Top 5 Office Prank Videos

Calling all pranksters!  What are you doing this year to celebrate April Fool's Day?

Staplers inside of Jello.  Whoopie cushions on desk chairs.  Foil completely covering a coworker's supplies.  Although they're funny, they're overdone.  And nobody likes an overdone office prank. 

For as long as there have been offices, there have been office pranks.  In honor of April Fool's Day (tomorrow!), we'd like to show you a couple of our favorites. 

The Cubicle: A Home Away from Home...Literally

They Tease You Because They Like You

An Office Upgrade

You're Blocked

A Note For You



Happy April Fool's Day from Think Big!

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A BIG thanks to Fawnkey and Associates, another sponsor of Think Big Kansas City!  We greatly appreciate your involvement in our entrepreneurial event.  To become a sponsor for TBKC, click here.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Google Fiber Coming to Kansas City, Kansas

Google announced today that its Google Fiber Internet service will make its debut in Kansas City, Kansas which promises free broadband Web access for schools and speeds 100 times faster than the current average.  This is a big deal for Google, but an even bigger deal for KC.

Of the 1,100 local government across the country that applied for the program, Google chose Kansas City (over Madison, Wisconsin) to implement its experimental ultra high-speed Internet network called Google Fiber.  The new Internet network is to be launched in 2012.

So what does this mean for our beloved Kansas City?  A lot of amazing things, actually.  First off, Google Fiber will bring as much as $97 million in investments not to mention an extra 1,000 jobs to the KC community.

"In selecting a city, our goal was to find a location where we could build efficiently, make an impact on the community and develop relationships with local government and community organizations," said vice president of access services Milo Medin. "We've found this in Kansas City."  (via Wisconsin State Journal). 

In 2012, Kansas City will experience a new type of Internet- a faster, more reliable network that will provide Internet connections of 1 gagbit per second to as many as 500,000 people. 

We don't know about you, but Think Big Partners is thrilled to welcome the Google powerhouse to our growing Kansas City community.  We are even more excited that Google Fiber is promoting itself as "Think big with a gig".  Now that's something we can relate to.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Executive Office Space vs. Collaborative Workspace

Regus, Officescape, and Alliance Business Centers vs. bizperc

No entrepreneur or growing company is the same.  Some prefer the comforting silence of a closed-off office.  Others enjoy the energetic collaboration of a shared workspace.  While some would rather work from the comfort of a conventional desk or cubicle, others would rather work outside, on a roof, or side-by-side other entrepreneurs.  When some entrepreneurs choose to work in a traditional, habitual office spaces, others may need a more inspiring, innovative environments. 

There’s no wrong way to work—but there is a way that will work better for you.

If you’re a traditional, conventional entrepreneur or high-growth company who enjoys a corporate-feel during the workday, there’s a space for that.  If you’re an innovative, collaborative thinker who works well with others, there’s a space for that.  The environment that you choose, however, is up to you. 

While some choose to work at an executive office space such as Regus, Officescape or an Alliance Business Center, others enjoy the atmosphere of bizperc.  But when it all boils down to it, what’s the difference?  We’re here to tell you.  Because believe it or not, the atmosphere that you work in, whether its suit-and-tie or jeans-and-tshirt, may have an impact on how your business runs.

