Make the Most Out of Building the Gigabit City

Building the Gigabit City, a brainstorming event hosted by the Social Media Club of Kansas City and the Brainzooming Group, is inviting members of the local business, arts, technology and education communities to come together under one roof and determine how to effectively use the Google fiber network.  The event aims to present new ideas for how Google Fiber can benefit all corners of the city - from schools and libraries to hospitals, transit systems, entertainment options and beyond.  The evening event, where the public can see what ideas the brainstorming sessions unveiled, will take place on Monday, October 3rd at 6:30pm (just in time for the rollout of the Gigabit Challenge applications!).

But how can those who are attending the brainstorming portion of Building the Gigabit City make the most of their creative experience?  The Brainzooming Group has provided the Top 10 ways to "brainzoom" your way to a good idea, no matter what you may be brainstorming about.  Use these quick tips from Brainzooming to burst through your creative roadblock:

1.  Show up with an open mind and willingness to share your ideas - any and all of them!
2.  Imagine.  When it comes to generating ideas, it's all about imagining the possibilities.
3.  Be a cheerleader.  You make other people more creative just by cheering them on.
4.  Look for the potential of an idea.  If you have a "why something won't work" statement, you also need a "how it CAN work" statement.
5.  Build off of other's ideas.  Brainzooming is a team sport.
6.  Combine ideas or elements of ideas.  Real innovation typically stems from multiple ideas.
7.  Consider the idea from different angles. 
8.  Recognize that some ideas will take root faster. 
9.  Use those sticky notes!  It will be our most useful tool for capturing and organizing all of our ideas throughout the day.
10.  What else?  It is the most important question of hte day.  Keep it in the back of your mind to expand your thinking and the thinking of others in your group.

Looking forward to a dynamite event at the Kansas City Public Library on Monday! RSVP now!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Join Us for Next Friday's Entrepreneur Corner

It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of September.  October starts tomorrow and here in the Crossroads the beginning of the month can only mean one thing… It’s time for another First Fridays and Entrepreneur Corner!

Next Friday, Think Big Partners will open up the doors and parking lot of the bizperc coworking space to host Entrepreneur Corner.  The event will bring together Kansas City entrepreneurs, business owners, startup companies and those interested in learning about the KC startup scene.  Those who attend next week's Entrepreneur Corner will have the chance to meet these successful startup companies: 

• Zaarly: Zaarly's easy-to-use digital platform gets you "what you want, when you want it" at the click of a mouse.  As a real-time, location-based marketplace, Zaarly allows its users to get whatever they want from the local community.
• Startup Weekend: Is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate an empower individuals, teams and communities.
• KC Incubator: A new twist on the Kansas City business incubator brought to you by one of our bizperc tenants.
• Life Equals: The team at Life created a line of supplements and multivitamins with the conviction that “a better you can creates a better world”.
• Silo88: A local web design company who employ everything from SEO to social media to PPC to help attract customers to their clients’ websites.
• Motion Machine Studio: A video production company that takes promotional video to a new level by creating video with a shock and awe factor that only the movie industry has used up to this point. 
• Derfour: A Kansas City design firm whose services and creations can range anywhere from small print designs for business cards to extra large graphics for car wraps.
• KC Reporter: An online journal for Kansas City that covers the city government.  By tagging each article by zipcode, KC Reporter hopes to be the next big online journal in the Kansas City area through its usability and breaking headlines.

In addition to the entrepreneurial action, October's Entrepreneur Corner will feature the artwork of Thomas Gripp. 

So, stop by.  Grab a beer.  Socialize.  Even play some games with the entrepreneurs and artists at Entrepreneur Corner.  Join us October 7th from 6:30pm-9:00pm at the corner of 18th and Baltimore.  Can't wait to see you there!

Written By Laura Goede
@LauraGThinkBIG

The Gigabit Challenge is Ready to Launch

The clock is ticking!  Entrepreneurs, it is time to get your business plans ready.  There are only a few days left until the Gigabit Challenge begins accepting applications.

The Gigabit Challenge is looking to find and support startup entrepreneurs, early-stage businesses and existing growth companies that will make use of Google’s first-in-the-nation 1-gigabit fiber network.  Next Monday, October 3, the Gigabit Challenge will start collecting applications accompanied by 3-5 page executive summaries from entrepreneurs across the globe.  Applicants will have until midnight on October 31st (Halloween!) to submit their ideas. From there, the Gigabit Challenge Judges will select 25 finalists to move forward with the competition. 

Winners will be announced in January in concurrence with the launch of Google fiber in Kansas City.  The winner will be awarded a Grand Prize valued at $100,000 and the opportunity to work on the Google fiber network. 

The Gigabit Challenge is about to open the door to a new level of innovation and disruptive technology.  Can you harness Internet speed that is 100 times faster than what is available today to turn the tech industry upside down and change the world?  Are you up for the Challenge?

For more information about the Challenge, please visit www.gigabitchallenge.com or contact Ann DeAngelo at (816) 842-5244. 

It’s time to think big…with a gig!  

 Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBIG

Drinks, Appetizers and Networking at 1911 Main with Think Big Partners

Half price appetizers.  $3 well drinks.  Dozens of successful entrepreneurs.  Could you come up with a better Tuesday night in Kansas City?

