When it comes to creating the "next big thing," Silicon Valley can be full of paradoxes. This piece explores some of the "truths" of Silicon Valley that might seem bizarre to outside observers. For example, when it comes to investing in startups, "Good ideas that look like good ideas are too obvious. ... Good ideas that look like bad ideas often get a head start and end up with a dominant market share."

Farmers are relying on startups' technologies during the growing, harvesting and post-harvesting stages to provide information on the status of crops. Among such startups are Arable, which alerts farmers when crops need water and nutrients via its business intelligence tool, while TeleSense takes the grain supply chain digital through a sensor that monitors usability after harvest.

Startup The Flying Ship Company is at work on a ground effect high speed drone for cargo transport over water. The concept for ground effect ships, called ekranoplans, was pioneered in Russia.

Founders developing a plan to protect their intellectual property should consider moving quickly to file patents and trademarks, and create a process for safeguarding trade secrets, writes lawyer David Roccio. He offers advice on where and how to file as well as considerations for after a patent is granted.

Resumes fail to reveal candidates who are adjusting successfully to a quickly shifting job market, writes Dina Bayasanova of PitchMe. Bayasanova's suggestions for evaluating job seekers include using secondary sources, such as their blogs, portfolios or peer reviews, and updating screening criteria.

Companies may lose customers if they depend solely on the longevity of the relationship, fail to understand the customer's position or only remain in touch if they feel there's a business opportunity, says Kate Zabriskie of Business Training Works. She offers solutions to these mistakes, such as checking in regularly.