I want…absolute privacy.	I want…privacy within collaboration.
If you are looking to work on your business in a private matter (closed doors, quiet atmosphere, no interruptions), then Regus, Officescape or ABCN is the place for you.  Regus office spaces are there for just that—if you need a traditional desk or a simple meeting room—Regus will provide you with the privacy and seclusion that you need.	If you’re looking to innovate, collaborate, and create, bizperc is the ideal workspace.  For the interpersonal entrepreneur who wants to bounce ideas off of others, provide other hard-working individuals with advice, and become a part of a community with no closed doors, bizperc is the solution.
I’m looking for…a traditional finish.	I’m looking for…a cutting-edge finish.
If you’re an entrepreneur or high-growth company that has enjoyed the atmosphere of the corporate world—full of tradition, customs and business comfort—look no further an office space like Officescape or Regus.  Their traditional finishes provide entrepreneurs everywhere with original workspaces without losing the corporate touch.	bizperc is for you.  This space is all about modernity and being unique.  bizperc’s modern, urban loft space provides an inspiring finish for those who are looking for innovation and creativity.  Complete with electronic white boards, idea boards, a mini-Kinko’s, breathtaking rooftop garden, natural light, idea boards, and open windows, bizperc takes “cutting-edge” to a whole new level.
I’m in need of…a nationwide mobile office.	I’m in need of…flexibility.
Regus, for example, offers cost effective packages for 2, 4, 8 or 12 days per month or an unlimited use plan.  Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are available for any entrepreneur in need of an office or meeting space solution (but less offered services).  All provide nationwide mobile offices for the entrepreneur or growing company that needs nothing but desk space.	Stay as long as you want, use whatever services you need (if any), and come and go as you please.  bizperc provides ultimate flexibility so that you can get exactly what you want out of your work space, when you want it.  No long-term contracts, and rates start as low as $35 a month—bizperc is a space that fits your schedule and your budget.
I’d like…a traditional business culture. With office space that encapsulates a traditional business environment, Regus, Officescape, and ABCN offices are good locations for serious entrepreneurs who want to get down to business in a formal setting.	I’d like…a fast-paced business culture. Looking for a culture that’s fast-paced, fun-loving, collaborative, and innovative?  bizperc wants to see you succeed and will walk you through each of the innovative and unconventional steps to get you there.
I value…independence. If you’re intrapersonal and enjoy doing work on your own in a quiet area, traditional executive offices are the perfect place to start or grow a small business.	I value…community. If you value a sense of community with close interaction, tenant and client events, and day-to-day stimulating conversation, bizperc is excited to invite someone just like you into its community.

Keep in mind that where you work determines how you work.  Whether you prefer an executive office space with Regus, Officescape, or Allianance Business Centers or a collaborative coworking space like bizperc– the choice is yours.  Good luck with finding the right spot for you and your business.  Just remember, that no matter where you are, it’s a great place to Think Big!

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A special thanks to Staffing KC and Tradebot, the newest sponsors of Think Big Kansas City!  We are excited to have the both of you on board and look forward to another event full of inspiration and motivation!  To become a TBKC sponsor, check out our sponsorship page.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

You're in Big Trouble, Mister

LAUNCH & LEARN CANCELLED.  PLEASE CHECK BACK FOR A RESCHEDULE. 

Think Big Partners presents: Launch & Learn -- Legal Issues for Startups

We could all use a little legal advice...especially when starting up a new business.  If you're looking for some answers to your legal questions, check out our Launch & Learn educational seminar Legal Issues for Startups - Don't Let Your Legal Bills Swallow Your Company with Think Big Partners co-founder, Tyler Prochnow.

Participants can expect to:

• Learn factual information and practical knowledge from leading legal professionals with startup, entrepreneurial and investment experience
• Be involved in the exchange of ideas and a discussion of legal issues faced by entrepreneur
• Gain knowledge to do the things right from the start that will help you save thousands of dollars in professional service fees and potentially millions more from potential legal disputes

Join Tyler at bizperc (1800 Baltimore, KC, MO) from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 31st and learn all about startup legal issues.  Cost is $45 and lunch is provided.  It's what every aspiring entrepreneur needs.  Hope to see you there! 

Register now!

About the Presenter: Tyler Prochnow's business career has taken a unique and diverse path to success. From the halls of government in Washington DC, to the sidelines of America's sporting landscape to the high tech world of software, Tyler's career has been defined by significant and varied business interests around the country. Prochnow began a successful law practice with Patton Boggs, LP in Denver then became an associate with the Lathrop & Gage law firm, specializing in marketing and advertising law. As a serial entrepreneur, Prochnow has become partner in many companies including Golden Peak Sports, Connexsus, LLC and ACS Properties, LLC. Since 2008, Prochnow has been a partner and co-founder of Think Big Partners, providing the company's clients with insight, consulting and advice on the difficult legal and business issues facing entrepreneurs today. With a legal background and as the founder and operator of multiple business ventures, Prochnow draws upon his own personal experiences to assist TBP clients through the difficult stages of their business lifecycle.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig



Startup Weekend: Launching 280+ Startups and Inspiring 9,000+ Entrepreneurs

A few words from Steven Chau, one of the entrepreneurs behind Startup Weekend Kansas City! 

