OEN Online Community : Popular Threads - All Communities

SEOMoz Blog Post on VC Funding etc.

larryw@oen.org — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:34:05 GMT

I figure a majority of OEN members don't follow the SEOMoz blog, so here is a great post that Rand Fishkin (founder of SEOMoz) wrote on their experience getting funding, how they've used the investment, his thoughts the Seattle VC environment vs. the Valley, and many other interesting insights: http://www.seomoz.org/blog/my-startup-experience-vc-entrepreneurship-selfanalysis-the-road-ahead

- Adam

Intro

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:55:51 GMT

My name is Rich Fuller and I'm the owner of LAUNCH Ecommerce. We're a small web design company in the Portland, Or and Vancouver, WA area that focuses on designing and developing highly-functional websites for small businesses. Our websites are really more like online business tools that allow the owner to edit their own content, create/edit/sell products, manage a customer database, track website statistics, send email newsletters, publish a blog or community forum and much more.

I'm looking forward to being involved in this community and I would love to answer any questions and help out however I can.

Rich Fuller

http://launchecommerce.com

Sabrix nominated for 2009 People's Choice Stevie Award -- Please help locally started software company win!

larryw@oen.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:08:50 GMT

I have a favor to ask of you if you don’t mind….

I am pleased to share that Sabrix MTS has been nominated for the 2009 People’s Choice Stevie Awards for Favorite New Products. I am asking that any and all in the PDX software community please support Sabrix by follow the steps below to vote for Sabrix MTS....and feel to ask your colleagues, friends, and family to do the same! :O) As a company that was a PDX startup any and all local support would be greatly appreciated. Sabrix is up against some tough competition: Quicken and e*Trade. Every vote will help.

Thanks in advance for your voting support and helping position Sabrix to win!

The steps are as follows:
• Go to the following URL: http://peopleschoice.stevieawards.com/default.cfm
• Fill in the Award category titled, “Favorite Financial Product/Service
• Box will automatically open – select Sabrix, then click “vote now”
• You will then be taken to a new page where you need to enter your first/last name, email and phone

Many thanks in advance!
-Mark

Investment Forum with $100K Guaranteed Funding

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:37:11 GMT

If you haven't already heard, Oregon entrepreneurs are welcome and encouraged to apply to present at the ZINO Society's 4th ZINO Zillionaire Investment Forum, in Seattle on September 17th. Pitch to an audience of over 200 ZINO Society members and other Angel Investors looking for deals to fund

The deadline to apply is THIS FRIDAY, July 31st (midnight)...but don't worry, the application process is all online at http://angelsoft.net/angel-group/zino-society and it doesn't take too long to complete.

Applications are accepted from all business sectors - companies should be privately held and looking for start up or expansion capital. Of the applicants, 28 will be selected by the ZZIF screening board to present at the ZINO Zillionaire Investment Forum. The selected companies will receive individual coaching by members of the ZZIF Coaching Board.

$50,000 Guaranteed Fund for Best Technology Investment

$50,000 Guaranteed Fund for Best Non-Technology Investment

Feel free to share this with your clients, partners, colleagues and other entrepreneurs

QUICK FACTS:

Application site: http://angelsoft.net/angel-group/zino-society

Application deadline: midnight, July 31^st, 2009

Application fee: $150 before July 24^th, $175 after

Screening meetings: August 11^th and 12^th in Seattle

Presenter fee (only if selected): $995 (includes VIP dinner, admission to event, lunch & wine reception, profile in PSBJ, 1 – 2 personal presentation coaching sessions, exhibit space at ZZIF, and more)

VIP dinner: September 16^th, 2009

Event/Presentation Date:September 17^th, 2009

OEN Programming - What can we do for you?

mitch@morangedesign.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:19:11 GMT

As the chair of the Skill Building committee that oversees programs like PubTalk, Webinars and one off topical programs, I would like to start a discussion on what type of programming the OEN community would like to see us do in the future. This can be a discussion on what type of events you would like to see at PubTalk, educational programs that you see value in, and also potential presenting companies.

We strive to deliver the best and most topical programming we can to the OEN members and entrepreneurial community as a whole. Events like Off the Record with a CEO are great chances to talk one and one with local CEO's, so tell us what CEOs you would like to have the chance to meet at this event. If you have been to a SwapMeet - what did you think? Have you participated in one of the OEN Entrepreneur Service programs - let us know the feedback.

Thanks in advance for providing some feedback.

Top 10 Lies of Startups

larryw@oen.org — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:06:53 GMT

How many of these are you guilty of saying at one point? Brief post on the top ten lies of startups: http://tr.im/jKQp

I'll admit to being part of some form of 1,6 and 7, and probably some that are not on the list.

