After looking at this blog, Bart Kemper wrote:

Steve — I haven’t approached any VC stuff. … You’ve seen my website … how would VC be applicable?

Bart also mentions he does not want to give up any ownership.  That is for discussion at another time; let us first focus on how this blog could help the your company if you are not an investor and not seeking investment…now.

First some background: Bart’s business is Kemper Engineering Services, LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The web site is www.kemperengineering.com.  You can read about their background, client list, goals, market, and mission statement.  There is an impressive list of clients.  Their goal is to grow to become one of the “premier engineering companies for the innovation, design and analysis of equipment and products”.

Bart is far from retirement and Kemper Engineering Services will be around for a long time.  They may never need an investor. However, I am thinking of the possibilities…what situations could arise that Bart could use this knowledge?  Go visit his site and think about how he could use this information…

What if they are working with a client that needs them to evaluate a product design? It could be a startup for the client to invest, or it could be for the client to attract investors.  Understanding the concerns of the client is first step in landing that client and then following through with delivery.

One of Kemper’s engineers develops a patented item, and they want to take it to market.

What if the company decides the best way to fund it is with outside investors?  So, they seek out and design their own patented product, form a company around that, and seek out investors to take it to market.

What if a startup is seeking funding, and asks Kemper Engineering to be on standby so that once they get funding they can fund Kemper Engineering to help them develop a product?

What if a startup asks Kemper Engineering to bet on the future with them?  Assuming that Kemper Engineering even considers that, how would Kemper Engineering evaluate whether the startup was worthwhile? It may be a cool, useful product that is very marketable. However, the startup may have problems.  Kemper Engineering should act like an investor.

FYI, not every company should consider “betting on the future” projects.

What if Kemper Engineering is asked by an investor to evaluate an engineering company or to come in and help an engineering company on the short term?

I think you get the idea.  It opens up more markets and types of clients; especially for a growing company working in high technology.

Kemper Engineering is working with high technology and will be exposed to many new patentable products.  They could be in a situation that they are working with someone who is trying to attract investors, or they might be working with the investors!  By being versed in the considerations for an investor and a fund seeking firm, they would more likely be the company of choice when someone considers hiring them.

At the very least, it can be some interesting conversation fodder at his next networking meeting, opening up some doors to new projects.

Another answer published Next Monday wh one more answer a week after that.

PS Bart: You will have to come back then.

Years ago, in business school, I participated in the mentor program. A local business person would meet with the student and talk about whatever was on their mind. The idea was that the student would learn from the experience about running a business.

I met Cliff Marquart in the meet-and-greet. I asked him what he did: I buy companies, turn them around, and sell them for a profit. Very succinct (and as we will see later in Pitch, a very good Pitch). I said that I wanted to learn that.

Cliff and I only met a couple of times. In our first meeting, I reiterated his statement; and that I wanted to learn how he did that. His reply, I will never forget: Before you buy, before you get involved and devote your life to it, determine your exit plan. You must have an exit plan.

I do have an exit plan for this blog.

1. Produce material for a book. Publishing a book might mean I keep this blog and address more questions; however, when the book gets published will be the decision time on what to do next with this blog. FYI, I am seeking stories from you, the audience, on how you met some of the elements or did not meet them. We can change the names if you like.

2. Discover the next part of my career. By providing information and serving investors and entrepreneurs I hope to increase my understanding and gain some wisdom. Through continuous growth, I hope we open new doors, to realize the maximum of our potential. When I discover that next phase, l will decide what to do next with this blog.

Have an exit plan. The exit plan for this blog is a book and/or the next phase of a career.

Its a little easier for investors to focus: it is THEIR money.

Here, your time is your money. To focus this blog I offer the following (and request this of the audience) idea. In ranking order, let us focus this blog on:

1. Elements of the VCPlan. Those concepts from the Multi-Point Lists that investors, and entrepreneurs use to evaluate each other, how it is done, and how it is best to meet those expectations. This includes concepts that are not included, and why.

2. Those issues or tenants of wisdom that influence investors, and entrepreneurs directly in their pursuit of excellence in the Elements of the VCPlan.

3. Other ideas that are only one or two degrees away from the issues or elements.

Finally, on people:

4. Highlight people with entrepreneurial spirit seeking positions; and what is the best way for them in an entrepreneurial way to get a position using the Elements of the VCPlan. Whether the job seeker wants to find employment or start a company is up to them.

Focus on Elements that investors use to evaluate entereprial companies, the issues and related ideas that affect those elements, and entreprenurial spirited people seeking a new position in life. This includes both the what, the how, and why of all three. This blog should help one understand how to identify the best potential investments as well as how entrepreneurs can develop their companies and show them in the best possible light.