Melissa Brown from the Duree Center at Lindenwood University talks about the Mentor Program

Mentors' Role in Startup Success

Mary Scott from BusinessRiff and Melissa from the Duree Center at Lindenwood University discussed the importance of mentors for startups. Melissa, who is involved in expanding the mentor network at the Duree Center, emphasized that mentors can offer valuable advice and help founders navigate various aspects of running a business. She also mentioned the 'Startup Space' platform, which pairs mentors and mentees based on stage of business, functional area, or industry. Mary and Melissa also discussed the possibility of Mary becoming a mentor herself, with Melissa offering to guide her through the process.

Https://www.susanderobertis.co

Susan De Robertis, consultant at SDR Consulting gives startup tips to Focus on What Matters

book a call with her at the QR code on the screen or go to Https://calendly.com/susanderobertis28

Startup Success Strategies and Funding Sources

Mary and Susan discussed the importance of focusing on what matters for startup businesses to be successful. Susan emphasized the need for startups to have a clear vision, purpose, and adequate funding to get started. She also stressed the significance of having a support network and utilizing various funding sources, including personal savings, friends and family, angel investors, and business loans. Susan and Mary further highlighted that startups should prioritize marketing and visibility to generate sales and that initial investments should be directed towards these aspects. The discussion underscored the importance of staying focused on the business's goals and not getting caught up in operational details.

Customer Engagement, Marketing, and Business Numbers for Startups

Mary and Susan discussed the importance of customer engagement, marketing, and understanding one's business numbers for startups. They emphasized that a visible and active presence is key to attract and retain customers, and that consulting with professionals can be beneficial but learning about the basics themselves is crucial. They also highlighted the need to know one's target market and to focus on their specific needs and pain points. Furthermore, they underscored the significance of having a team of experts in different areas to ensure the success of the business.

https://stuckonready.com

Bridget Hom from Bridge to Freedom Coaching discusses why Startups should be Stuck on Ready.

Mary and Bridget had a conversation about the importance of being "stuck on ready" for startups. Bridget underscored the significance of problem awareness and solution seeking, as well as the need to take imperfect action. She also highlighted the dangers of inaction, the necessity of being ready before feeling ready, and the trap of shiny object syndrome. Furthermore, Bridget emphasized the importance of being laser-focused on success, communicating worthiness, and showing up well and authentically. Lastly, she offered to share the unedited recording of the meeting on her social media platforms.

Startup Readiness: Imperfect Action and Worthy Communication

Mary and Bridget discussed the importance of being "stuck on ready" for startups. Bridget emphasized the need for problem awareness and solution seeking, and the importance of taking imperfect action. She also highlighted the dangers of inaction, the necessity of being ready before feeling ready, and the trap of shiny object syndrome. Bridget stressed the importance of being laser-focused on success, communicating worthiness, and showing up well and authentically. https://stuckonready.com Bridget Hom from Bridge to Freedom Coaching discusses why Startups should be Stuck on Ready.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/umsleic/?viewAsMember=true

Scott Morris from UMSL talks about the Anchor Accelerator

Anchor Accelerator Program Update & Expansion Mary introduced Scott Morris from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, who discussed the Anchor Accelerator program that supports local startups. Scott detailed that the program, now in its fourth iteration, has assisted 22 companies, providing them with $1.1 million in funding. The program, which is industry-agnostic but focuses on supporting historically underrepresented groups, offers a $50,000 grant, a mentor, and an intern to five selected companies. He also announced that the community could now access the program's courses, providing valuable business training and an opportunity to win grant money. Scott emphasized the importance of the application process as a means of developing discipline for successful pitches and introduced a new incentive: one of the program winners would receive a $15,000 Spectrum award for TV advertising.

https://speakerswithheart.com/

Kathryn Yarborough from Speakers With Heart talks about live streaming social media for Startups

Live Streaming for Startups Discussion Mary and Kathryn discussed the use of live streaming for startups. Mary, from BusinessRiff, emphasized that startups should be wildly successful. Kathryn, from Speakers with Heart, explained that live streaming is a special tool that can help startups.

Live Streaming Strategies for Startups Kathryn and Mary discussed the benefits and strategies of live streaming for startups. Kathryn emphasized the authenticity and realness of live streaming, suggesting it as a way to connect with potential clients and investors. She recommended using live streaming in combination with other types of posts and keeping streams short and engaging. Mary agreed, suggesting that live streaming can help startups build a personal connection with their audience and that it's essential to know where the target audience is most active on social media. They also discussed the importance of including a call to action at the end of a live stream and the potential for longer videos on a website for more detailed information. Mary also mentioned the possibility of hiring experts for different social media platforms and the importance of delegating tasks to avoid burnout.

