Comments on: Get Smarta.com – Site aims at one-stop-shop to set up a business http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/ Tracking European web and mobile start-ups Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:36:30 +0000 hourly 1 By: blog.twidox.com » Blog Archive » CrunchBoard ad of the week http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-204123 blog.twidox.com » Blog Archive » CrunchBoard ad of the week Tue, 03 Mar 2009 17:32:48 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-204123 [...] TechCrunch UK & Europe Job of the Week is for a .NET Web Developer for Smarta, an interesting new startup promoting, other [...] [...] TechCrunch UK & Europe Job of the Week is for a .NET Web Developer for Smarta, an interesting new startup promoting, other [...]

]]> By: CrunchBoard ad of the week http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-203844 CrunchBoard ad of the week Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:04:12 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-203844 [...] TechCrunch UK & Europe Job of the Week is for a .NET Web Developer for Smarta, an interesting new startup promoting, other [...] [...] TechCrunch UK & Europe Job of the Week is for a .NET Web Developer for Smarta, an interesting new startup promoting, other [...]

]]> By: Nick http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-198573 Nick Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:02:01 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-198573 Good to see some competition in this space - pity about the NatWest 'partnership' - in many ways that means that the government is sponsoring another site? I wish them luck but 200,000 users is a big challenge - BT Tradespace supposedly has just reached 300,000 and they've spent a fortune. Our site has 61,000 subscribers and about 50,000 monthly visitors and its take 2 years... Good to see some competition in this space – pity about the NatWest ‘partnership’ – in many ways that means that the government is sponsoring another site?

I wish them luck but 200,000 users is a big challenge – BT Tradespace supposedly has just reached 300,000 and they’ve spent a fortune. Our site has 61,000 subscribers and about 50,000 monthly visitors and its take 2 years…

]]> By: Fagin http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-198217 Fagin Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:08:06 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-198217 Smarta shows signs of a classic start-up, lets give them time. From the overal dynamics they have something here......, especially in the downturn entreprenurs need all the help they can get. Smarta shows signs of a classic start-up, lets give them time.

From the overal dynamics they have something here……, especially in the downturn entreprenurs need all the help they can get.

]]> By: Stuart Russell http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-198078 Stuart Russell Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:37:45 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-198078 I thought this was a marketing venture by the NatWest when I looked at it last night, I have to say that it put me off. Nice looking site but I don't see anything new unfortunately I thought this was a marketing venture by the NatWest when I looked at it last night, I have to say that it put me off.

Nice looking site but I don’t see anything new unfortunately

]]> By: Simon Hill http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-198012 Simon Hill Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:38:05 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-198012 The site is clunky, but user experience will come in time. Unfair to expect perfection on a tech start-up's first day. Mike, you mention BusinessLink. It has its faults, but it achieves independence and trustworthiness - something essential for a site reaching out to this audience. Whereas Smarta *feels* like being in that bit of a networking event where everyone's forced to watch the sponsors. Hopefully Smarta's business model is flexible enough to allow some of the ads/products to be removed until its reputation can acccommodate them. Best of luck Smarta! The site is clunky, but user experience will come in time. Unfair to expect perfection on a tech start-up’s first day.

Mike, you mention BusinessLink. It has its faults, but it achieves independence and trustworthiness – something essential for a site reaching out to this audience. Whereas Smarta *feels* like being in that bit of a networking event where everyone’s forced to watch the sponsors.

Hopefully Smarta’s business model is flexible enough to allow some of the ads/products to be removed until its reputation can acccommodate them.

Best of luck Smarta!

]]> By: Russell http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197987 Russell Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:15:14 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197987 What do Theo & Deborah Meadon know about the web? And if Sháá Wasmund knew anything about the web he/she (?) wouldn't of built an antiquated site that you'd expect to have developed in 1999, not 2009. Building their own video player is a sure sign they clearly don't have people who know today's web tech or where the web is heading.And a business model selling advertising and "subscriptions"? HELLO: CPM inventory doesn't sell anymore its all perfromance related these days and subscriptions to what? WAKE UP. This proposition is weak, at best. And how did Sokratis get his mug on the hompage? That's even more laughable!! What do Theo & Deborah Meadon know about the web?
And if Sháá Wasmund knew anything about the web he/she (?) wouldn’t of built an antiquated site that you’d expect to have developed in 1999, not 2009. Building their own video player is a sure sign they clearly don’t have people who know today’s web tech or where the web is heading.And a business model selling advertising and “subscriptions”? HELLO: CPM inventory doesn’t sell anymore its all perfromance related these days and subscriptions to what? WAKE UP.
This proposition is weak, at best.

And how did Sokratis get his mug on the hompage? That’s even more laughable!!

