Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

Stuck? Time to Improv! The Startup Launchpad

di Mary Scott

Imprenditoria Marketing

Stagione 2024

Scott Morris - the UMSL Anchor Accelerator

https://www.linkedin.com/company/umsleic/?viewAsMember=true Scott Morris from UMSL talks about the Anchor Accelerator Anchor Accelerator Program Update & Expansion Mary introduced Scott Morris from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, who discussed the Anchor Accelerator program that supports local startups. Scott detailed that the program, now in its fourth iteration, has assisted 22 companies, providing them with $1.1 million in funding. The program, which is industry-agnostic but focuses on supporting historically underrepresented groups, offers a $50,000 grant, a mentor, and an intern to five selected companies. He also announced that the community could now access the program's courses, providing valuable business training and an opportunity to win grant money. Scott emphasized the importance of the application process as a means of developing discipline for successful pitches and introduced a new incentive: one of the program winners would receive a $15,000 Spectrum award for TV advertising.

Kathryn Yarborough - Live Streaming for Startup Visibility

https://speakerswithheart.com/ Kathryn Yarborough from Speakers With Heart talks about live streaming social media for Startups Live Streaming for Startups Discussion Mary and Kathryn discussed the use of live streaming for startups. Mary, from BusinessRiff, emphasized that startups should be wildly successful. Kathryn, from Speakers with Heart, explained that live streaming is a special tool that can help startups. Live Streaming Strategies for Startups Kathryn and Mary discussed the benefits and strategies of live streaming for startups. Kathryn emphasized the authenticity and realness of live streaming, suggesting it as a way to connect with potential clients and investors. She recommended using live streaming in combination with other types of posts and keeping streams short and engaging. Mary agreed, suggesting that live streaming can help startups build a personal connection with their audience and that it's essential to know where the target audience is most active on social media. They also discussed the importance of including a call to action at the end of a live stream and the potential for longer videos on a website for more detailed information. Mary also mentioned the possibility of hiring experts for different social media platforms and the importance of delegating tasks to avoid burnout. Her Facebook group is https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerswithheart/

Bobbie Carlton - Speaking for Startup Visibility

https://innovationwomen.com/getting-compensated-to-speak/ Bobbie Carlton from Innovation Women talks about the Value of Speaking as a Marketing Tool Speaking as a Marketing Tool for Startups Mary and Bobbie discussed the value of speaking as a marketing tool for startups, with Bobbie emphasizing the importance of the process leading up to the speech, not just the speech itself. Bobbie highlighted the need for preparation and practice, and shared her strategy of reaching out to introverts for their aptitude in these areas. She also differentiated between pitching a startup and public speaking, noting that each has its own unique purpose and opportunities. Enhancing Presentations With Improv Skills Bobbie and Mary discussed the importance of understanding the difference between pitches and presentations when speaking about a startup or any topic. Bobbie emphasized the need to capture and maintain the audience's attention, and to provide them with a takeaway that is actionable. Mary agreed, highlighting that people should feel better after a presentation. They also discussed the value of improv classes and toastmasters for improving public speaking skills. Both recommended improv as a more effective tool for building comfort and problem-solving skills on stage. Startup Speaking Strategies and Resources Bobbie shared her extensive experience in public relations and advised startups to carefully consider the type of audience they want to engage with when planning their speaking events. She suggested that startups should target events where they can connect with their customers and potential partners, rather than competing with other businesses. Mary thanked Bobbie for her valuable insights and introduced her business, Riff, as a resource for startups looking to improve their speaking skills and achieve success.

Eugina Jordan - Planning a Startup Launch

https://www.euginajordan.com/ Eugina Jordan, marketing expert, gives startup advice on how to plan a launch Eugina Jordan specializes in planning launches. You need to know Who your customer is, How your product or service is different, and What problem it solves. Using social media requires great content, consistency of engagement, and building a community.

Derek Rapp - The Rivervest Cohort - Investing in Life Science Startups

Derek Rapp from Rivervest Venture Partners talks about investing in Life Sciences startups Rivervest Venture Partners' Startup Investment Strategy Mary Scott from BusinessRiff welcomed Derek Rapp from Rivervest Venture Partners for a discussion on startup investments. Derek explained that Rivervest, founded in 2000, specializes in investing in early-stage bio-pharmaceutical and medical device companies. They typically lead the first major institutional equity round and aim to help these companies reach their potential through follow-on investments until an eventual exit. Focusing on Life Sciences for Innovation Mary and Derek discussed the focus on life sciences over other technology sectors, highlighting the potential for products to address unmet patient needs and the enduring demand for healthier, longer lives. Derek mentioned the role of entrepreneurs and researchers in developing innovative solutions, such as artificial intelligence, devices to support cardiologists and surgeons, and advances in cancer and immunology research. He also noted the long-term potential of successful products to attract acquisition or public offering.