Startup Weekend is coming back to Kansas City, and will be held at bizperc at 1800 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO on April 15-17.  Help us tell the story of passionate entrepreneurs coming together and creating new ventures in our city. 

Steven Chau of
Startup Weekend Kansas City.

Startup Weekend is a 54 hour startup event that provides the networking, resources, and incentives for individuals and teams to go from idea to launch. Startup Weekend’s motto: Build Community. Start Companies. No Talk. All Action. In conjunction with local facilitators around the world, Startup Weekend is run by two guys out of Seattle, WA. Together, we are our own community of passionate entrepreneurs on a mission to help other entrepreneurs and facilitate innovation. 

The event is open to anyone interested in the local entrepreneurial community, and it puts them in a setting where anything is possible. In the past 2 years, 280+ startups have launched, 9,000+ entrepreneurs have been inspired internationally. Teams have even started to generate revenue during the 54-hour event, and others have even gone on to direct angel and VC investment.  None of these stats take into account the amazing networking, ongoing professional relationships, and amazing experience that happen at every event.

For more info, sponsorship and event tickets:

http://kansascity.startupweekend.org/

http://kansascity.startupweekend.org/tickets

Contacts:

Steven Chau: stevenchau@startupweekend.org

Susana B with FluidUI: 816-561-2315

Adam Commes with Infegy: 816-494-1652

Do Your Office Windows Open?

It's a nice day here in Kansas City.  Looking out your office window, you may wish that you were outside in the sun, breathing in the fresh air and letting your creative ideas run wild.  Being outdoors and breathing in that Kansas City air just seems to do something to stimulate your brain, doesn't it?

Here at bizperc, there's no need to walk outside to get inspired.  Today, all of the windows at bizperc are open, letting in all of the fresh air that an entrepreneur can breathe.  The breeze is flowing in the air, and so are our ideas.  On a nice day like today, it's easy to look out at our beautiful view of the Kansas City skyline and breathe in all that the city has to offer.

With no long term contracts, ultimate flexibility, optional beneficial services, and executive office (and virtual office) space, we want you to come enjoy the open-window environment that we've created at bizperc.  On a day like today, there's no doubt that you'll be inspired by the atmosphere and energy that is circulating our office! 

So what kind of office are you working from?  'Cause it doesn't get much better than this...

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

The Most Comfortable Job in the World

Who knew it’d be a startup?

Tina DeLorenzo may have the most comfortable job in the world.  No, she doesn’t have out-of-this-world job security or a chicken that lays golden eggs.  Instead she owns a company that uses the word “comfortable” much more literally.

Tina DeLorenzo is the owner of Casa DeLorenzo – a deluxe custom pillow studio.

But Tina DeLorenzo does not create just any ordinary throw pillow.  According to DeLorenzo, they’re “collages of colors”, “rich and intruiging blends of texture” and the results of “passion for fabric.”  In other words, you can’t find these pillows at your local Pottery Barn.  The pillows designed and created by Tina are all masterpieces for her small business pillow studio located just north of downtown Cincinnati; Casa DeLorenzo. 

It all started with one easy proposition:  “Tina, I need some pillows,” one of her good friends asked one day.  With DeLorenzo’s degree in fashion design and her “second nature sewing” abilities, Tina designed and sewed a couple of pillows for the friend. 

“You should do this as a side business,” were the next words to leave her friend’s mouth.  And after that, DeLorenzo was hooked.  After creating 20-some pillows, a few table runners, and a handful of placemats, DeLorenzo took her creations to a home show and sold everything for over $2000.  Just like that, a small business and an entrepreneur were born. 

“I make Casa D different because of my design aesthetic and the fact that I have been an interior designer for 20 years,” says Tina.  “I bring another dimension to the project in the creation of a client’s pillows and integrating them into a room.” 

But DeLorenzo’s startup was not always super cushy.  Believe it or not, there are uncomfortable times in the pillow industry as well.  In order to pursue both her passion for interior design and her love of Casa DeLorenzo, Tina spent seven years working corporately from 10am ‘til 6pm and then entrepreneurially from 8pm until 2 in the morning.  Today, De Lorenzo does her best to moonlight both her interior design work and her custom pillow business. 

“It’s often more difficult than I thought it would be to continue with my interior design work in tandem,” she says.  “If I get a large design project, it is all consuming and my pillow biz takes a backseat.  It’s hard when you are the business.” 