Join Think Big Partners and bizperc for a Networking Happy Hour on Tuesday, October 4 from 4:30pm until 8:00pm.  The Networking Happy Hour is presented by Joe Athon of the Urban Entrepreneur Partnership and will take place at 1911 Main, one of Kansas City's newest and jazziest downtown restaurants. 

At the event, you will have the chance to learn about Think Big Partners and bizperc and what the two companies are doing for the Kansas City entrepreneurial community.  The event will be a cross section of the Kansas City business, arts, and educational communities for networking in an upscale environment.  The Networking Happy Hour aims to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business people and visionaries for a night of music, fun and networking.

Interested in attending?  Check out the event page on Facebook and click "attending"!  Can't wait to see you there!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

What is Think Big Partners and What is bizperc?

Sometimes, we have to ask that question ourselves.  The truth of the matter is, Think Big Partners and bizperc do go hand-in-hand.  But they are not synonymous.  Allow us to explain. 

Think Big Partners is a business incubator and startup accelerator that was brought to life over a year ago in Kansas City.  Think Big Partners focuses on startup services and resources for today's innovative and creative entrepreneurs.  From legal advice to marketing strategies, web development and copy writing, Think Big Partners provides everything that an entrepreneur may need in order to succeed.  In addition, Think Big Partners hosts the Think Big Kansas City Conference.  TBKC is a jam-packed day for entrepreneurs, investors and startups to get educated and inspired. 

bizperc is a downtown Kansas City coworking space.  bizperc houses entrepreneurs who are looking for desk space, private offices, collaboration, networking and free coffee.  bizperc also provides entrepreneurs with access to a 6th floor event space for business cocktail parties, networking activities and entrepreneurial education as well as access to a sound booth, green screen, storage space, lockers, kitchen, productivity center and resource library.  We like to say that bizperc is the ideal place for any entrepreneur to go - whether they need a drop-in conference room or a dedicated desk with the perfect view of downtown KC.

In other words...

bizperc is powered by Think Big Partners.

Think Big Partners uses the bizperc space to access entrepreneurs who need guidance, resources and services.

Crystal clear?  If not, email us with any questions you might have!  info@thinkbigpartners.com

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

LiveOn - Smart Founders Pivot Fast, Early and "Get It!"

I had lunch today with Jonathan Whistman, Founder of LiveOn and serial entrepreneur. Not only is Jonathan a very smart guy and a nice guy, but HE GETS IT.

Getting it as an entrepreneur is an elusive quality and hard to define. But you know it when you see it.
In this case, Jonathan's background of multiple business successes (and some ventures that did not go exactly as planned) have created a certain DNA that breeds startup success. He has learned the art of the pivot.

For the uninitiated, the pivot is the point in every startup company's lifecycle, where you take a step back and fix what is wrong. Or what is not working. Or what isn't right enough. It's rarely about being perfect, but it's always about making your company better. Occasionally it may mean pulling the plug too.

LiveOn, which launches in October, is going to do great. I certainly don't want to let the cat of of the proverbial bag, but go check out the site yourself and you will understand. But with just 30 days out, you might wonder why pivot one last time before launch?

Jonathan took a step back during the private beta launch group, listened to key voices and decided to fine tune a few last elements. It is this disciplined mentality that will serve LiveOn well, and should play an ongoing role in the success after they launch. They make ongoing adjustments based on what they see and hear, and then what they believe. Ultimately, smart capital providers invest in entrepreneurs who adjust to market conditions, but still rely on their plan and execution to get it done consistent with the vision of being profitable.

The pivot is usually an event that occurs more than a few times in most successful startup's life. The ones that fail to pivot are usually the ones that end up in a trash can down the road. Listening to your audience but keeping an eye on your vision is the balancing act good entrepreneurs maintain.

LiveOn, and the entire crew, get it. Soon hopefully you will see what they have achieved. Watch these guys, they will do big things - and probably have a few more pivots in their bag too.

Written by Herb Sih, Managing Partner of Think Big Partners.

Think Big Partners Announces Entrepreneur Bootcamp This Fall

Fitness bootcamps.  Bridal bootcamps.  Teen bootcamps.  Military bootcamps. They are all designed with one goal in mind: to improve a participant's life in some way.  Whether it be losing weight, getting back on track, staying fit, or reaching an important goal, bootcamps are some of the most effective ways to achieve dreams. 

But what about a bootcamp for business people?  After all, work is a big part of life, right?

Absolutely.  And this is exactly why Think Big Partners has introduced an Entrepreneur Bootcamp to take place this fall at bizperc.

The Entrepreneur Bootcamp is a 6-week program built to whip its participants into startup shape.  With knockout sessions from some of Kansas City's most successful and inspirational business leaders, Think Big Partners' Entrepreneur Bootcamp is sure to enhance your company, grow your startup, and inspire your work life.