]]> By: William Tucker http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197981 William Tucker Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:44:50 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197981 I actually find Business Link to be extremley useful and concise... When you need cold hard facts nothing beats it... You can keep all your 2.0 features, videos and cliche magenta / grey colour schemes... Yawn... Oh, I nearly forgot... The thing that start-ups and people entering business really need... is MONEY! I actually find Business Link to be extremley useful and concise… When you need cold hard facts nothing beats it…

You can keep all your 2.0 features, videos and cliche magenta / grey colour schemes… Yawn…

Oh, I nearly forgot… The thing that start-ups and people entering business really need… is MONEY!

]]> By: Gwen at GigPay http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197972 Gwen at GigPay Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:38:12 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197972 This is nothing new Mike. http://www.uk-plc.net have been providing an all round service to UK startups for some time now without the social networking features of course. Smarta would have been better off adding value by integrating existing social networks and business directories. Smarta have only bolted on a 2.0 and shiny look in the hope they can call this a new concept and go after UK-PLC.net who seem to be doing good in that space. This is nothing new Mike.

http://www.uk-plc.net have been providing an all round service to UK startups for some time now without the social networking features of course. Smarta would have been better off adding value by integrating existing social networks and business directories.

Smarta have only bolted on a 2.0 and shiny look in the hope they can call this a new concept and go after UK-PLC.net who seem to be doing good in that space.

]]> By: Dan Mitchell http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197970 Dan Mitchell Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:15:41 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197970 Too clunky and cumbersome. Sites like this need to be to the point. The Business Link website has helped countless colleagues and people around the UK get started. No fuss. Just relevant content. Looks like another 'Web 2' organisation/company offering nothing but tired spin with an unrealistic revenue model. Oh, I've got a piece of advice for new businesses, especially Smarta: ensure your website complies to W3C standards! Too clunky and cumbersome. Sites like this need to be to the point. The Business Link website has helped countless colleagues and people around the UK get started. No fuss. Just relevant content.

Looks like another ‘Web 2′ organisation/company offering nothing but tired spin with an unrealistic revenue model.

Oh, I’ve got a piece of advice for new businesses, especially Smarta: ensure your website complies to W3C standards!

]]> By: Engago Team http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197967 Engago Team Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:38:40 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197967 Liked the site, so we signed-up and posted the message about our web service. We will track the number of visitors coming from Smarta.com Liked the site, so we signed-up and posted the message about our web service.
We will track the number of visitors coming from Smarta.com

]]> By: Jonathanwthomas http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197961 Jonathanwthomas Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:12:10 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197961 Brilliant Website. We need a site like this in the USA. Brilliant Website.

We need a site like this in the USA.

]]> By: john m howitt http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197957 john m howitt Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:28:53 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197957 Looks like an on-line one-stop site for people who don't use on-line one-stop sites. Looks like an on-line one-stop site for people who don’t use on-line one-stop sites.

]]> By: Smarta.com: A Site Devoted to Entrepreneurs and Their Businesses - The Next Web http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197956 Smarta.com: A Site Devoted to Entrepreneurs and Their Businesses - The Next Web Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:20:01 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197956 [...] businesses throughout their growth. Particularly focused on UK businesses, Mike at TCUK is right to compare the site to a private version of government organisation Business [...] [...] businesses throughout their growth. Particularly focused on UK businesses, Mike at TCUK is right to compare the site to a private version of government organisation Business [...]

]]> By: Alex Bellinger http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197954 Alex Bellinger Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:10:30 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197954 I can't see a problem with Smarta employing an agency to develop their site. Ultimately I don't think they're a technology startup, in the same way that Techcrunch isn't a technology startup. They're #1 priority is the quality of content and support they provide to startups and SMEs. With the team they've assembled and backers they have in place this ought not to be a problem. P.S. Have corrected Brightstation reference from my own earlier post on the launch. I can’t see a problem with Smarta employing an agency to develop their site.

Ultimately I don’t think they’re a technology startup, in the same way that Techcrunch isn’t a technology startup.

They’re #1 priority is the quality of content and support they provide to startups and SMEs. With the team they’ve assembled and backers they have in place this ought not to be a problem.

P.S. Have corrected Brightstation reference from my own earlier post on the launch.

]]> By: Jason Trost http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197953 Jason Trost Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:05:59 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197953 It seems like Smarta will have difficulty getting traction. A lot of the features that they offer are well-served on existing websites...Entrepreneurial networking - linkedin, facebook, company profile - Crunchbase, Younoodle, Q/A - linkedin, The Funded, video platform - vimeo, youtube. I agree with Mike on the tech as well. The website's profile, browsing and video features are clunky. In-house tech can speed up the implementation/testing cycle. I added the Smarkets business 30 min. ago and has yet to be added to the 'All Businesses' section. However, I'll use anything that features Sokratis! It seems like Smarta will have difficulty getting traction. A lot of the features that they offer are well-served on existing websites…Entrepreneurial networking – linkedin, facebook, company profile – Crunchbase, Younoodle, Q/A – linkedin, The Funded, video platform – vimeo, youtube.

