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Everyday Edisons & Inventors Digest

742_ Producer of Everyday Edisons and Publisher of the Inventors Digest
At the DaVinci Inventors Showcase, Louis Foreman was a keynote speaker. Louis is the creator of the Emmy® Award winning PBS TV show, Everyday Edisons and serves as the Executive Producer. The show is in its third season and appears nationally on PBS. He is also Producer of Everyday Edisons and Publisher of the Inventors Digest. In July of this year, his first book, The Independent Inventor’s Handbook, was published. In 2008 he was appointed to serve for a three year term on the nine-person Patent Public Advisory Committee of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Over the past 20 years Louis has created 9 successful start-ups and has been directly responsible for the creation of over 20 others. A prolific inventor, he is the inventor of 10 registered US Patents, and his firm is responsible for the development and filing of well over 400 more. Louis discusses ideas and how to figure out the ideas that are worth pursuing. "You have to understand the value of intellectual property and how important it is to not just have an idea but you've got to take that idea and reduce it to practice and figure out how you generate an economic return from that invention. Don't rely on what your friends and family think, develop a picture of who wants this product, figure out and identify your market. Build a spread sheet, figure out costs, these aren't made up figures but realistic estimates. We need data points in order to make a reasonable decision, whether or not it makes sense to pursue it. So we may put all of these numbers together and find that most likely our invention will generate $100K; worst case we may lose $70K, and if Oprah loves it, we can make $400K. Now we can weigh risk and reward..." There's much more... For your convenience: Part 1 of 2; immediately following Part 2 of 2
Related Links: PBS: Everyday Einsteins || Inventors Digest || Edison Nation || Inventors Showcase Photos || DaVinci Institute || Inventor Showcase || Find It || Keywords: Louis Foreman, Everyday Einsteins, Inventors, DaVinci Institute, Entrepreneurs, PBS, DaVinci Inventors Showcase, US Patents, Inventions - Channel: Entrepreneurs
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We're in the middle of a digital tsunami impacting media business

729_ We're in the middle of a digital tsunami that is impacting the media business 
Greg Maffei, President and CEO of Liberty Media Corp was a keynote speaker for the Silicon Flatirons, CTP & the Cable Center event, 'Rise of Broadband Video and Future of Digital Media'. Greg said, "We're in the middle of a digital tsunami that is impacting the media business enormously. FaceBook has 300 million users, up three times in a year; YouTube has 400 million users, by almost any measure it's the largest TV station in the world. About 24 hours of video is uploaded every ten minutes. Ninety-six percent of Gen Y have joined a social network. You can't get 96% of people to do anything. This one is stunning to me; One out of eight couples that married last year, met online. What a transformation that is. And it only accelerates, FaceBook would be the 4th largest country in the world, and the fastest growing segment on FaceBook is 55 to 65 year old women. Google is about twice the size of Time Warner which is the largest traditional media company in advertising. Most of the things that are happening are creating unstable competitive environments and business models with very low barriers to entry and pricing power is destroyed for all entrants. Some examples of that destruction of legacy business models; music, a well known story. Are we going to see this in video? Perhaps. Hulu is hugely destructive and I don't think the people behind it NBC and the like, Fox, are going to stay with it long - I think they're going to change the model because it is not sustainable. Newspapers is probably the best example that is current right now." There's much more...
Related Links: Liberty Media || Silicon Flatirons || CTP Channel || CTP Home || Channel: CTP 30379584 bytes - 10/26/09 LISTEN