Entrepreneur Bootcamp sessions include:

• You Need More Than Just a Business Plan to Turn a Good Idea Into a Profitable Business by Herb Sih of Think Big Partners
• Tough Stuff: Legal & Accounting in Small Business by Jene' Popper Hong of Business Transition Specialists and Tyler Prochnow of Think Big Partners
• Brand Foundation for Your Startup that Uniquely Drives Your Business Strategy by Kurt Bartolich of GUTS Branding
• The Top 10 IP Must-Knows for Any Business by Dianne Smith-Misemer and Jennifer Bailey of Hovey Williams, LP
• Unlock the Social Media Rock Star Within You! by Herb Sih and Allison Way of Think Big Partners
• Raising Money for Your Startup: Luck is Preparation Meeting Opportunity by Herb Sih of Think Big Partners and Ryan Weber of Angel Capital Group

Lace up for the Entrepreneur Bootcamp at bizperc (1800 Baltimore Kansas City, Missouri) on the 6th floor once a week from October 11 until November 15.  The entire 6-week series costs $300 (this is an early-bird special!  The prices increase on October 5th to $360, so buy now!).  You can also purchase ad hoc for $75 per session. 

Get your startup business into tip-top shape this fall at Think Big Partners' Entrepreneur Bootcamp.  Sign up here now and take advantage of the early-bird special! 

Want to attend an Entrepreneur Bootcamp session...for free?  Participate in our Retweet contest!  Learn all about how to win a discounted ticket or a session on us here. 

Hesitant about attending an entrepreneur bootcamp?  Learn the top 5 reasons why an entrepreneur bootcamp will benefit you and your business!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Tweet to Win! Entrepreneur Bootcamp Twitter Contest #ENTBC

bizperc and Think Big Partners are gearing up for the kick off of EntrepreneurBootcamp October 11th.  This six session series is bound to whip your startup into shape.  In anticipation of our first Entrepreneur Bootcamp, bizperc is hosting a twitter contest.  Prizes include one free bootcamp session and 20% off a bootcamp series package.  

Entering is easy.  Just tweet us your best entrepreneurial advice in 140 characters or less.  All contest entries must include the bizperc twitter handle (@bizperc) and the contest hash tag (#ENTBC) in their tweet.  The contest begins Monday September 26^th and will close by midnight Friday October 7^th.  Winners will be notified via twitter by Sunday October 9^th.  Good luck and get tweeting!

Here is a look at this fall's Entrepreneur Bootcamp lineup: 

Oct 11

You Need More Than Just A Business Plan to Turn A Good Idea Into A Profitable Business

Instructor: Herb Sih, Think Big Partners

Oct 18

Tough Stuff: Legal and Accounting in Small Business

Instructors: Jene’ Popper Hong, Business Transition Specialists & Tyler Prochnow, Think Big Partners

Oct 25

Brand Foundation for Your Startup That Uniquely Drives Your Business Strategy

Instructor: Kurt Bartolich, Guts Branding

Nov 1

The Top Ten IP Must Know for Any Business: Identifying and Maximizing Your Parent, Trademarks and Copyright Assets

Instructors: Dianne Smith-Misemer & Jennifer Bailey, Hovey Williams, LLP

Nov 8

Unlock the Social Media Rock Star Within You! Creating An Effective Inbound Marketing Platform to Launch Your Business for Less

Instructors: Allison Way & Herb Sih, Think Big Partners

Nov 15

Raising Money For Your Startup – Luck is Preparation Meeting Opportunity…And a Good Story You Must Be Prepared To Tell Flawlessly

Instructors: Ryan Weber, Angel Capital Group & Herb Sih, Think Big Partners

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBIG

Think Big Partners & bizperc Open House Wrap Up

Thank you to all the entrepreneurs and small business owners who came out last Thursday for the first Think Big Partners and bizperc Open House.  The event was a tremendous success!  Attendees got a behind the scenes look at what bizperc’s coworking scene and executive office space has to offer. 

During the Open House, Think Big Partner’s cofounders Herb Sih and Tyler Prochnow shared a bit of their entrepreneurial backgrounds along with the mission and vision behind Think Big Partners.  However, the best part of the evening was arguably the cocktails and networking that took place on bizperc roof.  It is hard to beat the skyline view of downtown KC on a gorgeous night!  At the end of the evening, bizperc’s featured tenant, Planet Reuse, talked about their new business and how Think Big Partners and bizperc has contributed to its success.

Think Big Partners Founder, Herb Sih, gives a tour of bizperc's 5th floor video production and meeting space.  Did you know that YouTube is the 2nd largest search engine on the web?  

Herb explains how his career as a serial entrepreneur led him to found Think Big Partners here in the Kansas City Crossroads.

Partners Nathan Benjamin and Willow Lundgren showcase their company, PlanetReuse, during cocktails on the bizperc roof.

It was the perfect night to mix and mingle with fellow Kansas City entrepreneurs.  

Don't worry if you missed out on last week's event.  Think Big Parnters and bizperc will be hosting another Open House Thursday October 20th from 4:30 to 6:00pm.  Mark it in your calendars!  We look forward to meeting you in October. 

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBIG

Let the Countdown Begin! One Week Until Startup Weekend Columbia

Entrepreneurs are you ready to pitch your ideas?  There is only one week left until Startup Weekend kicks off   in Columbia, Missouri.  If you are an entrepreneur, visionary, innovator or tech expert this is an opportunity you don't want to miss.            