PubTalk Panel Discussion - Your Input Requested

mitch@morangedesign.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:20:07 GMT

The Intersection of Information Technology and Clean Energy

That is the PubTalk panel discussion topic we have set for the May 13th Pubtalk. It will be an engaging discussion with the company leadership of PowerMand Inc., RNA Networks and Synkro Motive LLC. All of these companies apply information technology solutions to address specific problems that are arising in the emerging clean-energy marketplace.

So I am throwing it out to the OEN Community - let me know topics you would like this panel to address during the event. The complete event details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/ch7ftb.

Your Personal Brand Online

janet@janetleejohnson.com — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 23:09:54 GMT

Anyone who's seen the recent damage done to Domino's brand by two dimwitted employees with a video camera should be thinking... how can I protect my company's and personal brand from mischief or real damage?

I'd start by saying this: Update your employee policies to cover not only email and web use, but IM, video, texting and other social media.

Any other thoughts?

Connecting in a Competitive Job Market

rorih@oen.org — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 17:11:52 GMT

How do you help your friends and associates find jobs without putting your reputation on the line? Can this be done without burning bridges? It seems so! The following article suggests ways we can help connect people with introductions instead of recommendations and letting the two parties sort it out:

http://www.geekpreneur.com/what-to-do-with-your-unemployed-friends

Additionally, there are many other ways to get and stay connected in this competitve and uncertian job market. OEN offers networking via our online community, and our PubTalk and SwapMeet events which are regularly scheduled and posted on our website.

What are some of the resources you know of that can help people stay connected, find jobs, and network for new business?

Tell us what you know...post your best resources to share with the OEN community! We want to hear from you.

Market the Truth

mitch@morangedesign.com — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:55:48 GMT

It is a standard question design firms like morange get asked at every event - "What companies have you worked for?" It is a simple question, and one that should be answered easily every time. But I am guilty of hesitating when answering that very question, because I am worried that if I don't say a client name the person I am talking to recognizes, that first impression will be lost through a lack of credibility.

Your clients are, in the simplest of terms, the cogs that keep your company moving forward. Actually, let me change that to say EVERY client. It is important to make the distinction that every client is important because far too often we tend to leave out the clients that do not have that Fortune 500 title. As you go out and market your company, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Everyone knows that if you land that big fish client with the big budget, you are going to go that extra mile to make sure the service you provide them is of the highest standards and then end product exceeds their expectations. This is a given since you do not want to lose their business, and just as importantly you want to tell people you work with 'X' company. But I think the service level you provide those unknown companies/start ups says more about who you are as a company. As a marketer you should take great pride in providing the same level of work for all of your clients. When someone asks you who you work with, go ahead and name off some of the companies. If the person you are talking to does not recognize the names, talk a little about the work you have done with these companies. Take pride in knowing that you have provided a high level of service to every client that has walked through your doors.

The unknown clients are the foundation upon which most companies rest. There are only so many high profile clients/projects out there at any given time and the competition for them can become intense. If you spend all your time chasing the big clients you run the risk of not having a diverse enough client base. If the economic times we are living in have showed us anything, it is that any company who puts all their eggs in one or two baskets runs a serious risk of crippling their business if one of those eggs falls out of the basket. Create a solid and diverse base of clients and your company will not only be more adaptable in the lean economic times, but poised for growth in economic upturns.

The poised for growth mention comes from having created a collection of brand evangelists for your company through the high level of service you provide to every client. Go to OEN, SAO or AMA events here in Portland and you rarely see Fortune 500 companies being brand evangelists for service providers they have hired or companies that have provided them with quality products. They know all of us want to work with them, so they do not tip their hat too often. However, work with local startups to create designs or products that exceed their expectations at every level and watch them go out and tell people how much they enjoyed working with your company. In this social media world we live in, these are the folks who will be tweeting love for you company.

I think every person who is involved in promoting their company is guilty of just focusing on the big name clients on one occasion or another. There is this false assumption that people will not work with you if you cannot prove your bona fides. This could not be more untrue, and once companies learn this, the better off they will ultimately be.

Office for lease

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:33:54 GMT

We are a group of innovative entrepreneurs who are sharing building space.

Recently, one of our group grew to the point where they needed a larger space.

We currently have 117 square office for lease.

***Flex A office space

***Can be furnished

***Internet provided. Phone available for $25.00 a month.

***Great location. Off 26 at Cornell. On Greenbrier Parkway.

***Parklike setting. Free parking

***Kitchen w/microwave.

***Coffee provided.

***Twice weekly janitorial.

***Conference room available.

Either rent for flat rate of $370.00 or there is a coop rate that fluctuates with expenses.

If you are interested, please me at deborah.tylercook@ lumencor.com**

Recommended accountant in Hillsboro/Beaverton?

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:07:08 GMT

I'm looking for recommendations of an accountant to work with in the Hillsboro/Beaverton area. I'm starting a new technology company and I need advice regarding business organzation and taxation. Probably one of the big firms would be more than I need at this point - I'm thinking a small or single-person firm who has some experience working with high-tech startups should be just what I need.

