TOP SECRET: Entrepreneur forum on steroids
I care what you have to say.
Now that’s a pretty bold statement. Well, let me prove it to you. The StartupNation team is feverishly working on a top secret initiative that I’m not going to tell you about. I will tell you that it has to do with you. It has to do with you in a BIG way. And it has to do with providing you with a platform to speak, if you want to, and hear what each other has to say, if you want to. Kind of an entrepreneur forum on steroids … of sorts. Oh, there’s a whole lot more to it, but now we’re getting into the secret part and I’d better shut up.
Well, I suppose I could tell you a little bit more and still keep the main secret part … here’s some more scoop:
StartupNation.com Community Connections
We are creating an online community connection resource at www.startupnation.com where you will be able to communicate directly with other StartupNation community members. It will give you the opportunity to post questions to the broader community, promote your own business and offer resources to highlight yourself as a subject matter expert as well. It will be a terrific place for you to be highlighted on StartupNation. This is currently in development and we expect it to beta launch the beginning of March. Stay tuned!
Ok, here’s your chance. You wanna be a part of this StartupNation Community Advisory Board? Tell me why. Post a comment here. I’m looking for people who have a lot to say. So … whaddya’ say?
February 3rd, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I got a weird message about having the wrong code. If my previous posting went through, please note this is a duplicate.
Aron
—————————
I would like to be part of the StartupNation Community Advisory Board - Entrepreneur forum on steroids. I reside in CA, so I am predisposition not to be a "girlie-man" and I am "pumped up" about starting my own business.
I recently (1/1/06) switched from a full time marketing position to a consultant so I would have more time to start my own business. A lot has happened in 34 days. My partner and I created an LLC, built an operating agreement, and finished the business plan. We are currently selling product, polishing our elevator pitch, and working to find financing.
My experience in building brands for multi-nationals may be helpful to those starting it up, but my biggest asset may be real time experience in starting a business.
Let me know if I can help,
Aron
February 4th, 2006 at 11:30 am
Hey–
T-shirts!
And Hats!
I”m in.
Seriously, I have, no doubt, been pestering you guys to start up something like this, so I”d be remiss if I didn”t volunteer.
Let me know.
Matt
February 4th, 2006 at 5:31 pm
I am Jeff Landers, Founder & President of Offices2share.com. We are the company that is currently running the Home Office From Hell contest, which your blogger, Joan Isabella, has written about.
According to the latest SBA figures, there are more than 13 million home-based businesses in the U.S. Although many of these home-based entrepreneurs have decided to work out of their home as a life-style choice and therefore have no intentions of ever leaving, there are millions of others who want to follow in the footsteps of Jeff Bezos of Amazon, Steve Jobs of Apple, Bill Gates of Microsoft, Richard Branson of Virgin, all of whom started as a home-based business, but knew that eventually they would need to move out to a “real” office in order to grow their business. Since these small, but growing, businesses typically only need 100-200 square feet to start out with and in most cases should never sign a lease for more than 12 months, most real estate brokers and landlords have very little interest in trying to help them.
Unlike the many available resources (including StartupNation) that help start-ups write business plans, obtain financing, hire employees, etc., to the best of our knowledge, there are no well known resources that help start-ups decide if and when they should start looking for office space and how to go about doing that.
Having been in the Office Space business for 32 years, I believe that I would be well qualified to be on your Advisory Board. I look forward to being able to help your readers on all matters related to office space.
Offices2share.com operates a Web site that focuses exclusively on short-term, ready-to-use office space nationwide, featuring thousands of offices in hundreds of American cities. This type of space is ideally suited for start-ups, small businesses, consultants/professionals and any other businesses that want to avoid the upfront costs and long lease terms that are typically required when renting “traditional” office space.
Offices2share.com was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in New York City.
February 11th, 2006 at 11:45 am
What a Great Idea!