So what’s next for Casa DeLorenzo and the mastermind behind it all? 

“I would love for my business to have a strong internet presence and to be able to reach a broader market.  I would love to be able to sustain it without relying on a storefront.  I do have an e-commerce store on Etsy which reaches people internationally.  I would love to be able to live anywhere and be able to run my business off the Internet.”  And who wouldn’t? 

Tina DeLorenzo knows what it’s like to run a successful store, a booming e-commerce site, and most importantly, a moonlighting lifestyle.  Her advice to startups out there?  “Be prepared to wear a lot of hats initially and get help wherever you can.  Focus on your unique strengths and delegate the rest.”  She adds, “Passion is the fuel that will get the business through the hard times.”

How does Tina DeLorenzo Think Big?

“To Think Big is all about having a vision and looking forward—two things that are counter-intuitive to my wiring.  The biggest challenge for me in my business is looking at the BIG picture and moving away from all of the details.  Having the e-commerce store has helped me to think with the 'big picture' and to think of the potential and possibilities.”

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s early-stage, mentorship-based startup accelerator and business incubator.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, eZine and BrooWaha.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig

Ready to Swim in the Shark Tank?

Take the plunge with Kansas City sharks during Think Big Kansas City's own version of Shark Tank.

It's nibbling season, entrepreneurs.  And no, I'm not talking about Discovery Channel's Shark Week. 

I'm talking about the premiere of Shark Tank -- ABC's third season of the make-it-or-break-it reality TV show that follows the business ventures of America's own aspiring entrepreneurs and their determination to obtain funding from high-power investors (also known as The Sharks).

This season's Sharks include Mark Cuban, Jeff Foxworthy, real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, infomercial industry pioneer Kevin Harrington, technology innovator Robert Herjavec, fashion icon Daymond John and financial expert Kevin O'Leary.  Throughout the season, these Sharks will use their expertise, contacts and, of course, their money, to make investment commitments to a group of hard-working, go-getting entrepreneurs.  But this season is different.  One Shark is willing to part with $4 million of his own money to help one entrepreneur reach the American Dream.  So get ready, entrepreneurs, because the season premiere of Shark Tank airs Friday, March 25th at 7:00 CT on ABC.

But what happens two months after Shark Tank's premiere may excite you even more: it's your chance to get involved in Kansas City's own version of Shark Tank.  Think Big Kansas City, the Premier Conference for Entrepreneurs, Investors and Startups is featuring its own panel of VC's for a Shark Tank-style business plan pitch.  Three entrepreneur finalists at TBKC will pitch their business plans and then be critiqued by KC's own venture capitalists and angel investors.  The intense, emotionally-charged atmosphere of the Shark Tank reality show is coming to Kansas City and it's something that you do not want to miss!

Tune into Shark Tank on Friday and partake in Kansas City's own Shark Tank competition at Think Big Kansas City, coming to the Kansas City Convention Center on May 24th!  You're sure to get hooked one way or another.

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage startup accelerator and business incubator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, eZine and BrooWaha.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig

Happy St. Patty's Day from Think Big Partners!

What's your favorite St. Patty's Day memory?

Saint Patrick's Day may be one of the craziest of holidays.  Green beer, Irish pubs open at 7:00AM, and a multitude of St. Patty's Day parades across the nation set this holiday up to be one fun day of celebration.

Below are some of our most favorite memories of the green holiday- not only from us, but from some of our colleagues as well!  And what can we say...Kansas City knows how to celebrate!

"In 2009, my husband Mike and I traveled to St. Louis to visit friends and cheer them on during the 31st Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Run.  One of the largest events of its kind in the St. Louis area, with more than 12,000 participants, the 5-mile run travels the streets of downtown and midtown St. Louis."

- Shannon Yarbrough, Partner at Think Big Partners, Kansas City MO

"Jared Palmer and Alex Porter entertained the crowds at Raglan Road on St. Patrick's Day last year with their unique style of River dancing.  We were so impressed with this duo that we decided that they were the deserving winners of a "TRIP TO IRELAND".

