A couple of weeks ago, I was with the CEO of a company that resells our data management software and he asked me, "Rick, how did you start your company without venture capital funding?" As the founder of a Silicon Valley technology company, I often get asked this question. Venture capital and venture funding are synonymous with innovation in the Valley, but there are a few of us who have done it on our own, without the help of venture capital. I've been reflecting of late on how our company has grown from two to over 50 employees from its inception 15 years ago and doubled revenues every year for the past four. Looking at the economy now buffeted by factors such as the war, the price of oil, the subprime mortgage crisis, interest rates, and the election year, I realize there are several key things we did that have allowed us not only to handle economic shocks but also to keep growing. So here are some tips for tough times.
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