Making an Introduction
You’re a cleantech businessperson with a solid, commercially viable concept that, if implemented, could make a transformative difference in our civilization’s ability to deal with its environmental challenges. But you have a problem. Maybe it’s lack of capital. Perhaps you’re struggling to find the precise words that most clearly and concisely express the value proposition your organization has to offer. Possibly you have that piece wrapped up nicely, but you can’t seem to find a cost-effective way to get that message out, in such a way that it totally blankets your target market.
You know that, out there somewhere, there must be “best-practices” in demand generation that would ensure there isn’t a soul in your prospect base who doesn’t understand exactly who you are and what you can do for them…but you’re not sure exactly what those practices are.
I’m Craig Shields. Since I started my career as a marketing consultant in 1982, I’ve solved these problems literally hundreds of times, for repeat clients including IBM, H-P, Oracle, Motorola, FedEx, Unisys, Mitsubishi, Philips Electronics, Penske Logistics/GE Capital, 3M, Sony, Microsoft, 3Com, ABB, Fujitsu and many dozens of smaller, angel-and venture-capitalized enterprises. Since 2009, I’ve been focusing my attention on cleantech, an arena in which deploying my skill-set brings humankind ever closer to a sustainable relationship with its environment.
Now that we know each other, let’s plan to speak, and discuss where I can help you take your business—quickly and affordably. Just hit the “Contact” button and I’ll get right back to you.
YES, Craig, that’s true I’am having a problem gaining traction in the funding department. I have always taken your commentary on the subject to heart. Your financial ability, and knowledge on the subject far exceeds mine. So, you are someone that I always listen to. Always look forward to hearing from you. Thanks for everything, that you are willing to share. Have a great day. Frank
Hi, Frank. Please see my email.
Hi Craig,
So, you can reach me at 360-888-3174. I have some interesting docs for funding the hybrid system and am working on a new approach to torrefaction of biomass. There was some interest in the system when I presented at the Global Summit – Hello Tomorrow conference in Paris last fall. I was named a finalist for the French Tech ticket.
Kind regards, Marc Rappaport
Good to speak with you yesterday. I look forward to a continued association with you and your projects.
As I’ve “contributed” to numerous conversations in the past, I’ve numerous technologies and synergistic systems that I’d like to discuss.
On the one technology
,we are looking for relatively “small” money.
For the one technology we
Could use as little as
$ 550,000 up to 2.5 million.
Another technology is a much smaller number
$ 30,000 +.
Please contact me either by email or phone
(631) 356 – 0267.
Thanks so much, Rob Kaplan
Hi Robert,
Great to hear from people with a passion for innovative clean technology.
I wish you every success in your endeavors. Becoming an entrepreneur in any field is difficult, but clean tech can be especially challenging. My only advice is to raise and borrow as much capital as you can, even if it’s more than you think will be required.
It’s surprising most how, despite the most careful planning, more funding becomes necessary once the project has commenced and just how many unforeseen circumstances will arise.
Good Luck ! .
MP is right about raising more than you think you’ll need; it’s hard to go back and ask for more.
Hello Craig, MP.All of what you say might be true under many circumstances. With the one technology we’ve been before MANY entities; mechanical, and electrical engineering firms and such. We’ve even “sat down” with the likes of NRG. They’ve come “to the table” twice and have “vetted” the technology. They had approved the technology to the point of stating 2 different “agreements”, neither did they move forward. They actually wanted the company to use this technology to “replace” the workings of a 146 MW coal facility in NJ. Yes, we can scale to that size and larger. The company has a P.O. for a 2 Mw prototype(smallest that can be efficiently built)
Sold for 1.5 million. But they need $550,000to build the prototype(small money in today’s world).I’ve spoken with investors and the smallest amount available was 5 million. Even with the other 10.5 MW project in Massachusetts, we are no where near needing 5 million.
There is MUCH interest in the technology and some substantial entities state that if we can prove this technology it is a “game-changer”.
Craig,
Well done ! It’s very heartening to read you’re back doing what you should be doing, concentrating on advancing clean technology.
The world needs more astute business mentors like yourself, making a most valuable contribution the development of clean tech initiatives.