Her Facebook group is

https://www.facebook.com/groups/speakerswithheart/

https://innovationwomen.com/getting-compensated-to-speak/

Bobbie Carlton from Innovation Women talks about the Value of Speaking as a Marketing Tool

Speaking as a Marketing Tool for Startups

Mary and Bobbie discussed the value of speaking as a marketing tool for startups, with Bobbie emphasizing the importance of the process leading up to the speech, not just the speech itself. Bobbie highlighted the need for preparation and practice, and shared her strategy of reaching out to introverts for their aptitude in these areas. She also differentiated between pitching a startup and public speaking, noting that each has its own unique purpose and opportunities.

Enhancing Presentations With Improv Skills

Bobbie and Mary discussed the importance of understanding the difference between pitches and presentations when speaking about a startup or any topic. Bobbie emphasized the need to capture and maintain the audience's attention, and to provide them with a takeaway that is actionable. Mary agreed, highlighting that people should feel better after a presentation. They also discussed the value of improv classes and toastmasters for improving public speaking skills. Both recommended improv as a more effective tool for building comfort and problem-solving skills on stage.

Startup Speaking Strategies and Resources

Bobbie shared her extensive experience in public relations and advised startups to carefully consider the type of audience they want to engage with when planning their speaking events. She suggested that startups should target events where they can connect with their customers and potential partners, rather than competing with other businesses. Mary thanked Bobbie for her valuable insights and introduced her business, Riff, as a resource for startups looking to improve their speaking skills and achieve success.

https://www.euginajordan.com/

Eugina Jordan, marketing expert, gives startup advice on how to plan a launch

Eugina Jordan specializes in planning launches. You need to know Who your customer is, How your product or service is different, and What problem it solves. Using social media requires great content, consistency of engagement, and building a community.

Derek Rapp from Rivervest Venture Partners talks about investing in Life Sciences startups

Rivervest Venture Partners' Startup Investment Strategy

Mary Scott from BusinessRiff welcomed Derek Rapp from Rivervest Venture Partners for a discussion on startup investments. Derek explained that Rivervest, founded in 2000, specializes in investing in early-stage bio-pharmaceutical and medical device companies. They typically lead the first major institutional equity round and aim to help these companies reach their potential through follow-on investments until an eventual exit.

Focusing on Life Sciences for Innovation

Mary and Derek discussed the focus on life sciences over other technology sectors, highlighting the potential for products to address unmet patient needs and the enduring demand for healthier, longer lives. Derek mentioned the role of entrepreneurs and researchers in developing innovative solutions, such as artificial intelligence, devices to support cardiologists and surgeons, and advances in cancer and immunology research. He also noted the long-term potential of successful products to attract acquisition or public offering.

https://www.realize-yourvision.com

Sheila Andres from Realize Your Vision asks Startups ”Do You know what you said 'Yes' to?” For more info and or to schedule a free strategy session, go to https://www.realize-yourvision.com Entrepreneurship: Changes, Challenges, and Growth

Sheila Andres and Mary Scott discussed the significant changes and challenges involved in entrepreneurship. Sheila stressed the need for understanding and accepting the depth of change required for small business success, and the importance of personal growth in achieving it. She also highlighted that becoming a business owner involves stepping into uncharted territory, where mistakes and failures are inevitable. Mary agreed on the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and being prepared to pivot. They both emphasized the necessity of commitment to growth and evolution, and the ability to learn from both successes and failures.

Entrepreneurship: Challenges, Rewards, and Self-Discovery

Sheila Andres and Mary Scott discussed the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, learning from mistakes, and accepting the uncertainties of the journey. They advocated for surrounding oneself with successful mentors and building a supportive community to foster growth. Sheila stressed the importance of self-love and self-awareness in navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

https://urbanleague-stl.org

Tyler Joy from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women's Business Center talks about the programs offered to startups by the Urban League Urban League Programs and Collaboration

Mary and Tyler discussed the programs offered by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, with a particular focus on the Women's Business Center. Tyler explained that the Women's Business Center is a resource funded by the Small Business Administration, aimed at supporting women in the business space. Mary affirmed that the Urban League's mission is to empower communities, particularly underserved ones, for economic self-reliance, with a focus on the African American community. They also discussed the potential forshared resources and collaboration within the startup launch pad group.

Women's Business Center Programs Discussed

Tyler Joy from the Women's Business Center shared the various programs and services offered to women entrepreneurs, including one-on-one coaching, workshops, and the "Ready Set Launch" program.

New Client Sign-up - ( https://urbanleaguewbc.ecenterdirect.com/signup?centerid=9 ) Website - ( https://www.ulstlwbc.com/ )

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