Kudos to Mass Challenge for supporting startup companies
The Apple Garage: Startups may no long start in a garage, but fortunately the spirit of building something from nothing is alive and well.
I’ve always loved working with startup companies. Nothing beats the thrill of working side by side with a founding entrepreneur, trying to build a company from scratch, or defining a brand for the first time.
I’ve also been really lucky, having worked on the launch of Lotus 1-2-3, Smartfood Popcorn, Monster.com, Oxygen Media, Lending Tree and most recently Springpad. Not to mention a bunch of others who weren’t quite as successful.
So when the AdClub of Boston asked me to talk to some of the top startups in the world, according to the Mass Challenge, I jumped on it. Mass Challenge is a very cool idea, a competition that attempts to identify the most worthy new ideas, from all over the globe. The collaborative effort involves dozens of organizations collectively committed to igniting a global startup renaissance and supporting entrepreneurs.
This year’s contest filtered 440 entrants from 26 countries and 24 states down to 110 finalists. When all is said and done 10 to 20 winners will receive grants between $50,000 and $100,000 toward launching their business. Great idea.
On Monday, I’ll join Fran Kelley, CEO of Arnold Worldwide; Diane Hessan, CEO of Communispace; and others from Beam Interactive and Shift Communications in advising these startups on how to brand their companies.
We need entrepreneurs. New companies. Fresh ideas. Whether they become future clients, products and technologies that make us more productive, or simply sources of inspiration for our own continued growth. They might even serve to light a fire under our asses should those asses get too comfortable in our current situation.
I’m going on Monday because I expect to get something amazing in return. A rush of adrenalin. A chance to hear about new ideas. An infusion of energy that comes when you get in a room with a bunch of people determined to create something great despite odds, obstacles and uncertainty. Having done the equivalent once with Mullen, I’m always jealous.
Need a dose of energy? Tired of the slow pace of committees and corporate decision making? Want more responsibility than you’ve ever had before? Find a way to work with, or for, a startup. There’s no money, no time and nowhere near enough resources. But you’ll get to find out just how creative you really are. And probably have the time of your life.
Comments
Mr. Boches gave an awesome presentation. He really brought it to life using his own examples and gave a framework so that our startup can start formulating a social media strategy that reflects our needs and domain goals.
Thanks!
"The collaborative effort involves dozens of organizations collectively committed to igniting a global startup renaissance and supporting entrepreneurs."
That gets me excited. Very excited.
I moved to the Bay Area because of the allure and the spirit of the start-up; I had to be apart of it. Articles like this remind me of exactly why I love the start-up. The creativity, the ingenuity, and going against the odds...fascinating, exciting stuff.
Great post and have fun on Monday! Thanks for sharing!
JMattHicks Thanks. If I were 20 something again I'd be right behind you.
You have heard me rant that I come from a Finance/Sales background as a basis for many of my industry viewpoints. Traditionally Fortune 500 companies in total shed jobs. Its the small companies that grow that create jobs. And they create a lot of them.
One thing I have learned is how hard starting a business is. I might have expertise in most facets of operating a company from my past work experience, I am clueless for HR, general accounting, business structure/incorporating, and things like creating a website. It took me two weeks to come up with a company name. It took me almost a year to come up with my company personality/branding. Often great ideas die from lack of funding or poor execution. It is very noble of you to provide your expertise and guidance for these aspiring business owners, plus I am sure it helps Mullen earn some great goodwill which could lead to future business.
One person I admire who does this incessantly is Fred Wilson from Union Square Ventures @fredwilson and www.avc.com) He is one of the most selfless supporters of entrepreneurs I have ever interacted with. I have seen the same attributes in you Edward with your The Next Great Generation, your interaction on Twitter and the things you post on your blog. I am sure the folks at the event are going to enjoy your participation and support.
HowieSPM Howie, Kind of you. Agree totally that small companies are the ones creating jobs and always have been. I've been somewhat involved with the cause since the day of the minicomputer business and the fight to reduce capital gains taxes in Mass in order to attract investment and venture capital. Back then I had nothing to offer (neither money nor advice). At least now I can make a contribution and glad to do so.
[...] I was asked to advise a group of young companies on how to market in the age of social media. The easiest approach may have been to make list of [...]