Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
How Enforceable is Your Non-Compete Clause?
Courts frequently hold non-compete clauses, that state that an individual cannot compete with a certain company in a designated geographical area for a period of time, non-enforceable if they are applied too broadly or if they in any way stifle competition. This article by Entrepreneur outlines how a company may protect themselves by drafting narrow non-compete clauses that only protect what is most important to the company.
7 Myths and Reality on Employees Thinking Like Owners
One way for startups to keep productivity and creativity from taking a dip is to always hire people who think and act as if the startup is their own business. This applies even to employees who are being hired for sales, marketing and administrative jobs. This AlleyWatch article identifies seven common myths that make companies think it is impossible to always hire employees with an entrepreneurial mindset and describes how to overcome each such myth.
New Laws on Data Privacy and Security are Coming. Is Your Company Ready?
Currently, companies are not equipped to sell secure software because they are not incentivized to do so and consumers on their own are in no position to demand such secure software. This may change soon since governments are passing and implementing laws to ensure higher standards for software security and data privacy. This article from HBR discusses ways in which companies that create and deploy software can ready themselves for the soon-to-change regulations by adopting certain strategies.
The Most Important Hires You’ll Make are Your First Employees. So How Do You Spot a Good One?
Payroll is often a company’s biggest expense and it takes stellar employees to build a successful business. This Inc.com article pinpoints what to look for in future star employees, including, humility, grit and ability to be a generalist.
The Eight Reasons VCs Don’t Want to Invest in Your Startup
Most companies, including many with great business ideas, will not interest venture capitalists. This article by Medium highlights the various reasons why a particular investor may not invest in a company, including: the company not being in a segment the investor is interested in, the company not being at the stage the potential investor is interested in and the company not growing quick enough.
