Last week I attended and covered Canada 3.0 and was a mentor at Startup Weekend Hamilton2. My experience at these events has shaped what posts I want to share with you this week for the most part. You could say that Entrepreneurs, at least some of us, are geniuses who have the odds against them when they go out into the wild to start a new company.
This Fab Five post and the articles below are mainly aimed at them to inspire, inform and maybe help them be successful. I admire your courage and wish you great success as you build the next generation of companies and entrepreneurs.
If you want to chat with me on any of these topics connect with me and I’d be happy to have a conversation with you.
Our Favourite Posts for Week of Apr 31, 2012
1. The Other Startup Generation | Entrepreneur.com
This is encouraging to see. While I love to work and help young entrepreneurs it’s important to know that being an entrepreneur or wanting to become one shouldn’t be seen as an “age” thing. Older folks, like yours truly, may better identify with angel investors for example who are likely in the same same demographic as they are. Some advice though to the older startup generation is to use newer technology, be resourceful and network with people where you can encounter a diverse group of people based on age and interest. But, also network in groups that are more targeted to your target industry.
2. How to Build a Billion-Dollar Startup | Entrepreneur.com
There are hundreds of “how to” posts that come out daily so why is this article different? It’s because Steve Blank wrote it. If you don’t follow and read Steve I highly recommend it. He’s a leader when it comes to innovative ways to create products, services and startups. Whether you are a startup or an established B2B company you won’t waste your time reading what Steve has to say and learning from him.
3. How Geniuses Think Differently | Business Insider
An interesting and quick read about how geniuses think. My only observation is that reflecting back on how other genius’ think is actually a reproductive reflection. Which is something genius’ don’t typically do. In other words today’s geniuses could think differently than yesterdays.
4. Boom, bust and CIOs | ITWorld Canada
Shane Shick, from IT World Canada, summarizes David Foote’s keynote address at the CIO Association of Canada’s Peer Forum. It’s a good summary and Foote is right but I don’t think you can say that when everyone is in their 50s that their technical skills are obsolete. I’m 48 years old for example and I can go toe to toe with any 20 or 30 something in using technology. There are plenty of 40, 50 and 60 somethings that are in the same boat. The message for us “older folks” is learn what technology can do for your business. In fact, start using it! And, continue to learn, listen and try things. For younger 20 and 30 somethings help seasoned folks learn how to use tech and they’ll provide you with connections, advise, wisdom and advice… a win-win scenario.
5. B2B Marketers Report Greater Marketing, Media Integration | eMarketer
B2B focused companies, from my experience, are much more focused on measuring ROI. The challenge that I still see with some marketers though is they are looking for ROI at the tactical level. I hear comments like “I don’t see the ROI in Twitter” for example. It is useless to measure at the tactical level if it’s not tied to a integrated program that encompasses a strategy, execution plan and series of tactical “stuff” you implement in order to achieve a specific objective.
