Entrepreneurship Resource Nights: Business Strategy
Each week you can read a recap of the previous Entrepreneurship Resource Nights session. This week, instructor John Zagula steps in for the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship’s Amy Sallin and recaps a class featuring Christy Johnson,CEO of Artemis Connection, and Amy Nelson, CEO of The Riveter. If you have questions about the lecture series, or any of the Buerk Center’s student competitions, email Amy at [email protected].
We covered a lot this session. Having previously learned how to do our homework and study the playing field, we moved on to figuring how to get from one end of the field to another. Another word for that is strategy. We define it as “driving a desired future in conditions of uncertainty.”
We examined several approaches to such strategy including FAKE GRIMLOCK, Geoffrey Moore’s Crossing the Chasm from initial enthusiasts to the mainstream, and some other jokers who invented go to market plays like Best of Both and Dragrace.
We then learned the important lessons of adaptation, differentiation, and timing/shifting (and the importance of human execution) in plays as the field shifts over time from veteran practitioner Christy Johnson,CEO of Artemis Connection. We also heard from Amy Nelson, CEO of The Riveter, on how deep diving with a strong mission can really help you differentiate and also keep you on track as you face hard strategic decisions.
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower
WEEK SIX
We are going to be talking about money. How to make it, how to raise it. The top down and bottom up physics of start-up money – market sizing, business models and basic financial metrics as well as the legal ropes you need to know for making a company.
Tuesday, February 14 at 6:00 pm in PACCAR Hall, Shansby Auditorium (room 192)
RESOURCE NIGHTS LECTURE SERIES
Resource Nights are each Tuesday from January 9 to March 6 from 6 to 7:50 p.m. in PACCAR Hall 192 (Shansby Auditorium). Can’t make it in person? Lectures will be recorded and the links posted to our website weekly. View the Resource Night schedule for links and complete listing of topics and guest speakers.
RESOURCES
FIND YOUR PEOPLE!
If you’re still looking to join a team or for team members, stay tuned to the Student Team Formation website. First, create a profile on the Team Building site. Then check out the Showcase page to browse for a team to join or to find team members. NOTE: This is for current students only!
MENTOR CONNECT (via website)
Need some quick advice about intellectual property, financial projections, or how to divide equity between co-founders? The Buerk Center’s MentorConnect site is a great way to connect with a professional via email for advice, questions, and feedback. The site requires a UW login, so if you’re a student from another college or university contact me for a guest login.
VIEW PAST ENTRIES
Did you know that we have binders full of past competition entries that you can view? All students are invited to come by our office in Dempsey Hall 227 to take a look. Bring a notepad and any questions you might have. And definitely review the rules beforehand under the “Entry Requirements” tab(s) for the HIC and EIC. Questions? Send us an e-mail.
COMPETITIONS
Maybe the idea came to you in the lab, in class, or on a hike. Whatever the source, the Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge student competition is the place to showcase your solution to our pressing environmental problems. Form a team. Shape the future. $15,000 Grand Prize!
Finish your EIC application now
Deadline to apply is February 20.
QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HIC, EIC or BPC?
Health Innovation Challenge: Terri Butler
Environmental Innovation Challenge: Lauren Brohawn
Business Plan Competition: Amy Sallin
BPC MBA student co-chairs: Emma Hohenstein & John Montgomery
Have a great 2018!
