Posts Tagged ‘presentation’
You sent in your application, we read it, we liked it and now you’re coming to Bloomington for Selection Weekend. After much anticipation, it’s time to choose our 8th sprout. Maybe it’s you. Frankly, I have no idea because I’m not the one reading the applications. But I do know that if you made it this far, you have an idea that impressed our committee.
Of course, I would advise you to run through the six criteria for a strong candidate. These are crucial for giving a complete presentation and will help you anticipate tough questions in advance. But don’t forget one of the most compelling parts of your presentation: your story.
What inspired the idea for your business? Why are you really at the box presenting to us? This may seem like a small detail. You may even be rolling your eyes. But if you aren’t excited about your story, how do you expect the committee members to be? You spent endless hours crafting a detailed business plan, explaining exactly how you intend to make money. Now this is your chance to show us why the committee should pick you over every other startup that applied this quarter.
Set your presentation apart with a story that makes a strong impression and tell us what you’re all about. Think of what qualities make a great story: short, engaging, relevant and personal. These qualities aren’t reserved for classic bedtime stories or cocktail parties. They are a guide to help you clearly explain the vision for your company in an interesting way and to make your presentation memorable.
Now, I’m not saying that you should start with a twenty-minute monologue about your undying love for SaaS companies, but a simple, compelling story sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and naturally transitions to the question, “What problem is your company going to solve?”
Tell us why you’re here and why you’re confident that your idea solves a real problem. If you believe in what you’re doing, your personality and dedication will be obvious.
We look forward to seeing what you have prepared. Good luck, have a safe trip and we’ll see you soon.
Applications for our next sprout are now open! Apply here.
| | |
Posted by Brad on September 21, 2010 
No Comments
Our recent partnership with StartUp Weekend is underway, and as promised, we will be making our rounds across the country to help early stage software companies become sustainable businesses.
Here is where we’re headed the next few weeks:
Startup Weekend, Washington D.C- Aug. 13-15
StartUp Weekend, San Diego- Aug. 20-22
StartUp Weekend is a challenge for web developers, marketing experts, business managers and graphic designers to form teams and build companies in a 54-hour period. It’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to come together to network with experts and make their ideas a reality. Teams can develop a concept, a demo or launch their finished product.
I will be attending these events, serving as a business mentor and judging teams. I will also be speaking about the challenge of fundraising for new companies.
SocialDevCamp, Chicago- Aug. 13-15
SocialDevCamp is a weekend conference focused on how to utilize the social web. Hundreds of developers and enthusiasts come for talks on social applications, platforms, mobile applications and new media from those such as Andrew Mason of Groupon and Chriss Messina of Google. Developers can also compete in the Hackathon to develop and launch a new social app.
SproutBox is a sponsor and Mike Trotzke will be there to answer questions about SproutBox, development and board games.
MidVenturesLAUNCH, Chicago- Sept. 27-28
LAUNCH brings together venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and social media reps from across the Midwest to introduce new ideas to an audience of professionals. Over 800 entrepreneurs, techies and capitalists will be at the event. Companies who are ready to launch are provided the space, the targeted audience and three minutes to showcase their products. Startups compete for a panel of experts to see if their product reigns supreme.
LAUNCH will be held at the UIC forum. will be there to answer questions about SproutBox and see what great ideas entrepreneurs are coming up with.
| | |
Posted by Brad on August 5, 2010 No Comments
The SproutBox Sprout #6 Selection Committee event this past weekend was a great success. The application finalists pitched their ideas to the selection committee followed by a weekend of networking and fun.
Following a full day of great pitches and updates from entrepreneurs, selection committee members and finalists joined the SproutBox team for dinner and drinks at some of Bloomington’s quintessential spots, tours and tasting at two fantastic local breweries, and wrapped-up with a trip to an IU basketball game.
To see a glimpse of the event click through the photo above or checkout this flickr photo set. Keep a lookout. We’ll be announcing the selection of the next Sprout soon!
| | |
Posted by Kyle on December 21, 2009 1 Comment
