4 Ways to Bring Your Startup Ideas to Life in 2018
Guest Blog by Gavin Gillas, Co-Founder of Giving Docs and Herb Kelleher Center Entrepreneur in Residence
Finding your passion can be a challenge for many. Even once you’ve got a great idea, knowing what to do next stops many would-be business owners in their tracks. The Herb Kelleher Center’s Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) are successful startup and business pros who are available to mentor, give feedback, and help you zone in on business goals to make an impact. Interested in scheduling a time to meet? Be sure to check out these 4 tips from the Herb Kelleher Center’s EIR team on how to make the most of your time.
- Commit Your Ideas to Paper
While bouncing ideas around is completely fine, you’ll get the most value out of your mentor time by bringing some framework to the meeting. This can be as simple as paper diagrams, notes on early conversations, or the beginnings of the business plan. EIR Frank Muller says, “The best interactions occur when the student has carefully reduced to writing their business idea and research that supports that idea.”
2. Know How Your EIR Can Help
Do your homework on choosing your EIR and research their background. The EIRs bring both their expertise and their networks, so understanding what your coach does will help will benefit you both. EIR Chantal Pittman shares her approach: “I coach based on personal experience, the things I have learned in business school and the experiences close friends and fellow entrepreneurs have had. My coaching may be a good fit or may not be. Seek multiple coaches until you find one that both clicks personally and has the relevant experience to help the most.”
3. Show Your Work
In addition to coming to the meeting prepared, your work after the meeting will make you stand out. Send a note confirming the next steps that you and the EIR have decided to take. Be clear about what you’re working on and what roadblocks the EIR can help you overcome once you complete additional milestones. The more thoughtful you are with your follow up, the easier you make it for an EIR to help you move your concept forward.
4. Give Back
The best way to amplify what your learn from your EIRs is to put it into practice. As your idea takes shape into a growing project, mentor your own team members and seek out students and partners that can use your skillset and experience. Your own network will grow and be strengthened as you find ways to help others along your entrepreneurial path. The act of teaching others helps you retain what you are learning and deepen your understanding.
Ready to meet your mentor? Check out the EIR profiles here and schedule your meeting.
