The Underpants Business of South Park goes like this:  Phase 1, steal lots of underpants.  Phase 3, PROFITS!

So the logical question here is, what’s phase 2?

I loved that episode of South Park, mostly because of all the startups I’ve talked with, most of them get a clueless look on their face when you bring up their go-to-market strategy.  What do you mean? they ask.  I’m going to do some Adwords Campaigns, maybe I’ll hire a sales guy when I can afford it. Prepare for a really hard and fast landing if that’s your strategy.  You need to think about vertical markets, horizontal markets, how to get your lists, what kind of marketing you’ll do (print, online, phone, direct, whatever) – its exhaustive.  While I don’t mean to scare you, I do wish more entrepreneurs would start thinking about it before launching companies.

So, to help you start thinking about it, CU’s Silicon Flatirons program is running a free seminar tonight and on the 27th to help give some insights on how to market your product and company.  Start thinking about Phase 2 BEFORE you execute Phase 1!  And of course its a good place to come network.

But the real question is who else is missing their underpants?  Ummm….no comment.

While it goes against the media, one of the best times to launch a startup is truly in down times.  Many top-notch employees are being laid off and can be obtained at well under market rates, materials are cheaper, office rents tank, everything all around becomes a better bargain.  Tom Siebel of Siebel Systems launched his company in 1993, when the economy was on a downswing, and he’s now one of the most weathly Americans.  It’s a scary time, but the most brazen entrepreneurs see opportunity – thus while the competition is shriveling up, the smart ones are making a run for it.  So while you’re worried about your job, you could be planning your next big break.  Boulder has all the resources right here; quit thinking about it and start executing!  The time is now!