Thanks,

Jay

Hello, my Introduction

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:46:55 GMT

Hello,

I’m new here and thought I’d introduce myself to other Oregon Entrepreneurs. My great, great grandmother came across the Oregon Trial in the 1800’s, I was born and raised in Eugene and spent most of my life there. Six years ago I accepted a position to help develop a non-profit project in FL. It has been a good learning experience but I feel like a fish out of water being very much a product of Oregon.

After designing websites on my own for over 8 years I have teamed up with ma WebCenters, our company has designed tens of thousands of web sites for over ten years. We provide clients with the best in professional web design, effectiveness, and customer service, along with the most control for the business owner. Because of unlimited technical support and customer service, as well as extremely user-friendly software, our clients get the most reliable, cutting-edge and complete business Web site solution available.

A great referral for me is a small or medium sized business who does not have a web site or is not maximizing their Internet presence. We will put together a complete preliminary web package for potential clients to review with no cost or obligation. I can also send a video email about our service.

I am seeking to relocate to Portland and am working to start building long term mutually profitable relationships there. Any ideas on how to start making strong connections there from a distance are greatly appreciated.

My email is david@dbwebconsultant.com

Thank You.

David Blood

941-545-0721

The Whuffie Factor by Tara Hunt

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:51:28 GMT

Within seconds of opening Facebook and Twitter I was hearing about "The Whuffie Factor" by Tara Hunt. I am very excited to get the book and start reading. I follow Tara Hunt on Twitter, but I was not aware that she was releasing a book. In fact, I just double checked to make sure I can buy it at Borders. Based on the blog post I read earlier this morning (4/21) "What Tara Hunt Taught Me About Love Life and Going Solo! Whuffie Factor!" I am really motivated to make a trip to the bookstore. I'm not sure I can wait for it to ship.

The Whuffie Factor is a breakthrough book, providing the strategic map and specific tactics for success in the lucrative, but strange and elusive world of online communities. As Tara Hunt has found, online success comes from building a community and being part of it – not by pushing a product or service. If you want to learn the secret sauce behind Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, you have to use them until you love them.

From Sabrix: Thanks for you support in our effort to try to win a Stevie Award

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:33:50 GMT

All,

I wanted to thank you all for your help in response to my plea a month ago. As I mentioned we are up against some big Goliaths (e*Trade, Intuit, Dow Jones) in our category. Through the help of our customers, yourselves, and a grass roots effort within the Portland software community driven by Silicon Florist (http://siliconflorist.com/2009/05/13/portland-sabrix-takes-quicken-etrade-dow-jones-stevie-awards-peoples-choice/) Sabrix has garnered enough votes thus far to also be recognized as a Finalist in the New Product or Service of the Year in the Financial Services Category of the 2009 American Business Awards, a division of the Stevie Awards. We are *very* appreciative.

The Stevie Award winners will be announced on June 22nd, and we are still in the running to win in the Favorite Financial Product/Service category.

If you want to and have not yet had the chance to vote (or would like to help encourage others in the PDX software community to vote for a local and help push us over the top):

• Go to the following URL: http://peopleschoice.stevieawards.com/default.cfm

• Fill in the Award category titled, “Favorite Financial Product/Service"

• Box will automatically open – select Sabrix, then click “vote now”

• You will then be taken to a new page where you need to enter your first/last name, email and phone

A press release about Sabrix being considered for this additional new award based on the votes received thus far can be found on our website: http://www.sabrix.com/news/press-releases/.

Thanks again for the support! I really appreciate it and love how the PDX software community rallies around its own.

Best,

-Mark

Entrepreneurship and Franchising in Germany - Wharton Article

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:47:04 GMT

Here's a link to an article on Wharton's website that is a great read: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=2218

For the most part it is about how franchising is being used to increase entreprenuership in Germany. I find it interesting to contrast how franchising is viewed in Germany, versus here in the U.S. Also intriguing to see how the German government is promoting and pushing entreprenuership.

20% Discounts to all members of OEN

sales@documart.com — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:30:56 GMT

I will give any member of OEN a 20% discount on any printing needs that your company may have.

That's Why We Need More Entrepreneurs

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:53:03 GMT

Scott Shane recently joined the New York Times as a blogger for the site's new You're the Boss blog and in his most recent post used a series of charts to show that the United States is actually becoming less entrepreneurial than we would like to pretend.Professor Shane, a professor of entrepreneurship, has been an outspoken skeptic of entrepreneurial capitalism, casting doubt on the extent and benefits of entrepreneurship. His latest line of research concerns genetics and entrepreneurship, identifying "the influence of genetic factors on the variation across people in opportunity recognition." This, Professor Shane purports to demonstrate, is heritable and independent of environment, as are occupational choices in general, such as teacher or manager or self-employment. Notwithstanding potential sampling errors, the heritability of personality traits is a breeding ground for questionable claims. As the eminent Samuel Bowles has pointed out, "data from modern economies suggest that personality influences individual success, but the effects are quite modest." Moreover, "the correlations between parental and offspring measures of personality are strikingly low." The world periodically endures genetic determinism fads, and they rarely end well.