Startup Weekend Columbia will take place from September 30th until October 2nd at Museao (3500 Buttonwood Drive).  The event will bring together experienced and aspiring entrepreneurs from varied business and technical backgrounds.  For 54 hours these talented developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts will roll up their sleeves dive in to sharing ideas, building products and launching startups.

Do you have the next great idea for a web or mobile application? Next weekend is your chance to bring it to life!  Buy your ticket for Startup Weekend Columbia today. 

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig 

What’s the Difference Between a Business Incubator and a Business Accelerator?

The terms “business incubator” and “business accelerator” are often used synonymously, but the two entrepreneur initiatives are extremely different.  So what distinguishes one from the other?  How do you choose which option is right for you and your business venture?  And where can you find the right incubator or accelerator for you? 

As their names suggest, the key difference between an incubator and an accelerator is the timeline and discipline on which they operate.  Business incubators provide new companies with a nurturing environment where they can grow at their own pace.  Companies are allowed to stay within the incubator for an extended period of time until they get too big or eventually fail.  According to the National Business Incubation Association, the average incubated company spends 33 months inside an incubator.  By incorporating entrepreneurial insight and guidance, incubators save entrepreneurs a lot of valuable time and money.

On the other hand, accelerators operate more like an entrepreneurial bootcamp.  Business accelerator programs are short and intense.  The goal of an accelerator is to take a business idea and launch a company at an accelerated speed.  Business accelerator programs have become very popular among emerging technology companies.  Accelerator speed is especially attractive to companies creating mobile apps, cloud based software, and tech-based applications because a business accelerator’s speed is complimentary to the pace of web.   

Think Big Partners has taken the best parts of each and combined them by providing business incubator services at a business accelerator speed.  Specializing in tech-oriented companies, TBP combines incubation and acceleration initiatives in order to offer “fast test” validation of ideas and stellar support services to small businesses including marketing, consulting, legal, web, copywriting, and PR.  Through their Launch and Learn events the business aims to help tech startups and entrepreneurs launch stronger, faster.  Think Big Partners will also hosts Entrepreneur Bootcamps for Kansas City startup businesses, which attributes to the fast pace of business and startup accelerators around the globe. 

Think Big Partners operates within bizperc, a flexible coworking space dedicated to entrepreneurs.  The space is set up to provide both an open and collaborative environment conducive for companies preparing to launch and an executive office space for those companies who are already launched and running.  Whether tenants want to utilize the incubator services from Think Big Partners within the coworking space or simply use bizperc as a collaborative environment is entirely up to them. 

If you are debating between a business incubator, an accelerator or a combination of the two, there are a few important things to look out for when choosing the proper work environment for you, your idea and your business. 

Do you need mentoring and support services?

You may be an expert in your industry market or niche, but very few entrepreneurs can claim expertise in everything involved with starting a business.  Look for expert mentors with a proven track record and an environment with readily available legal, financial and technical services.  Know your strengths and weaknesses and choose a place that can supplement areas that you may be uncomfortable with such as social media or marketing.  Business incubators provide more long-term services in comparison to business accelerators.  If your business is looking for services that they can stick to for a longer period of time, an incubator may be the right choice.   

Will the space be compatible with your startup?

Look for a place that can meet the growing needs of your company.  The space should enhance your company’s professional image and contribute to its productivity.  Unlimited free coffee is always a plus!  But most importantly ask yourself, “Does the synergy of the space mesh with your company culture?”

What speed are you looking for?

Do you want to launch right away or do you have more time to invest when starting up your business?  This is the main factor when it comes to deciding between an incubator and an accelerator: how fast do you want and need to move?  If you are a tech company, your answer is most likely fast!  An accelerator is a good choice for those companies and startups that are looking to launch in the tech industry. 

Rejoice, entrepreneurs.  The time for business incubator and startup accelerators is here!  Whatever path you chose to take in your entrepreneurial career, we encourage you to remember one thing: both accelerators and incubators have the potential to benefit you and your startup greatly.  Choose wisely and Think Big! 

Written by Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Top 5 Reasons to Take an Entrepreneur Bootcamp

Drop and give me 20!  That may be the last thing anybody wants to hear when they're pushing through a tough workout.  But those extra 20 pushups can distinguish a strong-willed athlete from a lazy couch potato.  And we like to think of entrepreneurship the same way.

Sometimes, becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a little nudge.  We're not asking you to drop and give us 20, but we are asking for you to put your heart and soul into your business idea.  One of the best ways to get people to push themselves beyond what they believed they could do through a bootcamp experience.  And we're not talking about the 3-week bootcamp at your local gym.  We're talking about an intensive entrepreneur bootcamp--the perfect tool to whip your butt into startup shape!

Why take an entrepreneur bootcamp?

1.  Entrepreneur bootcamps are motivating.  Signing up for an entrepreneur bootcamp is a lot like signing up for a gym membership; if you don't sign up, pay and speak with a trainer, you have a lesser chance of working out at all.  Entrepreneur bootcamps are created so that entrepreneurs are motivated to make the time to improve a business. 