Sheila Andres - Do You Know What You Said "Yes" to?

https://www.realize-yourvision.com Sheila Andres from Realize Your Vision asks Startups ”Do You know what you said 'Yes' to?” For more info and or to schedule a free strategy session, go to https://www.realize-yourvision.com Entrepreneurship: Changes, Challenges, and Growth Sheila Andres and Mary Scott discussed the significant changes and challenges involved in entrepreneurship. Sheila stressed the need for understanding and accepting the depth of change required for small business success, and the importance of personal growth in achieving it. She also highlighted that becoming a business owner involves stepping into uncharted territory, where mistakes and failures are inevitable. Mary agreed on the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and being prepared to pivot. They both emphasized the necessity of commitment to growth and evolution, and the ability to learn from both successes and failures. Entrepreneurship: Challenges, Rewards, and Self-Discovery Sheila Andres and Mary Scott discussed the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and accepting the uncertainties of the journey. They advocated for surrounding oneself with successful mentors and building a supportive community to foster growth. Sheila stressed the importance of self-love and self-awareness in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Tyler Joy - Resources from the Urban League

https://urbanleague-stl.org Tyler Joy from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Business Center talks about the programs offered to startups by the Urban League Urban League Programs and Collaboration Mary and Tyler discussed the programs offered by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, with a particular focus on the Women's Business Center. Tyler explained that the Women's Business Center is a resource funded by the Small Business Administration, aimed at supporting women in the business space. Mary affirmed that the Urban League's mission is to empower communities, particularly underserved ones, for economic self-reliance, with a focus on the African American community. They also discussed the potential forshared resources and collaboration within the startup launch pad group. Women's Business Center Programs Discussed Tyler Joy from the Women's Business Center shared the various programs and services offered to women entrepreneurs, including one-on-one coaching, workshops, and the "Ready Set Launch" program. New Client Sign-up - ( https://urbanleaguewbc.ecenterdirect.com/signup?centerid=9 ) Website - ( https://www.ulstlwbc.com/ ) Newsletter Sign-up – ( https://bit.ly/WBCNewsletterSignup )

Tony Wilkins - How I Invest in Startups

Tony Wilkins from Standing Oaks Venture Partners talks about his formula for deciding what to invest in LinkedIn Www.linkedin.com/in/tonywilkins76 Summary Tony Wilkins Discusses Investment CriteriaInvestor Tony Wilkins from Standing Oaks Venture Partners discussed his investment criteria with Mary Scott from BusinessRiff. Tony highlighted the significance of his 'I plus C2 plus R3 Plus Love' formula, which focuses on integrity, chemistry, coachability, resourcefulness, resilience, responsiveness plus Love. capacity for self-sustained growth, and the entrepreneur's passion and vision. He emphasized the importance of various traits in early-stage companies, including coachability, resilience, resourcefulness, and responsiveness, and the value of respect and openness to feedback. Tony also shared that he tends to invest in globally scalable, disruptively efficient, and digital properties, led by exceptional people.

Peggy O'Neal - Making a Spending Plan for Startups

Peggy O'Neal, master coach, gives startup advice on a Spending Plan Email Peggy at peggy@peggy-oneal.comTo receive her weekly newsletter with valuable content, subscribe at https://www.peggy-oneal.com Join her Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/answeringcall. Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyoneal YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDj82qbbwsNksWRi80pAMNQ/videos

Michael Porteous - Fundraising Mistakes Startups Should Avoid

Michael Porteous from NextRound talks about what Startups should avoid in fundraising. https://nextround.ai Startup Fundraising Mistakes Discussion Mary and michael discussed their plan to conduct a live Facebook session. Mary mentioned that she will be editing the recorded session. Initially, Mary planned to introduce michael and express her gratitude for his presence. The main topic of their discussion was about the mistakes startups should avoid when fundraising, with Michael Porteous from Next Round as their special guest. Timing and Funding Sources for Startups michael, with 38 years of experience in the financial markets, explained the purpose of his business, Next Round, which is to connect startup founders with institutional investors such as family offices and venture capital firms. He emphasized the importance of timing the approach to these investors correctly, as founders often seek institutional funding too early. michael clarified that startups do not necessarily need to be in revenue before seeking institutional funding, and he outlined the typical progression of funding sources, from friends and family to angel investors and finally institutional investors. He also mentioned that the amount of funding a startup can expect to receive varies depending on the source, with friends and family typically providing around $250,000, and the first institutional round often exceeding $1 million. Startup Funding Challenges and Strategies michael and Mary discussed the challenges and strategies surrounding startup funding. michael explained that startup ventures often prefer to join a funding round rather than lead it, and highlighted the risk of predatory investors offering a lifeline in exchange for a significant stake in the company. Mary suggested that startups should always be aware of their runway and keep their options open for funding. They also discussed the potential for startups to avoid venture capital and bootstrap their way to success. michael emphasized the importance of understanding the different objectives of founders and investors, and Mary recommended paying attention to lines of credit as an alternative funding source.

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