I agree with Mike on the tech as well. The website’s profile, browsing and video features are clunky. In-house tech can speed up the implementation/testing cycle. I added the Smarkets business 30 min. ago and has yet to be added to the ‘All Businesses’ section.

However, I’ll use anything that features Sokratis!

]]> By: Armel Nene http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197952 Armel Nene Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:50:21 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197952 I agree that "real tech startups" control their own tech. Using freelancers or people to work on a project is different to outsourcing your technology to specialist. As simple example would be if the company lacks search technology, then they would outsource the Search development. We are a startup, ETAPIX Global, and we control every aspect of our technology. Does it make us a "real tech startup"? I agree that “real tech startups” control their own tech. Using freelancers or people to work on a project is different to outsourcing your technology to specialist. As simple example would be if the company lacks search technology, then they would outsource the Search development. We are a startup, ETAPIX Global, and we control every aspect of our technology. Does it make us a “real tech startup”?

]]> By: Tom http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197946 Tom Wed, 28 Jan 2009 12:12:20 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197946 Great launch, great site. I wish Smarta well. Great launch, great site.

I wish Smarta well.

]]> By: Ivan Trajkovic http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197943 Ivan Trajkovic Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:53:44 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197943 And why .NET 2.0??? :( And why .NET 2.0??? :(

]]> By: Ivan Trajkovic http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197942 Ivan Trajkovic Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:47:58 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197942 Are amateurs developing Smarta??? Guys, please turn off your debug mode in Web.config! http://www.smarta.com/profile/editprofile.aspx Server Error in '/' Application. Cannot have multiple items selected in a DropDownList. Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code. Exception Details: System.Web.HttpException: Cannot have multiple items selected in a DropDownList. Source Error: Line 104: Line 105: Line 106: <label for=""> Line 107: Line 108: Source File: D:\inetpub\wwwroot\smarta\smarta.com\www\profile\EditProfile.aspx Line: 106 Are amateurs developing Smarta??? Guys, please turn off your debug mode in Web.config!

http://www.smarta.com/profile/editprofile.aspx

Server Error in ‘/’ Application.
Cannot have multiple items selected in a DropDownList.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.

Exception Details: System.Web.HttpException: Cannot have multiple items selected in a DropDownList.

Source Error:

Line 104:
Line 105:
Line 106: <label for=”">
Line 107:
Line 108:

Source File: D:\inetpub\wwwroot\smarta\smarta.com\www\profile\EditProfile.aspx Line: 106

]]> By: Smarta.com launch - a smarta way to support startups? | Shaa Wasmund & Brightstation Ventures launch Smarta.com http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197941 Smarta.com launch - a smarta way to support startups? | Shaa Wasmund & Brightstation Ventures launch Smarta.com Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:46:15 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197941 [...] Simon Woodroffe, Theo Paphitis and Deboroah Meaden, as well as Bebo founder Michael Birch [see Techcrunch UK's post for details]. It’s also supported by RBS/NatWest and [...] [...] Simon Woodroffe, Theo Paphitis and Deboroah Meaden, as well as Bebo founder Michael Birch [see Techcrunch UK's post for details]. It’s also supported by RBS/NatWest and [...]

]]> By: Mark http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197939 Mark Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:29:43 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197939 I have found younoodle.com to be very helpful. Great people, excellent for building a team. Plus lots of VCs, journalists and experienced advisers are already members. I have found younoodle.com to be very helpful.

Great people, excellent for building a team. Plus lots of VCs, journalists and experienced advisers are already members.

]]> By: Ste Andreassen http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197935 Ste Andreassen Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:28 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197935 It isn't particularly funny. It isn’t particularly funny.

]]> By: scott http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197934 scott Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:00:27 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197934 Well seems to me as a huge affiliate advert for natwest covered up by bullshit! Why dont they just replace the homepage with a Natwest business account form! Start a business in 30 mintues!!!! Genius! Well seems to me as a huge affiliate advert for natwest covered up by bullshit! Why dont they just replace the homepage with a Natwest business account form! Start a business in 30 mintues!!!!
Genius!

]]> By: Ben Colclough http://eu.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/get-smartacom-site-aims-at-one-stop-shop-to-set-up-a-business/comment-page-1/#comment-197933 Ben Colclough Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:52:11 +0000 http://uk.techcrunch.com/?p=3168#comment-197933 "real tech startups control their own tech"? Is that really true? Seems a bizarre statement. Opens up an interesting debate? Where do you draw the line between using agencies, freelancers and hiring your own staff? Each startup needs to address its own in house skills and buy-in to fill the gaps. I'm interested in people's thoughts on this one? “real tech startups control their own tech”?
Is that really true? Seems a bizarre statement. Opens up an interesting debate? Where do you draw the line between using agencies, freelancers and hiring your own staff? Each startup needs to address its own in house skills and buy-in to fill the gaps.
I’m interested in people’s thoughts on this one?

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