100 new reasons OEN makes a difference in 100 days

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:58:15 GMT

OEN’s strongest asset is our members. Over the next 100 days, we want to tell your story. What kinds of programs or services have you used? How has your connection with us benefitted your business? Share your thoughts with us and we will share them online and with our friends in the community. Tell us why you love OEN.

Please contact Sarena Regazzoni to send her your quote or feedback.

Opinion: State Unemployment Benefits, The State's Economic Stimulus Package, and High Tech

larryw@oen.org — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:54:40 GMT

I moved to what was called the "Silicon Forest" for a reason: the job market and its entrepreneurial spirit. With the growing number of high tech workers in the state of Oregon being laid-off each week from their jobs I'd like to propose this idea to the State of Oregon: Encourage the newly unemployed in high tech to be entrepreneurs.

Every day more and more Oregon high tech workers are being impacted as their companies have to downsize to weather the current economic storm. I believe that one area the State of Oregon could help would be to look at unemployment benefits for those in high tech and provide a grants program that supplements this insurance program to encourage groups of the newly unemployed to seek new opportunities that can thrive as the economy turns around. I'm not talking about a lot of angel level funding or even larger funding requirements that would compete with what is left of the venture capital community. I'm talking about very small grants to groups of 3 or more newly unemployed high tech workers who band together to forge forward to try to create new opportunities to supplement their unemployment insurance. I may be an entrenched part of the commercial software segment of this industry, but I wouldn't care if these groups dedicated all of their work to Open Source projects as that would also be a huge contribution in the long run vs. the alternative.

My rational is the following: 1) These unfortunate are highly skilled; 2) They will be collecting unemployment benefits anyways; 3) finding work will be very difficult in the months ahead as companies continue to watch their spend and perhaps continue to cut costs or worst yet fold; 4) a modest kicker on top of the current unemployment benefit would encourage many of these folks to work together to try to create new solutions for problems that still need to be solved; 5) it will create an environment with little investment that will help the downstream economy; 6) as the economy turns around a handful of these organic investment cells will thrive and will be the new high tech startups that help to grow the economy and the software industry in Oregon as we come out of this.

Call me crazy, but if the State can fund public works projects that costs millions of dollars, adding some more $ on top of the unemployment benefit that these displaced high tech workers will already be collecting seems like cheap money well spent...

Upcoming Startup Events In August

larryw@oen.org — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 17:16:58 GMT

Innovate!2010 Pitch Slam in Seattle

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 4:30 PM - Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 8:00 PM (PT) Bell Harbor International Conference Center

Join us at the Innovate!2010 Pitch Slam in Seattle during Seattle Geek Week for an exciting evening of networking as eight leading tech startups deliver their best five-minute pitch in front of a panel of judges for a chance to be named to the Innovate!100 list of 100 most promising startups. After a successful series of 14 Innovate!2010 Pitch Slams in Europe that began in Zaragoza, Spain and ended in Tallinn, Estonia, Guidewire Group has launched its North American tour and will be hosting a Pitch Slam in Seattle on August 17th during the pii2010 (privacy identity innovation) conference.

http://seattlepitchslam.eventbrite.com/

Startup Bootcamp at pii Labs

Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM (PT) Space Needle

A special workshop designed specifically for entrepreneurs, product developers and marketing professionals at tech startups, pii Labs is an open forum for learning and collaborating that will take place immediately after the pii2010 - privacy identity innovation conference that is being held August 17-19 at the the Bell Harbor International Conference Center. The Startup Bootcamp at pii Labs will offer you the opportunity to ask questions (and get answers!) from leading consumer privacy experts in an interactive setting where you help set the agenda. There are no talking heads or stale presentations -- only practical advice and best practices that you can put to good use.

http://piilabs.eventbrite.com/

pii2010 - privacy identity innovation

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 4:30 PM - Thursday, August 19, 2010 at 5:00 PM (PT) Bell Harbor International Conference Center

Taking place August 17-19 in Seattle, pii2010 will explore how privacy, identity and innovation are evolving in the digital age, and how to strike a balance between protecting sensitive information and enabling new technologies and business models. Thepii2010 conference will take place at the Bell Harbor International Conference Center along the Seattle waterfront at Pier 66. Then, immediately following the last session, we will reconvene 100 feet in the air on the Skyline level of the city's famous Space Needle for the debut of pii Labs, an open forum for brainstorming new ideas and solutions.

http://pii2010.eventbrite.com/

The Senior List, LLC seeking funding

cclark@theseniorlist.com — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:17:59 GMT

We are currently seeking an initial round of funding to jump start our brand-building in 2009-10. Any advice from folks who have been down this road would be welcoming!