Rise of Broadband Video Future of Digital Media

725_ The Rise of Broadband Video and the Future of Digital Media
  Dale Hatfield, the Executive Director of Silicon Flatirons introduced the opening keynote speaker, Meredith Attwell Baker, who was nominated for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission on June 25, 2009. She was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on July 24, 2009, and sworn in as Commissioner on July 31, 2009. She addressed many issues that are are challenging to this ever-changing sector. In the spring of 2009, Netflix announced it was ready to provide customers the option of signing up for a standalone streaming offering, highlighting the changing nature of the video landscape. As Business Week recently put it, "operators like Comcast and DirecTV are facing accelerating competition from a host of upstarts eager to deliver movies and TV programming on demand." While the method of distribution is undoubtedly cheaper and quicker, there are still questions about whether the licensing terms for Internet-based distribution will facilitate this business model. Moreover, with respect to the major TV networks, they are asking themselves "whether free is a sustainable model" and whether they can avoid the fate of the newspapers. Finally, from the perspective of network providers, the rising popularity of video over the Internet is creating a huge upsurge in the demand for bandwidth, creating both new opportunities and challenges. There's so much more...
Related Links: Meredith Attwell Baker || Silicon Flatirons || CTP Channel || CTP Home || Keywords: Meredith Attwell Baker, Federal Communications Commission, Dale Hatfield, Silicon Flatirons, Spectrum, Jana Henthorn, Netflix, Comcast, Video, DirecTV, Change > Channel: CTP > 19800714 bytes 10/20/09 LISTEN

Emerging video marketplace - opportunities disruptive innovation

724_ The emerging video marketplace and the opportunities for disruptive innovation 
Then Mitchell Berman, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder of ZillionTV addressed the issues impacting rise of broadband video and the future of digital media. The new emerging broadband-based video model calls into question a number of technological, economic, and policy premises of the current multi-channel video programming environment. A critical question for established players--both the content developers and the distributors--is whether they embrace this emerging business model or fight it. Recognizing how the Internet undermined the market position of the recording industry and the newspaper industry, many established firms are looking to embrace these changes, in some cases funding or buying upstarts like ZillionTV, and in other cases, developing their own on-demand libraries (as Comcast is in the process of doing). In so doing, they are pushing technological development in this area to provide, as ZillionTV CEO put it, "unlimited video-on-demand, perfectly personalized to the consumer taste, and with advertisers able to push ads precisely to align with that taste." This conference examined the emerging video marketplace, discussing the opportunities for disruptive innovation, the nature of the changing business models, and the public policy responses. In so doing, they brought together a range of academics, policymakers, and business persons. Mitchell went on to explain why he feels TV is here to stay. In the face of such a changing environment, some critics...there's more...
Related Links: ZillionTV || Silicon Flatirons || CTP Channel || CTP Home || Mastering Change || Keywords: Mitchell Berman, ZillionTV, Dale Hatfield, Silicon Flatirons, Cable TV, ESPN, HBO, Change > Channel: CTP > 14372679 bytes 10/20/09 LISTEN

Our country has exhibited leadership by being entrepreneurial

723_ Our country has exhibited leadership in the world for years by being entrepreneurial
In part 2 of 2 of this interview Paul Jerde, Executive Director of the Robert H. & Beverly A. Deming Center for Entrepreneurship and Larry Jones the CEO of StarTek and Chairman of the Deming Board continue to discuss the impact that universities, business and government are having on entrepreneurs. A great example of Paul Jerde's mantra and of building the Deming Board with private sector involvement is, nine members of the Advisory Board to the Colorado Clean Tech Industry Association are also members of the Deming Board and what a great example of this industry sector focus applying entrepreneurship in these wonderfully emerging sectors of energy, organics and biotech/biomedical. Larry Jones said the Deming Board of 40+ members is made up of alumni, successful entrepreneurs, current seated CEOs of the business world and if you think of that horsepower really being brought to bear in the industry sectors that we're working in - you really have magic that happens when the various community groups get together. We have various events that occur from basic simple networking nights all the way through the very concentrated critical conversation events. Others that are involved: Dave Allen is the Vice President and Tech Transfer Program for the CU; Dr. Leslie Leinwand, is leading the Initiative in Molecular Biotechnology, Marty Murphy from NREL; Tim Bauer, executive director of the Boulder Innovation Center; Brad Bernthal from the Law School and Silicon Flatirons and Entrepreneur Law Clinic; Curt Smith & Rob Lawton from the College of Engineering...Listen for more...
Related Links: Deming Center || Technology Transfer Office || StarTek || CU TTO Channel || Keywords: Paul Jerde, Larry Jones, CU TTO, Robert H. & Beverly Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, StarTek, Entrepreneurs, University of Colorado - Channel: CU TTO > 10956698 bytes 10/20/09 LISTEN