2. You'll meet others who are looking to accomplish similar goals.  Working out (or working on your business) with others is inspirational and allows for the sharing of ideas, goals and advice.  Attend an entrepreneur bootcamp and you will have access to some of the best and brightest presenters as well as entrepreneurs and startups who may be in the same position that you are. 

3. Entrepreneur bootcamps are energizing.  Exercise is an extremely energizing activity.  In fact, people who exercise exude more energy than those who opt out of daily or weekly workouts.  Energize your brain at an entrepreneur bootcamp and you will see amazing results...for your business!  Energize your body and your brain at an entrepreneur bootcamp and see what it does for your personal life as well!

4.  Entrepreneur bootcamps leave you with awesome tools.  Although you may not be able to take the gym's yoga mat, dumb bells and treadmills with you, entrepreneur bootcamps allow you to take items that will help you enhance your business.  Leave an entrepreneur bootcamp with flyers, pamphlets, packets and sometimes even goodies to get your idea kick-started.

5.  Bang for your buck!  One-time classes, as we all know, are more expensive at a gym.  Purchasing an entire bootcamp package gives you more bang for your buck.  Entrepreneur bootcamps do the same thing.  When most one-time sessions cost a flat rate, entrepreneur bootcamps usually run at a discounted price for an entire package.

Stay tuned this week for even more information about entrepreneur bootcamps in Kansas City!  In fact, we will be rolling out a special announcement this week that you won't want to miss out on.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Reminder: Free Tech Hours Tomorrow!

Have a few last-minute computer glitches you're still trying to work out?  If you're a bizperc tenant, we've got great news!

Dr. Dave is hosting free tech hours in the bizperc coworking space tomorrow.  If you have a laptop issue, a virus question or just want to learn more about your computer's functions, be sure to book an appointment with Dr. Dave!  Appointments are available to bizperc tenants only.  Email Sarah at ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com for more information or to schedule your appointment and say goodbye to those tech glitches for good!

Don't forget to follow Dr. Dave (@calldrdave) and bizperc (@bizperc) on Twitter, too!

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

All Entrepreneurs Welcome! bizperc Hosts Open House

bizperc has been getting a lot of drop-in tours lately.  So, in order to accomodate all of the entrepreneurs, startups and big thinkers interested in this Crossroads coworking space, bizperc is hosting an Open House on September 22nd. 

Come take a tour of bizperc, chat with some of the collaborative tenants and help yourself to some beverages.  All drop-in tours will have the chance to see bizperc's 4th, 5th and 6th floors as well as the breath-taking rooftop garden.

Don't miss out on this fun coworking opportunity!  Drop by on Thursday, September 22nd from 4:30pm-6:00pm and see what a successful business incubator and accelerator is all about! 

Can't make it on Thursday?  Don't worry!  bizperc open house events will take place every month!  Stay tuned for the next open house announcement. 

Questions?  Call 816.842.5244, email Ann DeAngelo (adeangelo@thinkbigpartners.com) or Sarah Snyder (ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com) or follow bizperc on Twitter (@bizperc). 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Gigabit Speeds from Kansas City to Silicon Valley

As our co-founder Herb Sih was making his way around Silicon Valley this past week, he decided to stop in a small cafe on the Stanford Campus to attend to a few thousand emails. 

After working for a few hours, he couldn't help but wonder how Google's one-gigabit fiber network could impact a small place like The Cafe in Silicon Valley.  Faster internet speeds provide more capabilities and could offer even greater opportunities for those working in a small cafe just like this one. 

Google's fiber network has the capability to impact many new businesses and tech startups, but it also has the ability to support schools, local organizations and even small cafes like the one displayed above.

Want to jump on the Google fiber bandwagon?  We have the opportunity for you.  Think Big Partners has opened up the Gigabit Challenge - a business plan competition looking for a new, disruptive idea to work on the Google Fiber network.  Think you've got what it takes?  Check out the Gigabit Challenge website to learn more.  Applications and more details will go live on the site on October 3rd.  Also, be sure to follow The Gigabit Challenge at @GBChallengeKC.  Stay tuned!

Google seems to be capable of anything.  What do you think it can do?

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Perk: Free Tech Hours on September 20th at bizperc

"Ugh!  My computer froze again!"

"Shoot.  I think I just got a virus."

"Why is my computer moving so slow!?"

"I think I need to update my virus protection..."

Are these exclamations that you hear from the coworkers in your office?  At bizperc, we tend to hear them quite a bit.  As an open coworking space in downtown Kansas City, we have come to find that everyone has a computer issue every once in awhile. 

But all took a collective sigh of relief when one bizperc tenant came to help out with this problem:  Dr. Dave.

Dr. Dave has been making "mouse calls" for residential, small office and home office customers in Kansas City for years.  And we're lucky enough to have him host free tech hours at bizperc on September 20th.  Think you've got a virus?  Computer moving slower than normal?  Have no idea how to work your new iPhone?  Dr. Dave has your answers!

bizperc tenants, it's time to avoid the bugs, viruses and malfunctions that you encounter on a daily basis.  Sign up for free tech hours with Dr. Dave today!  Email Sarah at ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com to schedule your free appointment and consultation.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Mompreneurs Unite at the Treasure You Girlfriend's Retreat

It’s been stated notoriously that a dog is a man’s best friend. 

