Happy Thanksgiving! What We're Thankful For (As Entrepreneurs)

Happy Thanksgiving from Think Big Partners! 

Sometimes, we move so fast that we don't take the time to sit down and realize everything that we have to appreciate in life.  Lucky for us, Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and is the perfect time for us to say "thanks" to those who have helped us grow, succeed and have fun throughout our very own startup journey.

As a way to say "thanks", we will be making daily shoutouts to some of our biggest supports on Facebook for 40 days straight starting on November 22, 2012.  Although it's not much, it's our way of sending appreciation from our crazy world to yours.

What are some of the things we're thankful for this year?  We're so glad you asked...

• We're thankful for our entrepreneurs.  The people who show up to bizperc, call us for advice, meet with us for coffee and partner with us on projects.  If it weren't for these passionate, driven and sometimes crazy people, we would not be in business.
  
• We're thankful for bizperc, our coworking space.  With its incredible view of downtown Kansas City, killer coworking amenities and super fun (and frequent) parties, we are truly spoiled with an amazing workspace. But most importantly, we're thankful for the different people we meet in bizperc every day.
  
• We're thankful for coffee.  If it weren't for coffee, we would not have productive days, checked-off to-do lists and 2:00am conversations that often make or break our next idea.
  
• We're thankful for partners who have always believed in us and supported us throughout our startup journey.  If it weren't for our incredible support system, we would not be where we are today.
  
• We're thankful for our gadgets.  From our iPhones to our laptops, from our Windows Surface tablets to our electronic whiteboard, these gadgets make our chaotic days a bit more organized.
  
• We're thankful for humor--it's what gets us through our not-so 9-5 days.  From office pranks, team bets, wearing prom dresses to work, and caricatures drawings on our windows, we're thankful that we can build something incredible and have fun while doing it.
  
• We're thankful for our team.  Although we've been referred to as "an Island of Misfit Toys" or a "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" company, we are the glue that holds Think Big together--and even though we may be a bit nuts, we believe that we are doing big things that wouldn't be possible without every single team member's involvement.

A BIG thank you to you all.  And happy Thanksgiving.

- The team at Think Big Partners 

(Ahhh..that's more like it.)

Steve Jobs “Got it”... Will You?

“Authentic”. “Relentless Passion”. These are some words the panelists used to describe Steve Jobs during the iKC session “The Communication Secrets of Steve Jobs: Mastering the Message”. The four panelists (speakers from Trozzolo Communications, KEM studios, Meers Advertising and Fleishman-Hillard) gave their ideas about why Steve Jobs was so successful in captivating his audience.

The moderator, Chris Olsen (FinditKC), brought up Apple’s innovative marketing strategy. Steve Jobs knew it wasn’t just about targeting the consumer. It was much deeper. You have to find out what drives the consumer to make these decisions and target these motives. One panelist gave an excellent example of how Apple targets consumer motives. When the iPhone 4 came out, Apple ran a commercial that promoted a new feature without talking about it, but it highlighted a relationship. This is an example of how Steve Jobs “got it”.

The panelists gave great insight to Steve Jobs’ success and how we, the entrepreneurs, can achieve our own success. Here are some things the iKC discussion left me with:

• You have to find what you're deeply passionate about. Steve Jobs found it and changed the world.
• Get to know your user. What motivates your user? Why does he or she do the things they do? It's necessary to find the answers to these questions so you can market them successfully. 
• Become an evangelist for your product. People say, "the product will speak for itself", but if you're not willing to speak for your product, why should anyone else?
• Be consistent with your brand. Apple changed up their products but they kept the same core values since the start

Leaving Corporate America in the Rearview Mirror

WRITTEN BY TYLER PROCHNOW, SENIOR PARTNER AT THINK BIG PARTNERS

There was a time in this country when the prevailing model of a successful career constituted finding a job in corporate America and steadily moving up the ladder for a period of 30-40 years and ultimately retiring with a decent pension and a gold watch.  The ranks of some of our grandest corporate institutions are, to this day, filled with people that define success just that way.  Yet, as we move toward a more advanced technological society, the idea of spending an entire career with a single employer is becoming as rare as people without smartphones.  They are still there, but their numbers are dwindling every day.

Like my mother, who at age (censored) just got her first iPhone, it is never too late to embrace the future.  Even if you are one of those big company lifers, you can still escape from the bonds of the corporate grind and pursue the world of entrepreneurship.  In fact, now may be the best time ever to make the leap.

Given the difficult labor market, now might seem like a time to hold onto that job with both hands and a vice-like grip, but I would argue just the opposite.  Now is the time to let go.  With large companies cutting corporate benefits and the term “job security” just an antiquated notion, no one’s job is truly safe.  Virtually every big company employee is looking over their shoulder at who might be able to do their job for less money, and around the next corner wondering when their job may be outsourced or downsized.  Such prevailing paranoia creates an environment that is not particularly conducive to innovation and growth.  Today's corporate culture is one that discourages creative thinking and rewards a “make no mistakes” mentality.  I talk to so many corporate managers whose entire business strategy consists of keeping their heads down and not taking risks, lest those risks produce a negative result that makes it easy to put them on the inevitable chopping block.  Without taking risks, how is the company ever to move forward and create innovative products or services for their customers?

Despite some concerns about the bad habits that can be obtained in corporate America, I believe these employees have some advantages that may make them the perfect 2012 entrepreneur.  First and foremost, they know how corporate America works!  At some point, you are going to want your new venture to be able to sell to the big corporation.  Knowing just how those companies operate, who makes the ultimate purchasing decisions, and perhaps most importantly, how to ensure you get paid, are all critical elements for a fledgling entrepreneur.  Insider insight into these elements gives you a huge leg up on the competition.