In recent years, I’ve been noticed many hopeful innovators have an initiative or product, but not really a business as such. Although it often not easy to make the innovator appreciate the difference, it’s often better to offer the product, or innovation to an existing business to gain market and manufacturing traction.
That’s just one reason why mentors like yourself are so valuable.
Hi Craig.
That’s a great introduction. Well done.. You are now back.. and So am I !
Talk to those companies that demand and expect “Best Practices”..
Regards.
Ken Chan
You have always served as an inspiration to me, Ken. Thanks for this.
Regarding advancing on Science by phrases…
CS, help me out with this business of being “back” and stuff. I thought you were always around getting things done, or thinking things thru in the foreground (when our blog was constant) or background (when tying together those quite impressive, multifaceted portfolio of yours). Ah, yes, thanks again for reiterating your important part in our quest. Expect my email soon.
To be honest, I don’t get it either. I guess it’s a reference to how few 2GE Alerts I’ve been sending recently that promote what I do professionally.
I eagerly await your email.
Craig,
I am looking for a tech co-founder in the USA with expertise in thermal machines for my patented Solair, thermal compressor for fixed and vehicles HVACR system. In fixed, electricity co-generation is a bonus. NSF can fund PoC/prototype development.
If you know someone with this profile in any University of R&D centre, please let me know.
I need to understand this better. Can you send me something that explains this?
Greetings Craig ,
Really enjoyable to read your Intro and call for ideas from your large network of New Technology developers and entrepreneurs . Its great that some have responded and have new technologies in various stages of development.
So there is no shortage of projects that need some expert guidance to navigate the narrows of bringing concepts , proto types forward and into a business stage .
So best wishes in your efforts to work and interact with these different groups. To address the many challenges that the World faces it will take a full court press on multiple fronts and sources as well as end uses to reverse the decline s and negative outfalls we may be facing.
The need for good technical adaptions with good Humanity built in is needed
Best Wishes in your efforts Craig, Silent Running
Hi Silent,
It’s often the smaller, more humble innovations that produce the greatest practical benefits.
Recovering waste heat from air conditioning and refrigeration technology has been around a very long time. Regrettably it’s been largely ignored in the days of relatively cheap energy.
This useful technology has been ignored due to apathy and it’s only practical benefit being free hot water. The technology is relatively cheap to purchase and install but most installers and consumers are unaware of the technologies existance.
( No government incentives stc.)
14 years ago three young graduates approached me for assistance to help fund and commercialize a new version of this fairly old technology.
Unlike Craig, my organization doesn’t really accommodate start-up small scale entrepreneurs, but because these were friends of late wife’s, I agreed to attend a presentation.
What I saw impressed me. The technology wasn’t a just a simple heat exchanger converting waste heat into hot water, but a solid state thermoelectric device capable of converting waste heat into electricity.
Thus began my 10 year foray into TEG technology. Although my role is limited to finance and commercialization, even a non-scientist like me, can’t fail to be impressed by the rapid growth of this technology, especially since the equally rapid advances in nano-technology have assisted development.
Applications for the use of TEG technology in the Solar industry are already proving very exciting.
One very important lesson for most hopeful tech entrepreneurs, is most new innovations don’t become practical without “breakthroughs’ in related scientific achievements.
For instance the problem with the cost of ‘lithium’ batteries, isn’t lithium,( which is neither rare nor expensive), but the cost and difficulty of mining other ingredients, in particular Cobalt.
The cost of developing new “breakthrough” technology is often very considerable and stretches out over many years. (the trick is to make money during the development stage).
For these reason, and as a result of dealing with scientists and assessing all aspects of their personalities,I’m somewhat less in adoration of these folk than Craig 🙂
But when you meet young science entrepreneurs like Canada’s Ann Makosinski you take heart in the next generation.
l actually believe I had such a problem, until l decided to start small; that is, as Small business firm, De-Ziccapelo Technologies, De-Ziccapelo Investment Ltd. I am much more concerned with creating jobs for my country men. Sustaining Development Goals at home now and not later. Funds a problem, yes; but how much of one is it, for me, for now.