New “Ideas” Category – Get ‘Em While They’re Hot
Posted by Roman on February 8th, 2009 | Filed under Entrepreneurship, Ideas
Ideas come and go. They can be big or small and come from the most unlikely places. Inspiration can hit at any time and the question remains: will you be ready?
I know I will. I’ve got this neat blog here to share what I’m thinking. Some ideas I’ll run with, some I’ll talk up and some may never even make it past a post on a website. Regardless of their path, my ideas won’t be afraid to be out in the open. I hope that some may be just good enough that they can make it into your thoughts and go on to grow into something great.
An entrepreneur who doesn’t share their ideas is like a singer who won’t get on stage and perform.
We’re notorious for asking anyone from a venture capitalist to a friend we grab a beer with to sign a non-disclosure agreement. It’s silly, I don’t buy it. The only thing I’m worried about has nothing to do with someone stealing my idea. I’m more fearful that I won’t get the appropriate feedback, a deserving kick in the ass or the much needed introduction to the partner who will help me get my idea launched.
Next time you think about hiding your idea, think about all the great ideas that have come before yours. The telephone, automobile, printing press, the computer screen you’re staring at are all good examples. These were all ideas at one point in time. I guarantee that all the great inventors and thinkers that came before you didn’t go it alone and had to share their idea to achieve success. My advice? Talk about your ideas to anyone who will listen.
Stay tuned for some of mine.
10 Twitter Resources That Get You Started Smarter
Posted by Roman on February 4th, 2009 | Filed under Social Media
A very busy 2008 had Twitter spreading like wildfire. According to Mashable.com, Twitter recorded 2.3 million unique U.S. visitors last August, an increase of 422% from the same period in ’07. Coincidentally, I just looked up my first tweet – 8:15 pm on August 21st, 2008. So yes, I only recently hopped on the tweetwagon and still consider myself a newbie.
Only in the last month have I begun to realize the value of Twitter and the caliber of connections one can develop using this micro-blogging service. I know enough about communication, online or not, to understand that communicating creates relationships and at the core of every relationship is value. Successful relationships are mutually beneficial as well as rewarding and that’s exactly what I mention when someone asks me about starting a Twitter account. It’s also what I try to exemplify when tweeting myself.
My Twitter experience has been brief but meaningful thus far, I even named this blog after my Twitter account. I haven’t stopped learning and when I set out on this journey, I didn’t go it alone. The following is a list of tips and tools I’ve collected which helped me get started, get smarter and get valuable:
- 17 Ways You Can Use Twitter: A Guide for Beginners, Marketers and Business Owners – A good description of what Twitter is and how it can be used.
- 10 Traits of Highly Effective Twitter Users – Be the best twitterer you can be.
- 10 Ways to Increase Your Twitter Followers – Expand your reach with these tips.
- 10 Ways to Decrease Your Twitter Followers - A funny “don’ts” list which can alienate and anger your followers.
- How Twitter Can Make You A Better (and Happier) Person – Must read by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos.com.
- 5 Steps to Going Viral on Twitter – Get people to talk about you.
- 20 Most Retweeted Words and Phrases – Use these words in your tweets to increase your chance of getting retweeted.
- 7 Reasons Why Users Think Twitter Will Go Mainstream – Why Twitter is poised to enter your life sooner than later.
- Twitter Tools for Community and Communications Professionals – The holy grail of available Twitter tools and trends.
- You Know You’re Addicted to Twitter When – Last but not least, a fun read for Twitter veterans.
What are some of your favorite Twitter resources? Leave a comment and catch me on Twitter.
From Dream to Reality with DreamIt Ventures
Posted by Roman on January 27th, 2009 | Filed under Entrepreneurship
Last weekend I applied for an innovative incubation program called DreamIt Ventures. Think of it as a unique spin on a startup support system, built by the incredible entrepreneurship community here in Philadelphia. DreamIt stands out when compared with other incubators because they place a strong focus on team building. Whereas most incubators invite you to apply as a team armed with an idea, DreamIt also accepts individuals.
There are 3 types of people which DreamIt works with to build winning startup teams; Innovators, Strategists and Hackers. Innovators are idea people, always thinking up the next big thing and Strategists are classified as anyone with business talent. Because most applicants have web based ideas, Hackers, in other words, great programmers are also vital. With their powers combined, these teams immerse themselves in an educational, super valuable 3 month experience. During this span of time, through hard work and mentorship they are able to take their business idea from dream to reality.
I applied as a Strategist with the hopes that someone with better ideas than mine will need some marketing or business strategy consultation. Besides, before I run with my own project I want to make sure I can support someone with thiers. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that I’ll share here in the near future. For now, I’ll hang out, wait for a reply from DreamIt and endure the nagging phone calls from my mother – “have you found a real job yet?” “No mom, I’m going to stick with what I’m passionate about.” That said, here’s to dreams, value and a healthy dose of danger.
Entrepreneur who enjoys Philly, pro sports, food and travel. Currently supporting several startups with sales and marketing. Recent Drexel grad.