Chris Clark

www.theseniorlist.com

See Patrick Galvin's blog featuring The Senior List below;

www.blog.galvincomm.com

John Geffel - New to OEN...

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:54:35 GMT

I'd like to introduce myself, being new to OEN, but an "old timer" to the area.

I've been living in Portland for over 35 years, 27 of those years working at Sage/Timberline Software out in Beaverton. I'm a graduate of Portland State University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration with a major emphasis in marketing. I live in West Linn with my wife of 34 years, Cindy and have two children Michael & Alexandra who are both successfully on their own now.

I joined OEN because after all those years, I'm working on starting my own software business AND also want to provide any help to others who are also choosing this path. I'm very excited to be involved with this organization and hope to be an active contributor here as well as in OEN's other venues.

I look forward to meeting you virtually and in person as I jump into this new world & life outside the "gilded cage". :-)

Silicon Forest Universe Poster 2.0 is out now!

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:04:12 GMT

Love your 2003 Silicon Forest Universe poster? Then check out the Portland State Institute for of Portland Metropolitan Studies page (http://www.pdx.edu/ims/siliconforest.html) to order the the newest version. One of the neat features of the new poster is that shows firms that have ceased existence as well as firms that are still around today.

If you wish to remain nostalgic and pick up a vintage 2003 Silicon Forest Universe poster, please contact OEN for a free poster - we have several in storage that are looking for a good home. Send an email to larryw@oen.org if interested.

In Search of a Business Development Director

adam@thegreenmicrogym.com — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:10:01 GMT

I own The Green Microgym in Portland. We're the gym where people generate electricity through exercise and send it back to the grid.

We've had so much worldwide interest and press since we opened in October, it's become clear there's an opportunity to expand.

We are looking into Franchising, Retrofitting Equipment, and Individual Carbon Footprint tracking, among other things.

We've got contacts and advisors from the renewable energy community, manufacturing, and fitness who are all ready and willing to lend their expertise to reach the next level.

Our ideal partner or mentor would be someone who has experience taking a small business with huge potential and successfully expanding into the national and international market.

Mentorship would be great, but maybe you know of someone who is looking for their next project and has a lot of integrity.

Feel free to email me at adam@thegreenmicrogym.com or call 503-933-2230

I have to log in twice?

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:56:12 GMT

Hi everyone -

The problem - having to use separate usernames and passwords for the OEN website (www.oen.org) and the OEN Online Community (community.oen.org) - is due to OEN using two software platforms that don't fully communicate with one another...yet. We are working on the issue as we speak (er, write) and hope to find a solution to this problem soon.

If having two separate usernames and passwords is an issue, we recommend changing your OEN website and Online Community username and password to be the same for both sites.

We hope this information is helpful. As always, please let us know if you have any thoughts or comments about this issue.

Thanks!

OEN Admin

Any feedback re the presentations by Living Harvest and Wend Media at the June Pubtalk?

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:11:06 GMT

Feedback, constructive criticism, ideas, and suggestions for improvement are appreciated!

Help OEN create a community ranking system

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 22:39:21 GMT

Hi all -

Jive's Clearspace platform, which powers the OEN online community, has a system that allows the admins to "rank" community participants based on their level of participation. Here are some of the actions that grants users "points":

* Creating a blog post
* Providing a helpful answer to a question
* Adding a comment to a blog post or discussion post

...and so on. The issue - I'm out of ideas as to how to name the rankings. Here are a few drafts:

* Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum

* Newbie, Mid-Manager, Veteran

But these labels lack enthusiasm.

So I look to you for input. Please add your ideas by submitting a comment on this discussion post (click the "Reply" button after logging in). If you can provide creative labels for the OEN online community, you'll earn a sweet treat.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing your ideas!

Larry

Will innovation save American jobs?

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:53:38 GMT

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to present this week at the National Summit in Detroit, MI. The purpose: to define America's way forward in a challenging global economny. In his presentation he will Push Innovation as the way that America has succeeded in the past. He asserts that the US has found success with a system that where entrepreneurship and innovation are supported by quality education. Now the world is right their with us in trying to leverage their respective technology braintrusts and he asserts that for us to maintain a lead, government, universities and the private sector are going to have to work together. Read the article, let us know what you think?

What are Angel investors looking for?

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:35:36 GMT

In the down economy what are angel investors looking for in a company? Are there certain products and/or services that capture their attention?

How Much Would a Protester in Iran Pay to Have a Twitter or Facebook Account?