- Aileen Ferguson, Manager at Raglan Road, Kansas City MO

“I think my worst memory is more worthy than my favorite! I was about 12 years old and was visiting my grandparents with my family in their winter home in Phoenix, AZ. My grandparents our part of a community down there filled with other retirees. My sister, brother, and I were excited to get ready for the community St. Patty’s Day parade. We painted our nails, got green, put on necklaces, painted our faces, wore goofy socks, and the whole sha-bang – we were ready! We lined up with everyone else (which was about 30 people) to start walking. There were no floats, no band, no dancers, and NO leprechauns! J What a rip-off. Instead, it was a show-off of the cutest grandkids – and we were the only ones! Being the stars of the show, the most common sound I heard was “Awwwww” and I was past “aw” at 12. It was embarrassing and even worse, no fun at all. Afterwards, we sang karaoke with the old people with more “aws.” I was done. At least the seniors got some fun out of it!”

- Sarah Snyder, Director of Event Planning at Think Big Partners, Kansas City MO

"My favorite memory of St. Patrick's Day didn't actually happen on the holiday.  Instead, I celebrated Fake Patty's Day at K-State.  In 2007, the Aggieville Bar District owners came to the student-run radio station (where I worked) and said they wanted to capitalize on the St. Patty's market.  Since college kids were always on break for the holiday, they wanted to have a 'fake' holiday a weekend early.  They united to open the bars at 8am that first year and it has been a hit ever since."

- Martin Wilson, K-State Graduate, KU Law School Student, Overland Park KS

"I've never celebrated St. Patty's Day in Kansas City, but I have in Ohio.  Here is my favorite Saint Patrick's Day memory.  One of my best friends was born on St. Patty's Day, so she got this giant hat and wore it around all day!  It was a blast to spend the day with friends."

- Allison Way, Writer at Think Big Partners, Kansas City MO

What's your favorite Saint Patrick's Day memory? How are you celebrating this year?  Comment below, let us know!

From all of us at Think Big Partners and the Kansas City community, Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Thanks for "going green"!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, eZine, and BrooWaha.  Follow Allison!  @AllisonThinkBig 

InvestMidwest: Bringing Silicon Valley Expectations to the Midwest

Silicon Prairie News.  Think Big Partners.  KCHub.  The Chamber of Commerce. 

All of these organizations are doing their part to improve entrepreneurship and increase the number of startups and small businesses in the Midwest.  In the effort to bring a Silicon Valley-atmosphere to Kansas City, Omaha and all midwestern cities in between, we have seen a vast number of entrepreneurial initatives.  But among the many informative blogs, business events, educational seminars, ribbon cuttings, and entrepreneurial competitions, one event may stand out more than the rest. 

InvestMidwest.

What is InvestMidwest?  In short, it's the opportunity that all entrepreneurs dream of. 

The 2011 InvestMidwest will showcase 45 companies representing 9 states from the Midwest.  The conference will have three company tracks presenting concurrently: life sciences, technology and alternative energy/cleantech.  With 300+ attendees including investors from the top venture capital firms in the Midwest, the conference has helped to generate over $400 million in investments in 11 years!

With an opening reception, a breakfast program, company presentations, and forum luncheon, InvestMidwest is a day jam-packed with energy.  Taking place on March 31st at the Overland Park Convention Center (Ballroom B), InvestMidwest will also feature its honorary speakers, Henry W. Bloch and Ken Conklin. 

Learn more about InvestMidwest and get involved today!

Thanks to everyone involved in InvestMidwest for getting out there and thinking big! 

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, BrooWaha and eZine.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig

Attention all Kansas City Innovators!

Startup Weekend is only 1 month away!

Kansas City innovators, you have exactly 30 days.  Thirty days to brainstorm.  Thirty days to get creative.  Thirty days to develop the beginning stages of your big idea.  Because 30 days from now, exactly one month away, Startup Weekend will take place in Kansas City! 

Startup Weekend is your opportunity to develop a web or mobile application that forms the basis of a credible business over the course of a mere 54 hours.  The weekend brings together people with different skillsets - primarily software developers, graphics designers and business people - to build applications and develop a commercial case around them. 

So what do you have to lose?  Buy your ticket for Startup Weekend Kansas City today.  There's only one month until you get to launch your next big idea! 

Want to learn more about Startup Weekend?  Check out some of our blogs: 

How did Startup Weekend actually start up?