But what’s a woman’s best friend?

Is it her make-up, allowing her to feel beautiful, refreshed, sophisticated, and (sometimes) a little over-the-top?

Is it her clothes, filling her closet with colorful threads, knock-out shoes and sparkling dresses?
Or is it her beloved purse, holding her most prized possessions like her wallet, her pocket mirror and of course, a breath mint or two? 

Of course not.  In fact, a woman’s best friend is not a material item at all.  Instead, a woman’s best friend is her ability to be a woman; it’s her empowerment.

But how does a woman find this empowerment inside of her?  For some, it can be easily pulled out during “girl time”.  Pat Smith, founder of Treasure You, finds her girl-time from sipping cocktails with her best friends and attending luncheons with her girlfriends.  Girl time is a chance for women to treasure themselves as well as the women that have become a part of their everyday lives.

But what about the women that feel lonely, scared or frustrated and do not have a way to release their inner-woman and find their empowerment?  That’s where Treasure You comes in.

Treasure You is an organization that centers around building a community that supports, inspires and celebrates women in their journey to discover self-worth.  By leading with purpose, passion and power, Treasure You events allow those women who feel down and out revive their hearts, connect with other women spiritually and release their feminine prowess.

And a Treasure You event is right around the corner!  This weekend, Pat Smith, in accordance with Treasure You, is hosting the Treasure You Girlfriend's Retreat in Dallas, Texas.   

The event kicks off with a Taste of Mexico dinner party and private pajama party on Friday night.  On Saturday, attendees will enjoy a morning workout followed by valuable sessions and a message by Pat Smith herself during Burgers ‘n Banana Splits.  Saturday is rounded out by a Treasure You Luxury Experience where attendees will be pampered, shop, have fun and learn from smart and savvy women entrepreneurs.

We are looking forward to more Treasure You events so that women (and especially those hard-working mompreneurs) can treasure themselves and the amazing work that they do.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Economic Empowerment Summit

Are you an entrepreneur looking to start a business?  A small business looking for ways to better market your product or service?  Or are you interested in entrepreneurship and looking to network with entrepreneurs in the community?  The 2011 Economic Empowerment Summit promises to help do just that & more. 

The Economic Empowerment Summit is hosted by the Joseph Business School, an entrepreneurial institution dedicated to helping Christians educate themselves and advance in entrepreneurial business. The focus of this years event will be “Business in Demand: Leading in the Community, Your Organization, and the Marketplace.” 

The inspiring line up of speakers include Bishop I.V. Hilliard, Dr. Steve Houpe and Hajj Flemings.  All of whom possess a diverse entrepreneurial background and are sure to provide insightful business advice. The even will feature workshop such as, Starting a Business 101, Marketing the Small Business, Technology and Social Media and a special youth session for young aspiring entrepreneurs.

The Economic Empowerment Summit will take place Spetember 16^th and 17^th at the Harvest Church and is free to the public.  All ages are welcome to attend.  Register now to reserve your place.   Be sure to check out the Kanasas City businesses on display & network with local entrepreneurs! 

Written By Laura Goede

@LauraGThinkBig

Will KC Remain "The City of Fountains"? 5 New Ideas for the Kansas City Region

Kansas City has been known as The City of Fountains for many, many years.  But when your city is rumored to have more fountains the Rome (About.com counted up to 250 fountains!), it seems as if these statuesque water spouts are literally everywhere.  But will Kansas City remain The City of Fountains, or will it become something new?

Yesterday, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce unveiled five big ideas for the KC region.  From animal health to urban core, Kansas City is being newly defined in a variety of different ways.  After an extensive whittling process, the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce approved the top 5 initiatives to be pursued in the next three to five years: 

Will Kansas City become...The City of Animal Health?
Championed by former Sprint CEO Gary Forsee, the World Symposium on Animal Health is an initiative that could lead Kansas City to becoming the center of the world in the animal health industry.

Will Kansas City become...The City of Entrepreneurship?
Championed by Peter deSilva, chairman and CEO of UMB Bank, this plan's goal is to leverage existing community assets like the UMKC's Bloch School of Management and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Will Kansas City become...The City of Translational Research?
Championed by Dr. Patrick James, CEO of Quest Diagnostics and chairman of Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute, Kansas City hopes to support area hospitals and research entities work together on the bi-state effort.  Click here to learn more about translational research.

Will Kansas City become...The City of a Bustling Downtown?
Championed by UMKC Chancellor Leo Morton, a new UMKC Conservatory in the downtown area will help put 1,000 more people in Downtown KC every day. 

Will Kansas City become...The City of Urban Core?
Championed by Terry Dunn, President and CEO of JE Dunn Construction, the urban core initiative (also known as "Journey to Hope") will identify a section of the urban core for an extensive set of programs such as public safety, education, transportation, job opportunities, youth recreation programs, health care and food access.

What's next for Kansas City?  It could be anything!  But keep your eye out on these five initatives and watch Kansas City get redefined. 

