Bootstrap Maryland: A Conference For Entrepreneurs
A group of technopreneurs made it out to the University of Maryland campus for Bootstrap Maryland.The aim of the conference is to teach budding entrepreneurs “the necessary tools for running a lean and successful technology business.†The event had 4 main panels covering a variety of topics from marketing and public relations to picking the right technology. I learned a lot from the anecdotes of the local entrepreneur panelists. While I ‘m more HTML than
![Panelists of the third session at Bootstrap Maryland Panelists of the third session at Bootstrap Maryland](https://blog.v3.russellheimlich.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2009/05/third-session-at-bootstrapmd.jpg)
Panelists of the third session at Bootstrap Maryland
Since every seat in the business school lecture hall had a power plug and the WiFi was strong throughout the entire event, I managed to take a copious amount of notes on my wiki. Here are some of the highlights:
- When it comes to a business plan, do you need one? Whole panel answers “Meehh… not really.”
- Recessions are a great time to start a business because everything is cheaper and there is a ton of talent available.
- Businesses don’t fail because of the technology, businesses fail because they don’t understand their market.
- How to better understand your market: Experiment, Evaluate, adapt.
- MYTH: Experience in the corporate world translates to the start-up world. The start up world is a totally different beast.
- Want to get rich quickly? Rob a bank. Sell crack. Don’t start a company.
- Best brand right now is “swine flu”, “susan boyle”
- If considering outsourcing, go with a brand name firm.
- Don’t under-estimate the value of play.
- The MD/DC/VA area has tons of groups and events
That last point is big. If you are looking for a local group of people who are interested in media/technology/business, the DC metropolitan area has something for you. After all, where else would 200 people get together to share ideas and stories about starting businesses on the cheap on a Saturday. Jared Goralnick did a great job organizing everything and I would expect the attendance to double for the next one.
![Jared Goralnick polls the audience of Bootstrap MD Jared Goralnick polls the audience of Bootstrap MD](https://blog.v3.russellheimlich.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2009/05/jared-polls-audience.jpg)
Jared Goralnick polls the audience of Bootstrap MD
![Drinking a Diet Coke with pizza and salad for lunch. Drinking a Diet Coke with pizza and salad for lunch.](https://blog.v3.russellheimlich.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2009/05/lunch-time-at-bootstrapmd.jpg)
Drinking a Diet Coke with pizza and salad for lunch.
![Genius Rocket (lunch sponsor) distributes fliers while everyone is out in the hallway eating pizza. Genius Rocket (lunch sponsor) distributes fliers while everyone is out in the hallway eating pizza.](https://blog.v3.russellheimlich.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2009/05/fliers-in-chairs.jpg)
Genius Rocket (lunch sponsor) distributes fliers while everyone is out in the hallway eating pizza.
![Panelists mingle with the audience after the 2nd session at Bootstrap MD Panelists mingle with the audience after the 2nd session at Bootstrap MD](https://blog.v3.russellheimlich.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2009/05/bootsrapmd-crowd.jpg)
Panelists mingle with the audience after the 2nd session at Bootstrap MD
More of my photos from Bootstrap MD: Picasa / Flickr / Facebook
Other coverage of Bootstrap MD:
Dude great write up and it was great seeing you there.
Thanks for coming out and Thanks again for the awesome notes/review.
[…] was a lot of great pics (see above), twittering, awesome wiki, and post event blogging. Can’t wait till the next […]
Boom skhaalaka boom boom, problem solved.