Bring on the Ideas!  Startup Weekend 2011 in Kansas City

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage startup accelerator and business incubator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, BrooWaha and eZine.  Follow Allison!  @AllisonThinkBig

9,000 Meetings in 48 Hours...It's Possible at Futurallia!

Call it what you will: business matchmaking, business speed networking, B2B meetings.  All are fast-paced, beneficial business events where connections and relationships can be formed.  But what’s the grand daddy of business matchmaking?  Where can you find the most business connections?  What business event will benefit a unique breed of entrepreneur?

Futurallia 2011. 

And guess what?  It’s happening in Kansas City.

Futurallia is a fast-paced and intense business event where not 1,000 meetings take place, not 4,000, but 9,000 meetings are conducted.  The concept is simple: Futurallia gathers more than 800 entrepreneurs from more than 30 countries for 2 days of pre-selected and pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings.

Is Futurallia for you?  For manufacturers, business owners, and entrepreneurs who are looking to establish more business relationships in a short amount of time, Futurallia is an event that would be a shame to miss.  More specifically, Futurallia is a worldwide concept, bringing together movers-and-shakers from the North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond.  For the entrepreneur looking to enhance his international contacts, Futurallia is the business event of a lifetime.

Futurallia is to take place Wednesday, May 18 until Friday, May 20, 2011 at the Kansas City Convention Center.  Register today and start building your rolodex of business connections!

Find out more!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City’s early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison’s work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, eZine, Newsvine and BrooWaha.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig

The Magic of Accidental Entrepreneurial Collaboration in a Coworking Space

It happens every day. In fact, it is happening before my eyes (and ears) right now.

And until you experience it done correctly, you won't believe the results.

As one of the co-founders of Think Big Partners, which offices out of our coworking space for entrepreneurs, I sometimes forget the powerful reasons that compelled us to create Kansas City's first true entrepreneur-focused coworking space last fall.

For those that are unfamiliar with the history of coworking spaces, the original term was coined in 1999. Defined as a shared working environment, yet independent activity, it allows people to maximize their physical and intellectual resources to achieve both their individual goals and the goals of others.

Through this collaboration, the collective energy of everyone's individual goals becomes a shared common goal, being to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that fosters personal and business success. As an entrepreneur, I often find myself having a hard time drawing the line between personal and business success, as I am deeply passionate about my work and ultimately, this affects my family's well being.

As I walked into Think Big Partners this morning, I was able to witness (having first overheard due to the enthusiastic tones of voices involved) spontaneous collaboration occurring between 2 very talented tenants inside of our coworking space. One was teaching the other a few technology tricks of the trade, to help him become better connected in the online world.

This knowledge could have been sold as a service. Any buyer would have been more than happy to pay for this education, but would have had to pick up a phone or schedule an appointment to receive it. Instead, one tenant realized another tenant’s need to become better at a social media-related technology application, and the two entrepreneurs spent ten minutes helping each other conquer the world for that moment.

I have become spoiled working here, as I forget that this phenomena is not a common occurrence in other places that have coworking space aspects. Nothing against working at Starbucks, but coffee shops do not foster a collaborative atmosphere, as this would detract from the overall experience of the people there to drink coffee first and work second. It wasn't designed to be an office.

Executive offices are great, and if you need a well-appointed, nicely finished space like Regus, then very few other offerings in the Kansas City marketplace can beat this set up. The downside for many entrepreneurs is that this comes with a longer term lease and a hefty price. And as far as collaboration goes, most tenants at Regus will agree that there are more closed doors than open ones. I know because I have worked in one.

We built our coworking space in Kansas City after studying the early pioneers of this idea on the West Coast. There are great spaces like The Hive (San Diego), NextSpace (San Francisco – one of my favorites) and more. I have toured them, worked in them and have a deep admiration for these businesses as they have done coworking right. But we are in Kansas City; hence we took a modified approach to coworking spaces built for entrepreneurs. Then we added ingredients like electronic whiteboards, white noise masking, letter folders, postage machines, state of the art color copiers and more. We took the typical coworking space to a whole new level for Kansas City, and on a nice day, you will find people collaborating on our WiFi-enabled rooftop deck that is an entrepreneur’s dream office during warm weather.

