2nd guest speaker (Ron Kornfeld)

Our second guest speaker that came on Thursday of last week was Ron Kornfeld. He came to tell us the experiences of a bigger company than Eric Handberg. He also wrote our business plan, which was interesting to know. It was also funny to know that the slides he was using were about seven years old or so. He mentioned that the reason he was using the old slides was because the basic fundamentals of a business is about the same. Also the questions that were asked in class were interesting especially about the discussion on patents. It was also interesting to hear about how and where people get finances and to know that he actually lends money out as well to entrepreneurs.

1st guest speaker (Eric Hanberg)

Eric Hamberg was our first guest speaker. He had some interesting things to say. I thought it was interesting to view or hear the point of view of a small entrepreneur. He had some interesting points on how he began starting businesses and how he and his wife have their own business. It was good to hear from his perspective and how he said he makes less money than when they were both working for different companies than working for themselves. Hearing about that made me think about how if I wanted to pursue making a small business, I would have to know that it may not succeed or it may not make enough money that I would like to be making.

WTH is VC .....???????

What the hell is a “VC”? Solve a problem or fill a void that the consumers need or have. Create or follow a new trend that is currently or in the future of the technology market. Cutting edge is critical to maintaining a competitive advantage in this market. From other classes I have learned to have the cutting edge it takes a lot of funding and investment put into research and development. Freedom is a concept in the reading that struck me. Being my own boss sounds good but also sounds scary because that means more responsibility and also more self responsibility. The reading also talked about how entrepreneurs are leaders and not this so called maverick/lone wolf, which I feel that I am at times but other times I would rather sit in the background and follow.

1st blog post 1/5/11

I expect out of this class is to learn how to use technology to work with a business and/or start one up. I expect to work on a start-up company and be able to know the ups and downs of starting one. I hope to learn what kind of funding is needed to start certain companies and also how to obtain this funding. I also expect what we need to know to start-up a business and to run/maintain it for the life of the business. What it takes to grow as an organization and if there is the possibility of growth or not. How to market/brand the company to make it better/known. Learn about patents and designs for marketing products. Also human relations issues and how to deal with employees would be expected to learn during the course. How to sell products and/or services that I create as an new company. And at the end of the course I hope to learn how to market my company globally in today’s markets.