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Social Media Club of Kansas City Presents Building the Gigabit City

The Google Fiber network is said to be up to 100 times faster than the current speed of the Internet.  That's a lot faster.  That's incredibly quick.  That's a time-saver. 

But the Social Media Club of Kansas City is one of the first organizations to ask: "What would you do with that extra time?"

The Social Media Club of Kansas City (with sponsorship and help from Brainzooming, KCNext, the Kansas City Public Library, and Polsinelli Shughart) is hosting Building the Gigabit City on October 3rd, 2011 in order to seek input about how Google Fiber high-speed internet access in the home can change peoples' lives for the better.

Leading up to Building the Gigabit City, SMCKC is hosting an online survey so that Kansas City residents and Google Fiber fans could share their ideas on an online platform.  Now, the survey is being taken to the next level through the development of the Building the Gigabit City event at the Kansas City Public Library on the first Monday of October.

At the event, attendees will be divided into groups--Living, Learning and Leading categories--so that ideas can be flushed out with like-minded individuals.  The goal of the event is to bring together home-owners and community residents so that everybody can share how the Google Fiber network could potentially change the lives of KC residents and the world.  This free event will start at 8:30AM and run until 8:00 at night. 

If you're interested in attending Building the Gigabit City and giving input about how you think Google Fiber could change the world, be sure to take the online survey from the Social Media Club.  The survey can be found here:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GigabitCity.  More information about the event will be announced soon.  Stay tuned!

Want a little more info?  Read the article from the Kansas City Business Journal: "Social Media Club of Kansas City works to build Google road map".

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Kansas City Recognized as Innovation and Technology Hub

It's no secret that Kansas City is experiencing a tech boom.  With the announcement of the Google Fiber implementation as well as many other startup and technological initiatives, there is something special going on in Kansas City.  It's something...well...big.
How big?  Why don't we take a look at some of the recognition that Kansas City has received in the past year alone:

-  Kansas City was declared "where the action" is by the Wall Street Journal back in August.  The WSJ announced KC as a city that lures entrepreneurs and trumps other cities in the information technology industry.  In fact, the number of KC tech companies rose by 5% in 2009, outnumbering the growth rates of hubs like Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin.

-  Back in May, Kansas City was also announced as a top market for IT talent by site-selection advisory form KLG Advisors.  The city ranked "very strong" for concentration of IT talent and growth of the IT labor force.

-  Shortly after the KLG recognition, Kansas City was named an information technology hub by Wired Magazine and was recognized for adding thousands of jobs in the infotech industry between 2003 and 2008. 

-  Entrepreneurs Unpluggd then named Kansas City, Missouri one of the four entrepreneurial cities to keep your eye on, mentioning startup initiatives such as Think Big Kansas City, Zaarly, KCSourceLink and Kansas City IT Professionals. 

-  Kansas City was named one of the highest Android App Producing Cities (per square mile) in the U.S. by AppsGeyser in August of 2011.

-  TechAmerica ranked Kansas City the 8th city in the U.S. for telecommunications employment and proclaimed KC to have a higher growth rate for infotech businesses than Silicon Valley, Boston and Austin. 

-  Kansas City ranks among the top 10 "clean-tech" metro areas according to the USA Today. 

-  Even back in December of 2010, Kansas City was named one of the fastest growing startup cities in the world by Startup Digest. 

The recent spur of innovation and technology in KC is allowing the city to become the place for entrepreneurs and startups.  As a business incubator and startup accelerator in the Kansas City region, we see KC as a booming place not just for technology and entrepreneurship, but for job growth and opportunity.  It all starts with Thinking Big (and now, with a gig!).

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

From Pitching to Pampering: “Treasure You” Teaches Women Purpose, Passion and Power

The mompreneur and the woman-in-business fads are far from over.  Women everywhere are changing the face of business by climbing the corporate ladder, starting new businesses, and developing the nation’s coolest new tech initiatives (all while sporting the season’s hottest heels).  Women are slowly taking over the business world through the creation of the mompreneur and the powerful woman business mogul.  Although this initiative comes from many different parts of the globe, Frisco, Texas is putting women empowerment on the map thanks to the will-power of Pat Smith; founder and owner of Pat Smith Enterprises and creative mind behind the Treasure You Girlfriend’s Retreat. 


Pat Smith of Treasure You.

On September 16-17 of 2011, Pat Smith (see above) is hosting the Treasure You Girlfriend’s Retreat at the Westin Stonebriar Resort in Frisco, Texas.  The event aims to leave its guests with a renewed sense of purpose, passion and power.  All Treasure You retreats are created so that women can reconnect with themselves and encourage their spirit through remembering their worth and treasuring themselves.  This takes place in a variety of different ways.

The event kicks off with a welcome reception, Mexican Fiesta dinner and private pajama party on Friday night.  On Saturday, attendees will enjoy a morning workout followed by valuable workshops and a motivational keynote speech by Pat Smith herself during Burgers ‘n Banana Splits.  Saturday is rounded out by a Treasure You Luxury Experience where attendees will be pampered, shop, have fun and learn from smart and savvy women entrepreneurs. 

Although one moment a woman may be pitching to a roomful of venture capitalists, the next she could be doing eight loads of laundry for her family.   It’s time to empower these women even further.  It’s time for them to find their purpose. It’s time for them to treasure themselves.

