By: Zion Campo
Startup Weekend Bohol 2 is coming!
Time is almost up and we’re getting pretty pumped up! It’s time for Boholano innovators to volt in. Startup Weekend Bohol 2 will sure be a whirlwind event with startup enthusiasts, aspiring entrepreneurs and established businessmen congregating to celebrate the awesomeness of innovation, tech and entrepreneurship!
Seriously though, a lot of things will happen this Startup Weekend Bohol 2. Ideas will get pitched, teams will argue, some might sizzle and others might triumph. The whole event will be chaotic for the uninitiated so here are some things you need to remember to stay sane this coming Startup Weekend Bohol 2.
1. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.
Before you drop by this coming April 15, be sure that you are all ready for war. Because it will be a battleground out there. You only have 60 seconds to for the firepitch round so you’ll need to prepare what you’ll say. Those 60 seconds are important to get your idea to the next round and convince others to join you.
Research your idea. BUT DON’T BUILD IT YET. Rehearse your 60 second pitch. Think of something that will make people remember you and your idea.
Don’t forget to book your lodging if you’re out of the area since it will be a long night ahead of you! Assemble your Startup Weekend starter kit a.k.a. whatever you need to do great work. Don’t forget to bring your business cards too!
Startup Weekend Bohol 2 is a great avenue to connect with great people who do extraordinary work.
2. Shed Your Shyness
You’ll get the most of Startup Weekend Bohol 2 if you go out there and mingle. I know you’re scared, a little bit worried that you’ll embarrass yourself but what’s life without a little bit of hiccups.
Honestly, other people around you are probably just as scared as you are. Don’t be afraid to say hi, introduce yourself and connect. Hold a conversation with someone, hold a genuine conversation.
During Startup Weekend Bohol 2, if you’re working with your squad or team, we’ll most likely separate you from your buddies and introduce you to new people. We encourage you to expand your circle of human friends!
3. Listen to Your Customers
One thing you should be doing during Startup Weekend Bohol 2 is to validate your idea. How should you do it? Get out there and talk to your customers!!!
And we don’t mean, ask your friends to like your facebook page and consider that as validation. Ask people offline and do a survey online. Message your Facebook friends list. Leverage your connections. Don’t be squeamish about talking to your customers.
It’s hard to listen when the people you talk to tells you that your idea isn’t something they would use or pay for. But it’s harder if you build it, then nobody’s going to actually use it because you didn’t actually validate your idea. Don’t waste your time building something people don’t want!
Don’t make that mistake. Your customers are your lifeblood if you’re going to do a startup. Make sure you’re building what they want, what they really want. Ask them questions.
4. Work With Your Team
Your idea can only go a long way without a good team. Work with them.
Even though you might be complete strangers in the beginning, you’ll get to know each other much better over the weekend. Know what each member brings to the table. Is it sales experience? Tech development knowledge? Project management skills? Design prowess?
Get to know your people better. You’ll be spending three days with your team. Don’t just tell them to do this and do that just because it’s your idea. Work with them and make good friends.
5. Ask Help From Mentors
Don’t forget we have mentors!
These guys are experienced people who know their stuff. They are there during Startup Weekend Bohol 2 to share their expertise. Listen to them young padawan.
Exercise caution though.
Take advice and consider if it will work for your startup idea. Don’t just gobble up everything they say. Be smart with taking advice. They are there to tell you what they’ve learned with their experience. But what might have gone well for them, might not go well for you.
Ask help from mentors but don’t swallow everything. Consider what they say. Implement what you think will be good for your startup idea.
6. Practice Your Pitch
During the end of the weekend, you’ll get on stage again to pitch your idea in front of judges.
Be sure you’ve practiced your pitch over and over and over again. You’ll be given ample time to practice. It’s your chance to shine and sell your idea so do your best. Don’t worry about messing up.
Everybody is nervous. Just breathe in, calm yourself and get the ball rolling.
7. Enjoy!
Startup Weekend Bohol 2 isn’t just all work, there’s also some having fun here and there. Don’t be so focused on trying to win the first prize that you forget to enjoy working over the weekend.
As they always say, the best thing about going after success is the journey towards it. Be in the NOW! It’s the weekend. Have fun!