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:28:23 GMT

I read this article yesterday on the Media Post Social Insider How Much Would a Protester in Iran Pay to Have a Twitter or Facebook Account?. The author talks about the value of social media platforms in society, especially in social movements like protesting in Iran for example. The interesting point she brings up is the fact that all social media platforms seem to give everything away for free and rely on the advertising model.

I am interested in finding out what the feelings are regarding the value of social media to you? Would you pay to have a Twitter or Facebook account?

VCs Speak On The Economic Downturn: Batten Down the Hatches

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:52:26 GMT

I found this post on TechCrunch and thought I'd first jot down a few thoughts and then share the link. One of the questions that I keep hearing and wondering is -- what are the VCs really thinking? Is there money and if yes, will they invest? There always seems to be money somewhere, but where is it and is it available to startup's facing economic struggles or is it there for new startup's with great ideas?

What I got out of it -- there might be money, but it will be hard to get so cut costs, decrease your monthly burn rate and focus on revenue. While the VCs emphasized they were open for business the CEO veterans on the panel called this a falsehood. It sounds like 1989/99 or not? Ron Conway said it is not nearly as bad as the dot com bubble bust and pointed out some interesting factoids ... the burn rate of companies (on average) has gone from $750k in the first bubble to $250k now. Companies now are leaner and it was emphasized that it doesn't cost much to run a startup and innovation will continue to thrive.

It is basic economics (which basic is as sophisticated as I get). There is less cash to invest in everything from startup's to consumer goods so we all cut back, decrease the burn rate and become lean/mean machines focused on brining in additional revenues. Some will thrive and others will not.

But, the real objective of this exercise was to see what is on the minds of VCs and I think I knew what the answer was all along I was just hoping for more. Hoping for more ...

The article/post has a list of tips to help out startup's:

http://www.techcrunch.com/2008/10/29/vcs-speak-on-the-economic-downturn-batten-down-the-hatches/

Pose a question for the CEOs of the upcoming Off The Record with a CEO

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:19:26 GMT

Hi everyone -

Tomorrow's Off The Record with a CEO will feature Ray King of AboutUs.org, and Brian Connolly of Pet Appeal / Castor & Pollux. We encourage you to ask them a question via this Discussion post! Here are a few sample questions to get the ball rolling:

* What are some of the obstacles you overcame in the start of this venture or your other ventures?

* What are some of the surprises/setbacks you encountered?

* Have you ever changed your business model? If so, or not, why?

* What are some of the skills you had to cultivate in order to be a successful entrepreneur?

Please do add to the list! You can do so by logging in and clicking the "Reply" button at the top and/or bottom of this post. We look forward to receiving your questions!

The Senior List® To Add Preferred Provider Program

cclark@theseniorlist.com — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:19:20 GMT

http://www.prlog.org/10183741-the-senior-list-to-add-preferred-provider-program.html

CEO Roundtable - Funding your company in tough times

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:55:28 GMT

Paul Gulick, formerly of Clarity Visual Systems and Planar, will lead a lively discussion that will help entrepreneurs drive their organization's success. Come share your challenges, observations and successes with other CEOs of emerging businesses.

We will discuss the challenges of funding your company in tough times and the creative options you can employ to get the cash your company needs to survive and grow.

Help us tailor the discussion to your needs, please submit your questions by logging in to the OEN Online community and hitting reply.

This program is open only to CEOs or Presidents of currently operating companies that have employees. Boxed lunch will be served. This program is limited to 12 participants, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Do Non-Competes Curtail Startup Investments?

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:47:56 GMT

Brownsberger and Rowe Do A Data Dive and Kick Off A Deeper Discussion

http://www.xconomy.com/tag/non-competes/

Robert Buderi wrote:

The argument over non-compete clauses in employment agreements is front and center in most discussions over ways Massachusetts can square up better against Silicon Valley. Proponents of getting rid of non-competes argue that they curtail innovation. Fearful of getting sued when they leave their employers, so the theory goes, would-be entrepreneurs either forego starting their own companies or move to places like California where the courts don’t enforce non-competes.

Read the rest of the article and let us know what you think?

My 2 cents on taglines

larryw@oen.org — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:25:26 GMT

A tagline is meant to encapsulate the spirit of a company. It shouldn't be a shortened statement of what the company does. For instance, the tagline "Just Do It" brilliantly evokes the spirit of Nike and how the brand emotionally connects with customers. Although "The world's largest producer of athletic shoes" might be what they actually do, it's got zero emotional appeal and shouldn't be used as their tagline.

Inspired by entrepreneurs

larryw@oen.org — Sat, 16 May 2009 06:15:30 GMT

Came across this and thought I would share it with all of you. Thanks Josh for sharing it with me.

Entrepreneurs: http://bit.ly/uuFvG

What makes a startup friendly city?