There is a giant need for a website forum such as yours. Having started my own businesses, helping many others start businesses and now working for a billion dollar organization to develop new ventures for them; I attract dozens of people each week who desperately want to start a business but have no clue how to do it. It really gets overwhelming at times because I just do not have the time to sit down with all of them one-on-one. Usually a quick conversation is all that is possible. They often leave with that disappointed look on their faces that you see on your childs face when you don”t have time to stop and play with them.
Start-up entrepreneurs read book after book only to become even more overwhelmed. They read magazines, research online, maybe even write a business plan but still they have questions. There just is no substitute for simply being able to converse directly with a fellow entrepreneur. Especially one who has done exactly what you are trying to do! This is how I learn best. If I am contemplating a business concept, I will contact everyone who will take the time to talk to me in that particular field…so long as they are not direct competitors. By talking directly I learn "insider secrets" I would never learn in a book or article.
Again, Great Idea Guys! Sign me up!
February 11th, 2006 at 12:09 pm
Aron, Matt, Jeff & Jim - you guys are all in!! I”ll reach out to each of you with an email this coming week. Welcome to the StartupNation Community Advisory Board!
Anyone else want to be on the board?? (I”m serious about the hats & tee shirts)
Joel Welsh
February 12th, 2006 at 10:13 am
I would love the opportunity to participate. I launched a new business in July, leaving behind the security of a weekly pay check. Start-Up Nation played a serious role in my decision. As a weekly listener to the radio show, I was able to gain a tool chest full of ideas and advice that helped me recognize when I had prepared enough and planned enough to be ready to make the change. I”ve done some things right, and there are things that I could have done better. I”m still a "baby" in the life cycle of busines ownership, but I believe I have a lot to offer and would appreciate the learning experience of participating as an advisor. During the course of my corporate career, I have particpated in 2 other successful start-ups. I am fortunate to have 20 years of management experience to draw from, and a willingness to share as much as I can if it means helping others create the business of their dreams!
As owner of Night Hawk Security, I”ve been able to help small business owners learn as much as possible about the people they hire and bring into their business. As we grow, so does the number real life examples I come accross of fraudulent statements on resumes and applications. People can and do say anything -assuming it will never get checked. It’’s just amazing. I know, as I build the business of my dreams, I”m helping folks every day. It’’s gives me an overwhelming sense of pride and acomplishment - and it’’s bigger when you”re building something of your own- it’’s not at all like working for someone else. If you think I can be of help - I”m in!
February 13th, 2006 at 7:45 am
Yes you are Linda!
Welcome to the StartupNation Community Advisory Board.
February 17th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Joel,
I am a recent transplant to Ann Arbor, MI from Wall Street, and have begun a few businesses (investments, real estate, etc.) in the past. I am now in the dual role of VP of Investor Relations and Business Development growing a Network Security company in Ann Arbor, doing all the angel solicitation, Venture Capital networking that entails, as well as continuing to grow revenues, and continuing to manage the investment firm that has been growing at a steady clip for the last three years. I would love the opportunity to interact with and advise other Startup Nation members, as I have enjoyed the articles, blogs and postings on the site since I was turned onto it 4 months ago. Please let me know if there is a role (and schwagg) for me at S”up Nation.
Jason D. Salvagni
jason@vedit.com
February 17th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Hi Jason - great to meet you! For starters, let’’s get you on the StartupNation Community Advisory Board. I”ll shoot an email out to you & others who volunteer by posting here over the next few days.
Everyone, please look for my email soon to welcome you to the Board!!
February 17th, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Hey Jason, by the way … how did you get turned on to StartupNation?
February 17th, 2006 at 11:47 pm
[blue]I am a total newbe to being my own boss and couldn”t have done it without Startup NAtion. In starting my own business, I have found that I subconciously have been networking with other people just starting out on their own. Of course, the first place I direct them is startupnation.com and S.C.O.R.E. Its totally cool when someone askes me a question about starting up and I can give them professional information that I have learned from you guys when, just 6 months ago I was actually talking myself out of getting started. My mom is 57 years old and I three weeks ago, I started helping her get a clothing store off the ground. It should be ready for grand opening in April. If you are still looking for advisory board members I would be happy to jump on board.[/blue]
February 18th, 2006 at 10:48 am
Franklin, we”d be delighted to have you on the board!