Making of an Entrepreneur

723_ The Making of an Entrepreneur with Larry Nelson and Dr. Stanley Feld
Built on Promises Stanley Feld turns the table on Larry Nelson. Dr. Feld was intrigued with Larry’s success with their w3w3® Internet Talk Radio Show, which began as an on-air live business talk show in Denver back in 1996 and went digital on the Internet in 1998 - obviously Larry is an 'early adopter'. Stanley delves into Larry’s past to see 'what makes him tick - why he insists on the entrepreneur’s route. It all began with a tragic illness. Polio struck early after claiming the life of Larry's second grade teacher and at least temporarily cripling Larry. Never a quitter, Larry Nelson taps into the past, the drive and the passion for success. Dr. Stanley Feld continues to drill down on Larry Nelson in this interview. Larry turned his childhood stamp & coin collection into a thriving business (with the help of a $50,000 SBA loan) when he was 21 years old. He then went from coins to cosmetics to consulting. When things get tough, the tough don’t cave in.
Related Links: About Page || PodCast Directory || Mastering Change || Keywords: Dr. Stanley Feld, Larry Nelson, Entrepreneurs, w3w3® Internet Talk Radio Show, Mastering Change Change > Channel: About - 10/12/09 LISTEN

Advice from successful entrepreneurs: Thanks ACG

721_ Advice for entrepreneurs from successful entrepreneurs: Thanks ACG
  Just before the ACG meeting started Larry asked three very successful entrepreneurs what advice would they give entrepreneurs in today's economic climate. Chet Marino, President and founder of Verus Partners (also an ACG Board member) said, "It never hurts to constantly evaluate your service offerings and business model in light of changing market conditions; 2nd, evaluate whether you have the right talent on your team to reach your business goals; and 3rd serving your customers beyond what they expect." Chris Carrington, President and CEO of Alpine Access (also speaker at the ACG luncheon) said, "Having lived through three recessions, my advice to entrepreneurs, especially where we're at in the cycle now, is this is the time to double down. there's that natural feeling of hunkering down cutting expenses. But if there's ever been a time to start investing in your sales and marketing, I think it's now. If there's any hope of coming out of this recession, you've got to start placing your bets and I think doubling down is the way to go. Don Van Winkle, Managing Director of SDR Ventures (Also chairing the ACG Rocky Mountain Corporate Growth Conference) said, "You've got to stay focused on three critical areas all the time. No. 1 is valuation of your firm, everything you do is becoming more valuable/less valuable. No. 2 is your capital access. I mean capital access has become a whole new issue whether it's shareholder, debt or mezzanine finance, you better more fully prepare for capital access. No. 3 You gotta think transition, that's succession planning, your exit, how are you going to transition your company to the next level."
Related Links: ACG Denver || Corporate Growth Conference || Verus Partners || alpineaccess || SDR Ventures || M&A Channel || Keywords: Chet Marino, Chris Carrington, Don Van Winkle, ACG, Verus Partners, alpineaccess, SDR Ventures, Association for Corporate Growth, Change, Entrepreneurs - Channel: ACG 5303382 bytes 10/12/09 LISTEN