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:13:18 GMT

According to Entrepreneur Magazine Portland ranks 2nd as a city that is startup friendly. Mike Rogoway who writes the Silicon Forest blog challenges Portland's ranking. He noted TechFlash's John Cook's observations noting that by pretty much any objective measure, it'd be hard to put Portland near the top of any startup friendly list:

Take Oregon for example. It recorded just one venture capital deal in the second quarter for a total of $3.6 million in financing.
That compares to Washington state, which had 32 venture deals representing $122 million.
I am also really struggling to think of one significant publicly-traded, venture-backed company that calls Portland home.

So is there anyone out there who wants to share their opinion of the startup scene in Portland?

Live chat recap: The Portland startup scene

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 05 May 2009 21:48:15 GMT

Check out Mike Rogoway's blog that provides an overview of the Portland Startup Scene

http://blog.oregonlive.com/siliconforest/2009/05/live_chat_noon_tuesday_the_por.html

Seeking Exercise Equipment Experts for opportunity (possibly Nautilus employee)

adam@thegreenmicrogym.com — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:56:42 GMT

The Green Microgym (http://thegreenmicrogym.com/grid-tied-equipment/) and its sister company Re:Source is about to launch a new product: an exercise equipment retrofit that enables the user to generate electricity and send it back to the grid.

We've got patent-pending technology, working prototypes, and worldwide interest.

We're looking for someone (maybe from Nautilus) to be a part of the team - as an advisor or possibly more - who has experience and knowledge in exercise equipment development and sales.

If you're interested, or know of somebody who is, please contact Ryan Barr at ryan@thegreenmicrogym.com ASAP

What's my company worth?

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:44:49 GMT

As a business owner how do I value my company?

Keeping an eye on your competition - Going beyond Google

sean@cascadeinsights.com — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:35:29 GMT

Just thought folks might find this presentation of interest given the focus of the group.

http://www.slideshare.net/campsean/keeping-an-eye-on-the-competition-go-beyond-google

Happy to chat with anyone about the road to entrepreneurship as well. I've been gainfully self-employed across two different business in Portland over the past 10 years. The first of which I grew over a period of six years and sold a few years ago before moving on to found Cascade.

Thanks,

Sean Campbell

Chair - Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals - Oregon Chapter - www.scip.org

National Catalyst Award Winner - Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals.

sean@cascadeinsights.com

Twitter: @sean_campbell

Principal - Cascade Insights

Angel Oregon Highlights

larryw@oen.org — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 04:28:02 GMT

Wondering what everyones "greatest hits" from Angel Oregon are. Here's some of mine:

1. Lynn's presentation for DesignMedix

2. GlideCycle's being ridden around the ballroom, and Wicked Quick with live models. Consumer track has a bit more zing.

3. Tim Draper - for a variety of reasons.

4. GadgetTrak - a personal favorite, mostly because it addresses a personal pain point.

5. Brian Connelly from Castor & Pollux - great success story and my dog loved the free swag.

6. Robert Wiltbank's data on previous Angel Oregon participants.

7. The 14 One-Minute pitches - not a bad one in the bunch. And especially the three winners, Take Shape, 88 Inc, and Big I Group.

8. On Your Feet - all day, but a personal highlight was reaching the semis in the rock-paper-scissors tourney.

9. The winners! Congrats to them both, all the other particpants, and to everyone involved in making Angel Oregon a success.

So what were your highlights?

Local Web Entrepreneur Meetup 4/28/10 w/ Jonathan Collins of Epipheo Studios

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:18:18 GMT

Hi all,

I am new to the community here. I wanted to post that there is a meetup coming up for our Continuous Web meetup group. It is a learning community for web professionals to network and expand their knowledge of the industry. There are more details below. We request that you please RSVP on one of the 2 links below so that we can be sure that the event space can accomodate everyone. The sooner you can RSVP, the easier it is for us. Thank you!

Meetup.com Event

http://www.meetup.com/continuousweb-portland/calendar/13192517/

Facebook Event

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113834305311265&index=1

Business Concept Review Template?

jason.zaslaw@agilesoftworks.com — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:20:39 GMT

Hello,

I have noticed that many of the business concept review requests follow a standardized format. Is there a template locate on this site that is used for these requests? I have searched all over, but have not been able to find anything. Any help?

Thank you,

Jason

Is this your entrepreneurial story?

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:58:17 GMT

Did you recently start your company after losing your job due to the recent economic downturn? If so, we are helping funnel those people to OPB for a story.

Please contact Jeff Fishburn at jefff@onpr.com or call him at (503) 802-4408.

Thanks!

Keeping Up With Employment Laws

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:53:31 GMT

How are you keeping up with the new, ever changing employment laws? Some are applicable to as few as one employee. Would it be helpful if updated forms, postings, etc. were kept on a website and available?