Another advantage corporate escapees may have is an intimate knowledge of the problems inside their former employer.  The most successful startups solve a key problem for some segment of the population.  Often, that segment of the population is a large company.  Many new companies are founded on the premise of solving a perceived problem identified by an outsider looking in.  A former employee should have a clear understanding of the challenges facing their industry and an insider’s advantage on the most efficient way of solving those challenges.

Finally, while I don’t recommend it, and personally believe that it will hinder your chances at success, a corporate employee potentially has the advantage of having a safety net underneath them as they launch their venture.  The unemployed entrepreneur has the difficult task of launching a company and paying the bills at the same time.  Without either significant financing, a sizable savings, or a spouse/significant other that is earning enough, it is difficult for the startup entrepreneur to balance the monetary needs of the company with their personal monetary needs.  Having that paycheck makes this balance a little easier to achieve.

That being said, my personal recommendation is for the entrepreneur to cut the corporate cord completely before launching a business.  A startup venture almost always requires an all-in commitment and having one foot in the corporate camp is difficult.  Trying to straddle the chasm between a job and your new business can be a surefire recipe for failure.

So much attention is paid these days to the college dropouts who started a company in their dorm rooms.  And while those entrepreneurs are deserving of their success and the accolades that go with it, that is still a high risk group to bet on.  If I am looking for the best bet on the board, I’m looking for the startup spawned by a former mid-level corporate manager who knows his market and the solutions that market is demanding.

Follow Think Big on Twitter! @ThinkBigKC

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

The 10 Coolest Apps For the Kansas City Entrepreneur

Poynt is an app that helps entrepreneurs
find their way around in new cities.

We live in a world of apps-- some genius, some garbage and some just plain goofy.  But according to Entrepreneur Magazine, the best of the best can redefine how you run your small business.  I have narrowed down the 10 coolest apps for the Kansas City entrepreneur so that local small businesses can use these tools to run as efficiently and effectively as possible.  So whether you're an entrepreneur using a Blackberry or an iPhone, check out the coolest apps for Kansas City entrepreneurs and get that new small business rollin'!

For Productivity...

1. Bento -- $4.99 -- filemaker.com

Bento organizes the details of your life, no matter how large or how small your business may be.  Bento contains 25 ready-to-use, customizable database templates to manage your contacts, schedules, personal information, and inventory.  

2. Evernote -- Free -- evernote.com

Not only is Evernote free, but it is also the pathway to your next great idea.  Evernote captures your brilliant ideas and entrepreneurial insights the moment they strike.  You can document your ideas through text, photos, or audio recordings.  This app helps take any Kansas City entrepreneur's idea and transform it into a successful new business.  Now that's Thinking Big!  

3. Quickoffice Connect Mobile Suite -- around $10 -- quickoffice.com

This full-featured Microsoft Office productivity suite enables Kansas City small business owners to create, open, edit and share documents and spreadsheets on the go.  

For Sales...

4. Inventory Tracker -- $4.99 -- ipartymobile.com

Inventory Tracker allows Kansas City entrepreneurs to stay on top of what products the have for sale, what has been sold, and what needs to be shipped.  This application also allows for the use of Excel in case spreadsheets is your thing.

For Finance...

5. BAII Plus Financial Calculator -- $14.99 -- education.ti.com/educationportal

This app computes cash-flow analysis, amortization schedules, depreciation, and other financial metrics.  BAII Plus Financial Calculator mirrors the functionality of the Texas Instruments' bestselling calculator, so you know that what you're getting is high quality.

6. InterTrak -- $4.99 -- inertron.com

InterTrak is a task-management tool designed for Kansas City entrepreneurs who juggle projects and assignments on a daily basis.  This app documents how each workday is spent and calculates hourly billing according to different clients and rates.  

For Travel...

7. Poynt -- Free -- poynt.com

For the Kansas City entrepreneur on-the-go, Poyt is the app for you!  Poyt is a next-gen, location-aware Yellow Pages which identifies your whereabouts and everything in your immediate radius.  So whether you're looking for a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop, or gas station, Poyt can point you in the right direction.

8. Worldmate -- Free -- worldmate.com

Kansas City business travelers, Worldmate may be the perfect app for your needs.  This app acts as a personal assistant for business travelers by managing complete itineraries such as flights, hotels, car rentals, and meetings.  

For Any Entrepreneur...

9. Appbox Pro -- $.99 -- allaboutapps.net

Appbox Pro is the Swiss Army knife for Kansas City entrepreneurs.  It truly has everything--an alarm clock, flashlight, currency converter, games, loan calculator, unit converter, random number generator, and more.  Everything an entrepreneur could ever need whether on-the-go, in the office, or at home.

10. LinkedIn -- Free -- linkedin.com/mobile

One of the most popular networking sites on the Internet has now become one of the most crucial apps for the Kansas City small business owner.  The LinkedIn app allows you to stay connected wherever you go.  The business-centric social network's official mobile app gives users access to more than 75 professional profiles and is completed with real-time status updates and messaging tools.

So if you want to stay updated, connected, and even have every entrepreneurial tool right at your fingertips, then look no further, Kansas City entrepreneurs; check out these 10 apps to help your small business stay productive and successful--even if you're on the go!

Written by Allison Way.  Allison is a writer and videographer for Think Big Partners and bizperc, two of Kansas City's newest entrepreneurial resources.  To read more of Allison's work, visit the Kansas City Entrepreneurship Examiner.