Universities step up to the plate for entrepreneurs

722_ Universities, business and government step up to the plate for entrepreneurs 
Larry asked Paul Jerde, Executive Director of the Robert H. & Beverly A. Deming Center for Entrepreneurship to explain how the Deming Center operates. "We ask ourselves that question all the time... What does the Deming Center do? What's the 'value proposition'? And I always start with we exist as an element of the Leeds School of Business to support students; and so we bring benefit to students but more broadly we represent the Leeds School of Business and the University of Colorado at Boulder, on all matters having to do with entrepreneurship. Larry pointed out, "You have remarkable cooperation between CU-TTO and the schools within the University of Colorado." Paul replied, "On a trip to California, having to do with schools in California who were amazed at the engagement we have with our Tech Transfer program, and I came back from that trip saying, 'This is not something we should take for granted!' And that's true with Tech Transfer and Dave Allen. Paul introduced Larry Jones who has been a member of the Deming Board and a member of the Executive Committee of the Deming Board for many years, and in fact in those positions when I stepped into the role in late 2004. Larry has stepped up as the chairman of the Deming Board and Larry is the CEO of StarTek." Larry Jones moved to the business community of Boulder as a CEO, 15 years ago, he was looking for a way to connect with students and entrepreneurs and network with other CEOs in the community. He was invited to join the advisory group at that time and what sparked his interest in the first couple of years was the ability to interact with the students, to come to the classes and actually be a guest speaker. Listen for more...
Related Links: Deming Center || Technology Transfer Office || StarTek || CU TTO Channel || Keywords: Paul Jerde, Larry Jones, CU TTO, Robert H. & Beverly Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, StarTek, Entrepreneurs, University of Colorado - Channel: CU TTO 10017126 bytes 10/14/09 LISTEN

ACG Denver brings in founder of Travelocity

649_ Association for Corporate Growth, Denver brings in founder of Travelocity 
At the 7th Annual Rocky Mountain Corporate Growth Conference Larry sat down with Terrell (Terry) Jones, founder of Travilocity.com to discuss success in turbulent times. Terry understands dealing with unprecedented change and what has to be done to be successful. During the interview he focused on three things, 1) dealing with change and the speed of change; 2) how important innovation is, particularly in large companies. Travelocity began within American Airlines, which is a little rare, ideas don't always flourish in big companies. 3) and then he talked about building digital relationships with your customers. It's not that face-to-face is going away, but if we don't understand that digital connection with the customer, we're not going to have that customer anymore. Terry said, "Travelocity went through unprecedented change in a very short period of time. The Internet is sort of like Darwinism on steroids - everything happens so quickly. We went from 10% commission on our tickets over three years to zero from the airlines - our entire revenue stream was cut out, we had to revolutionize the company." Listen for more sage advice.
Related Links: Essential Ideas || KAYAK || ACG Denver || M&A Channel || PodCasting Directory || Keywords: Terrell Jones. Terry, Kayak, Essential Ideas, Association for Corporate Growth, Denver, ACG, Travelocity, Kayak, Change > Channel:ACG Bytes= 66166401 > 4.13.09 LISTEN

Colorado is the place to be if you want to be in business for yourself

715_ "If you are a new entrepreneur, coming into the market, the first thing you've got to realize is that you are a sales person. That is a skill that you've got to have to run your own business." Larry interviewed Dawn Todd the key person behind the Angel Capital Summit, of course, that's coordinating between Rockies Venture Club and Catapult Business Development and everything else. Dawn went onto outlining the top three things for new entrepreneurs. " The second thing I would say is that you've got to sell into which you already know. It's a challenge to sell into a brand new market. Third, in my opinion, you have to learn to manage your own thoughts, because it's true that not everything you think, is true. It's your consciousness that drives your business and once you learn how to manage your own thoughts, then you can drive your business where you want it to go." She went onto explain the key points about the Angel Capital Summit. The Angel Capital Summit is an event that brings together entrepreneurs and investors, and gives them a chance to create a relationship. Probably one of the most innovative events that I've seen put together. It really gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to prepare themselves and think like an investor. This will actually be the largest Angel Investor Event in the United States this year! And I've got to say I am very excited, I think I am the first woman chair of this event. I attended the Angel Capital Summit last year and Wildly Successful Woman was a marketing partner, and really excited to be part of that. I attended the event, there were about 700 people there last year, and I looked around the room and there were about 150 women and I was so shocked, amazed. So after the event...listen, there's more...
Related Links: Angel Capital Summit 11/17/09 || Rockies Venture Club || Business Catapult || Dawn Todd Home || Wildly Successful Woman || Mastering Change || Keywords: Dawn Todd, Angel Capital Summit, Rockies Venture Club, Business Catapult, Wildly Successful Woman, Entrepreneur, > Bytes: 8116665 9/14/08 LISTEN