Although the Treasure You Girlfriend’s Retreat is completely sold out, more Treasure You events will take place in the future.  To learn more about Treasure You, Pat Smith and the many philanthropic and community events in the area, please visit www.treasureyou.org.   

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

Become the Region's Fastest Growing Entrepreneur with PIPELINE

Do you have what it takes to become the Midwest's next entrepreneurial superstar?  Are you an innovator, creative thinker or startup guru who is passionate, driven and collaborative?  Do you see your business driving you toward startup stardom?  Then what are you waiting for?  Get started!  And get started with PIPELINE.

PIPELINE, the nation's premier technology entrepreneur immersion program, has opened its applications for the next fastest-growing entrepreneurs to join the regional PIPELINE class. 

Watch the video by clicking on the link below and find out why you should join the PIPELINE class!

Watch the PIPELINE video!

Written by Allison Way

@AllisonThinkBig

President Barack Obama: "Let's Meet the Moment, Let's Get To Work"

Last night, President Barack Obama spoke on the American Jobs Act--an act that unveiled a $450 billion jobs program of tax cuts and new government spending aimed at energizing the country's stalling economic recovery. 

"The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple; to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working." -- President Barack Obama

If you missed the President's address to congress last night, you can view it here:

President Obama addressed the U.S.'s drive toward entrepreneurship and startup businesses throughout the speech.  Some of our favorite quotes are below:

"Everyone knows that small businesses are where most new jobs begin." - President Barack Obama

"Pass this jobs bill and we can put people to work rebuilding America." - President Barack Obama

"We now live in a world where technology has made it possible for companies to take their business anywhere. If we want them to start here and stay here and hire here, we have to be able to outbuild, and outeducate and outinnovate every other country on Earth." - President Barack Obama

"We are also planning to cut away the red tape that prevents too many rapidly-growing startup companies from raising capital and going public." - President Barack Obama

"We need to look for ways to work side-by-side with America's businesses which is why I brought together a jobs council with leaders from different industries who are developing a wide range of new ideas to help companies grow." - President Barack Obama

"Yes, we are rugged individuals; yes, we are strong and self-reliant.  And it has been the drive and the initiatives of our workers and entrepreneurs that has made this economy the engine and envy of the world." - President Barack Obama

"We are tougher than the times we live in and we are bigger than our politics have been. So let's meet the moment, let's get to work." - President Barack Obama

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig

Startup Marketing and What It Can Do For Your Small Business

Startup companies, more likely than not, launch without being “known”.  Nobody knows who you are, what your new company does, what problem you tend to solve and who your company will cater toward.  The only way that the masses can answer any of these questions is through effective startup marketing.  But many new companies are not utilizing startup marketing strategies to their advantage.  We have laid out the top 5 ways that startups can market their products or services effectively so that clients and customers will come to them and leave happy:

1.      Establish your credibility

First and foremost, an effective startup marketing strategy needs to incorporate the brand’s overall credibility.  When clients and customers view your business as a resource rather than just another startup, they will value your product or service on an even higher level.  The best way to establish credibility through marketing is by sharing content that displays your knowledge, sharpening your copywriting skills, sending out newsletters, sending out tips on social networks and sharing testimonials on your website. 

2.     Create your own unique messaging

Before marketing your startup company, it is important to find the brand’s voice.  Are you going to portray yourself as an edgy, high-tech company?  Are you going to stick to a professional, corporate voice?  Are you going to utilize a laid-back voice with slang and abbreviations?  It is important that startup companies give off their own unique messaging so that the company can develop a personality.  Find your brand’s personality through the voice that you think best fits the company’s image, product and target market.   

3.     Develop a cost-conscious strategy

Most startups don’t have a whole lot of wiggle room when it comes to marketing budgets.  In this situation, social media marketing becomes a highly-effective resource.  Social media marketing through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Blogger, Foursquare, Flickr, YouTube (and more!) provides startup companies with the ability to market their brand online absolutely free. 

Bonus: Check out The Social Media Bible by Lon Safko and find out how Think Big Kansas City effectively marketed its one-day conference with an awesome Twitter strategy.

4.     Mix it up

Some startups can get away with relying solely on social media for their first few months of marketing.  But it is more healthy and beneficial for a startup to mix their marketing avenues so that they hit all potential customers.  Use marketing avenues that will reach your target market—take out a newspaper ad, create a television commercial, broadcast on the radio, get in a magazine, even post up flyers around town.  By creating a healthy balance of social media and traditional marketing strategies, your brand will get noticed by the right people in the right way.

5.     Tell people who you are and what you do

When most established businesses can market their companies without defining who they are or what they do, startup companies must advertise and give the masses information about the business.  When you are marketing a startup company, be sure to broadcast who you are, what you do and why you’re doing it.  Potential clients and customers need to know exactly what you do in order for them to realize that your product or service is exactly what they’ve been looking for.

Startup marketing can be a complicated and tedious process.  But if you incorporate the right effective marketing strategy for your new company, customers and clients will be able to find you easily.

Written by Allison Way
@AllisonThinkBig