The two tenants will remain nameless this morning (we also protect their privacy!) but THANK YOU to both of you, for allowing me to witness the magic of accidental entrepreneurial collaboration. The benefits are many, and when I heard a loud "THIS IS SO COOL" come from the mouth of one of you, I smiled realizing that we have built the right place for the right people. We want to inspire you to do your best work and become incredibly successful as an entrepreneur. We like these types of accidental moments.

Or is it by accident? :)

 Written by Herb Sih, Co-Founder Think Big Partners, Think Big Kansas City, bizperc and a bunch of other companies that were created during slightly over caffeinated moments of entrepreneurial passion.

Pics from Launch & Learn With James Moburg

The Launch and Learn event Market You Through Networking was a success at Think Big Partners!  Check out some of our pictures from the event:

A BIG thanks to everyone who participated in the Launch and Learn session.  To register for another Launch and Learn event, check out what else we have in store: Launch and Learn Events

A special thanks to Whitney Barker who provided the photography for yesterday's event.  Whitney has launched her own photography company, Whitney Morgan Photography, and specializes in wedding photos, senior portraits, and special event pictures.  To check out Whitney's beautiful work, Whitney Morgan Photography. 

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, BrooWaha, eZine and Newsvine.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig

LIVESTRONG Sporting Park: A Symbol of Hope, A Testament to Collaboration

How partnerships and collaboration bring out the best in the business world.

"Working together, ordinary people can perform extraordinary feats." -- Anonymous

Yesterday, Sporting KC (formerly the Kansas City Wizards) proved this quote to be true when it announced its partnership with the Lance Armstrong Foundation and the club's new $200 million stadium to be named LIVESTRONG Sporting Park.  And with a portion of all stadium revenues, including ticket sales and concessions, funding the foundation's advocacy work, it seems like this partnership would only happen in a fairytale.  But it's happening...and in our own backyard. 

The partnership between Sporting KC and the Lance Armstrong Foundation is a testament to the power of collaboration.  This "match made in heaven" has developed into a mutual relationship in which both parties seem to benefit.  But the relationship is meant to do much more than that- it has been made to change the world.

According to Sporting KC CEO Robb Heineman, the club plans to raise anywhere from $8-10 million for the fight against cancer through 2016 (Yahoo! Sports).  Not only this, but the partnership has also helped the generate the development of local cancer survivorship services for Kansas City residents and beyond.

"Professional sports provide a powerful vehicle to affect positive change in the world," said Lance Armstrong of the partnership.  "LIVESTRONG's partnership with Sporting Club gives us an innovative opportunity to advance the cancer fight in this region and we are eager to get started."  (SportingKC.com).

Armstrong discusses the impact that LIVESTRONG Sporting Park
will have on Kansas City and beyond.

Innovative indeed.  For LIVESTRONG, the partnership doesn't even cost a penny.  But this joint movement between Livestrong and Sporting Club is more than just a partnership and unique business agreement; it is an initiative to save lives through the power of collaborative work and strong partnerships.

"Obviously, the cause is very important to us, but the association with LIVESTRONG for us is significant," said Heineman.  "If we're trying to have a differentiated approach to Kansas City from the other sports teams, this gives us that.  So we can see those kinds of benefits, but the key driver was how we can go find an organization we believe is committed to the same sorts of things that our ownership group is committed to and that will be committed to investment in Kansas City."  (Kansas City Business Journal). 

The partnership is unique, and so is the stadium.  LIVESTRONG Sporting Park will seat 18,500 at soccer games and 25,000 at concerts.  In addition, the stadium will be one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the US as it focuses on fan experience through WiFi access, themed club environments, IP television networks, and a membership affinity platform. 

The LIVESTRONG Sporting Park will become a symbol of hope and inspiration to people affected by cancer around the world.  The collaborative efforts on both sides of the partnership just go to show that here are bigger and better things out in the business world than making money, hitting it big, or becoming the next Mark Zuckerberg.  Through strong mutual partnerships, we can make the world a better place, one soccer game at a time.

Thanks for your Think Big efforts, Sporting KC and LIVESTRONG!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and editor for Think Big Partners, Kansas City's early-stage business incubator and startup accelerator.  To read more of Allison's work, check out the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner as well as her articles on Helium, eZine, Newsvine and BrooWaha.  Follow Allison! @AllisonThinkBig