we do. TeliApp created a category of app that we call ‘enhanced social interaction’. With this category, we plan to not only create mobile applications that aid in performing jobs, tasks and functions, but also to create apps that help people achieve their goals and dreams. See the full article on CEO Blog Nation by clicking here.

Recently, Ashley Poulter, a journalist from CEO Blog Nation, inquired what is required to close a big sale. Below was my response.

Closing a big sale isn’t easy. But, it doesn’t have to be difficult either. Here are a few tips that have always worked for me. Firstly, you must have patience. Don’t rush anything. Everything has to happen at the correct time, and one shouldn’t be in a rush to close something; sometimes the rush can torpedo the deal. Secondly, shut off the emotion switch. Do not allow yourself to ‘feel’ anything positive or negative. If successfully accomplished, this eliminates nervousness, anxiety, fear – all the annoying little emotions that could otherwise hamper a deal. When all you’re left with is logical, things have a tendency to fall into place. Third, don’t engage the deal unless you have the tools required to make it happen. Next month for instance, I plan to meet with VC firms and Hedge Funds to raise capital for the business. The last two months have been dedicated to polishing the business plan, financials and the slidedeck presentation I’m going to use. It has to be spot on perfect, and I won’t schedule a single meeting until all the materials are complete. Fourth, a top down approach is just as important as a bottom up approach, and this should be reflected in your materials. Lastly, and possibly most important, is tunnel vision will power. You have to visualize where you want to be and only after you can clearly see that “place” can you follow the paths that are required to get there. Don’t let anything stand in your way.

Click here to see the full published article on CEO Blog Nation.

For me, entrepreneurship is about creation. I know that for many, entrepreneurship is about autonomy – the ability to make your own hours and be your own boss, not working for “the man” (or, “the woman”, as the case may be). People find their motivation in different places, but in my ventures the motivation has always come from the excitement and satisfaction that accompanies building something from nothing. I am inspired by original thought and by big ideas. Entrepreneurship is about making things happen and making a difference.  It starts with identifying a problem, a need, or a way to make things a little better or easier. If you start by looking for a way to make a difference and then have the will to take action and to make it a reality, how can you go to bed unhappy?

See this article on CEO Blog Nation by clicking here.

]]> http://teliapp.com/why-we-do-what-we-do/feed/ 0 http://teliapp.com/values/ http://teliapp.com/values/#comments Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:34:35 +0000 Joshua Weiss http://teliapp.com/?p=827 I continue to be constantly inspired by the actions of a shrinking few. My latest inspiration came from a couple who recently won the PowerBall jackpot. Instead of buying needless things, they choose to continue their modest lifestyle. They choose to give help to others in need. My wife and I have often said to each other that regardless of our future financial successes, we will remain modest people, and we intend to continue to live a modest lifestyle. Without placing judgement on those that do, because that is not our way, we have no need for fancy cars and gargantuan homes. We believe that we need to provide an example to our children and to the people that we value, that we place little value on needless commodities. In a society that continues to evolve toward the excess, it is exceedingly refreshing to see others with similar values to my own. Not to say that my way is the right way, because I have learned over time that what is right for me may not be right for someone else. There is no definitive right way. Definitive right ways are dangerous. A more evolutionary philosophy is that my way works for me, and someone else’s way works for them, and both are just as valid.

I have the same philosophy at work.  I do not permit needless spending on anything. No fancy walls, no fancy desks and unnecessary overhead expenses just because we can. You won’t ever find us on the top of some expensive building in NYC unless its overhead cost matches that of a respectable and clean space in our current city, Edison NJ. I much prefer this style, to set an example to my coworkers, that the values of this company are not ‘just about’ making money, but also in becoming a positive role model for others like us. When our HR group receives a resume or a job application, they are guaranteed an interview, regardless of their background or the condition of their resumé. You’d think that this policy is a waste of time, and I would disagree. Because of this policy, we have been tremendously fortunate to find several ‘diamonds in the rough’ that didn’t have a well written resumé, but had excellent qualifications. It’s fortunate when things work out nicely, but even when they don’t, I still enjoy the active and humbling process of learning through trial and error.

Rather than preach to others, like this couple, I prefer to lead by example. If others are inspired by our actions, great. If not, that’s fine too.