Trillium Receives Grant for Cellulosic Technology

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:29:36 GMT

Trillium FiberFuels has been awarded a $750,000 grant to commercialize its technology for creating fuel-grade ethanol from straw and other biomass. The U.S. DOE announced the award, which is a part of the Small Business Innovation Research Program. This award is a phase II continuation that follows Trillium’s successful completion of phase I during 2008 and early 2009. The SBIR process is highly competitive, and Trillium received the only phase II DOE award in the Oregon this year. Trillium’s technology improves the ethanol yield from biomass by up to 40 percent by utilizing xylose, a common sugar that is not fermentable by brewing yeast. The two-year project will transition the process from laboratory scale to a pilot plant.

Xylose constitutes roughly one-third of the available sugar in biomass, so efficient utilization is essential to good process economics. While most companies are hoping to exploit genetically engineered microorganisms to ferment xylose, Trillium’s unique approach uses an existing industrial enzyme to convert xylose into a sugar that is fermentable by brewing yeast. This makes Trillium’s solution ready to scale and robust in the industrial environment.

“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity to take this technology to the pilot plant scale,” said company President Chris Beatty. “We are very appreciative of the DOE and those that have helped us along the way – including companies like C.H. Murphy/Clark-Ullman and West Salem Machinery and organizations like OSU, ONAMI, and Lane County Economic Development. We look forward to building stronger alliances with these organizations and others as we move toward production processing

To read the article at Biomass Magazine Click Here

Are you working with companies who are seeking angel funding?

larryw@oen.org — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:42:20 GMT

We're seeking companies to apply for OEN Angel Oregon 2009! OEN's Angel Oregon is the nation's premier investor/entrepreneur matchmaking event. Angel Oregon brings together Oregon and SW Washington's brightest entrepreneurial talent with qualified angel investors. The top six companies who apply, including the OEN Seed Oregon PubTalk winner, will present at the OEN Angel Oregon conference on March 12th at the Governor Hotel. At the conference the OEN Angel Oregon investment committee will vote, and two investment prizes will be awarded.

Suggest your client companies apply by December 12 and they will be eligible for a complimentary OEN Private Business Plan Review. They will be provided an opportunity to re-submit their company application materials after that review.

OEN is currently accepting applications. Apply now by clicking this link. http://www.oen.org/events_ao.aspx

Layout Changes to the OEN Community

larryw@oen.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:04:59 GMT

Would love to hear peoples feedback on the recent changes to the community "home page" and other areas of the community site. Is it easier to navigate and find content?

100 new online community members in 100 days

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:52:38 GMT

Want to connect with other entrepreneurs without leaving your home? OEN has a new social networking community that connects people across our state. Check out our blogs, discussions and communities. And don’t forget, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, (add a link to each profile or group) too!

WeoGeo named as candidate for Most Influential Geospatial Leaders

larryw@oen.org — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 05:58:24 GMT

Who are the most influential technologists in the geospatial industry? Directions Media wants you to identify the individuals who will influence geospatial technology for the next five years. Please vote for your choice. Local company, and OEN Angel Oregon second prize winner is one of the candidates.Check it out and vote today!

Open Positions at A&I Benefit Plan Administrators, Inc.

larryw@oen.org — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:41:48 GMT

Hi everyone -

In case you missed it, A&I Benefit Plan Administrators Inc. is hiring! The info pasted below is from A&I:

A&I has some current openings which we are recruiting for. Please, if you know someone who may be interested, send them our way! Interested parties should contact me at 503-242-1624 or at hr@aibpa.com. Your may visit http://www.aibpa.com/jobs.htm to view the complete list of job postings and brief descriptions of the types of positions available at A&I.

You can get more information about A&I on their website: www.aibpa.com.

Reminder for OEN Company Members - You can posts jobs and internships on the OEN Job Board!

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:01:50 GMT

Hi everyone -

A reminder to all OEN Company members - you can post jobs and internships on the OEN Job Board for no cost. All you need to do is visit the OEN Job Board (http://jobs.oen.org) and click the "Post a Job" button. Once done, the job board admin will review your submission and, if it is accepted, it will be live on the OEN Job Board for 30 days.

Don't hesitate to contact the OEN office at 503-222-2270 if you have any questions!

Regards,

Larry W.

I am looking for contacts who can help with introducing a new type of Hybrid Electric drive system for Low Deck City buses.

larryw@oen.org — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:45:31 GMT

I am looking for contacts who can help with introducing a new type of Hybrid Electric drive system for Low Deck City buses.

Grant Opportunity

larryw@oen.org — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:08:14 GMT

I need some assistance with putting together a Grant Opportunity with the Department of Energy. Please follow this link for more information on the Grant. The purpose would be to retrofit TriMet low deck buses with a new type of Hybrid Electric drive system which can could significantly reduce the fuel consumption of these vehicles as well as allowing them to run on alternative fuels.

DOE Link: https://e-center.doe.gov/iips/faopor.nsf/UNID/F1BEFA84084808598625756800695728?OpenDocument