February 18th, 2006 at 12:11 pm
I”m interested. Throw my name in the ring. I”m all about learning and promomting business.
February 19th, 2006 at 9:08 am
Leo, tell me more. From your email address it looks like you may be in the catering business.
Love your enthusiasm to step up!
Joel
February 20th, 2006 at 11:27 pm
Hey Joel,
I am interested in joining your board. I started a catering business about two years ago, and recently entered the real estate field. I”m working towards one feeding off the other. I”m still pretty new at the running your own business aspects, but I know I will succeed. I am ready to take the next step with my catering business and really get into the market, slowly but surely. I think I can bring something to the table and become a board member!!
February 21st, 2006 at 6:59 am
Hey Leo!
Very cool! Congratulations on [b]both [/b]of your endeavors. We”d be honored to have you on the StartupNation Community Advisory Board. I”ll send you an email later today with the details.
I hope your day is sensational.
Joel
February 21st, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I agree with Jim’’s statement above:
[quote] It really gets overwhelming at times because I just do not have the time to sit down with all of them one-on-one. Usually a quick conversation is all that is possible. They often leave with that disappointed look on their faces that you see on your childs face when you don””t have time to stop and play with them.
Start-up entrepreneurs read book after book only to become even more overwhelmed. They read magazines, research online, maybe even write a business plan but still they have questions. There just is no substitute for simply being able to converse directly with a fellow entrepreneur.[/quote]
***
I see this everyday with my business coaching practice. Budding entrepreneurs come to me with ideas that are still in brainstorming phase, and they want someone to bounce things off of. Often as a coach, my job is to have them win at the game of entrepreneurship, and it takes a lot of "background work" to even get in the game. Having a forum like this would be great! AND having a business coach like me (who actually quite enjoys the banter, it’’s a way of giving back to my favorite people — entrepreneurs) on your Advisory Board could shake things up!
SIGN ME UP — PUT ME IN COACH!
February 21st, 2006 at 12:35 pm
Phenomenal Monikah - you”re in!! Check your email for a note from me.
Looking forward to doing outrageous things together.
Joel
February 21st, 2006 at 3:46 pm
JW…
Great response so far!!
Let the obsessiveness begin!
February 21st, 2006 at 4:41 pm
Tell us all how to get on Oprah! lolol
February 21st, 2006 at 9:14 pm
Hello Everyone,
I couldn”t have done it without Start Up nation, I remember when I had just started my business walking by a Washington Mutual bank and seeing a Start Up Nation banner on the window.
Ever since, I visit Start Up nation on a weekly basis, to learn from all the people and stories that are posted. One thing I need to throw in is "I started my business with $200.00 Dollars" Thank you everyone
February 24th, 2006 at 5:23 am
Hello,
I am an accounting student at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I will be graduating this May and am sitting for the CPA exam in July. I have been an employee since the age of 15 and would like to put an end as soon as possible. I started a car portering business last summer and acquired 50 customers over the course of 3 months. I passed the business down to my little brother and haven”t stopped thinking about starting something new. I have searched the web looking for resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and am so happy to have found start up nation. At this point in my life I wish I could say I am part of something more than a small summer car washing company, but I decided to get a degree instead. The blog by Jonathan Hudson has been very reaffirming for me and I am happy with my decision to complete school.
I will be starting my career as an auditor working out of Chicago. I believe the world of public accounting has a lot to offer and will be a great starting point for my career, but I can”t wait to get something of my own started. A very successful friend of the family recommended that I get involved in a non-profit organization, as a way to supplement my full time job. His suggestion was "The Rep" theatre in Milwaukee. The Rep has a program called "The friends of the rep" which is run by young professionals looking to get involved in the organization.
I saw this post looking to start up an Advisory Board and it reminded me of his advice. I understand you are looking for people with experience and "a lot to say", but I think you should consider having a similar board for young people early in their careers. I would bring plenty of enthusiasm and would love to join the board. I”m sure there other people in my situation that didn”t respond to this post because they don”t have any experience.
I believe a forum for recent graduates who are working in their first full time job would be very successful. In your article "Wanted Fulfilling life (stuck in job)" you mentioned the move "part-to-full" time. There are a lot of recent graduates who took any job they could find and spend countless hours on monster.com looking for a different one. They should be spending their time volunteering at a theatre, purchasing a small rental property, or starting their own business. I think it would be great to work on a board that would address the issues facing the recent college grad!
~Matt
If you’re wondering why I”m posting this at 4 AM, I had that same problem Aron had and ended up writing this twice. And I don”t have to get up in the morning because I”m still in college.
February 24th, 2006 at 8:42 pm
Matt,
I love you Man! You”ll be a fantastic asset to the Board - welcome to the team!
I”m travelling in Arizona until Tuesday, but look for an email from me next week with next steps.
I can”t wait to learn from you!!
Joel
March 1st, 2006 at 2:41 am
Well, I’m finishing up on about a years worth of newsletters that I”ve fallen behind on reading and it must be a sign that I got to this topic 30 minutes before March. The last few months I”ve been helping some friends get their businesses off the ground while expanding my business. I think being part of this advisory board could really be a good thing. It seems this might be just the thing my friends and I have been attempting to get together, but on a much larger scale. If you need the help, I shall gladly join the board. And you know, nothing beats working through a beta release.
March 1st, 2006 at 9:31 am
Love it Kevin - welcome to the team! I”m now back from travelling & will reach out today or tomorrow with next steps.
I look forward to working with you!
Joel
March 3rd, 2006 at 10:49 am
Cool idea! As a patent agent, I see all sorts of ideas for new products, but people often overlook services… such as a great start-up consulting website like this one!
Anyway, I see over 100 new product ideas a month, and I’d love to be on the advisory board and help in any way I can. Have a look at my new website, which I just launched about 6 months ago, and see if you think I’d be a good fit. It’s at http://www.DirtCheapPatents.com.
I also am a co-founder of Orange County’s Inventor’s Forum, and next Friday I’m presenting a seminar titled "Don’t Get Poor Quick" which will help inventors avoid some of the pit-falls that are out there while they’re trying to get rich quick! Maybe I could get that information to your website visitors somehow? Anyway, I’d love to be a part of this. Let me know!
March 3rd, 2006 at 1:36 pm
Joel–
It looks like your community has already started gathering some of the best business minds in town. Sounds fun too. Count me in! I have a six month old PR firm that is going gangbusters but I could use the support of other like-minded souls. The Community sounds like exactly what I need. Can’t wait to learn more!!
I think you’ve hit one of out of the park with this idea. Cheers.
March 3rd, 2006 at 3:10 pm
This is a great idea! I would really like to contribute. I’m just starting my new company Business ESource. We help small business owners with HR advice and compliance issues. I’d love to help in any way I can.
March 3rd, 2006 at 7:03 pm
I’m not sure I qualify for admission to an advisory board, BUT, I do have 10 plus years of experience in a professional sport and have dealt with numerous heads of PR for minor and major league baseball organizations. I’ve also had years of experience with public speaking, appearances and dealing with pressure in ways that most cannot relate. I plan to utilize the Advisory Board whether I’m a part or not. I think it’s a great idea, which is par for the coarse with everyone involved with StartupNation.
Chad
March 8th, 2006 at 9:55 am
Hey Everyone,
Not sure if i qualify? I do not have a business yet.
Trying to establish a pet sitting business. Cannot find anyone in this type of business to let me tag along and learn! Hope you will consider me?
Thanks!
Maureen