By Max Borges
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The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.
It is quite common these days to hear people talking about the creative process. Anyone from graphic designers to app designers legitimately use the phrase to describe what it takes to be successful at what they do. But a long-time area of fascination for me has been the creative process that goes into making timeless music. And when that process is done in the context of a group of people - a band - it’s nothing short of amazing.
I’m immensely honored to be able to present you with this conversation I recorded with Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. formerly of the bands Jellyfish and Imperial Drag. He’s been one of the songwriters I’ve respected the most and I was thrilled to have this chat with him. You’ll hear Roger describe what’s going on under the surface of the creative process for most artists as well as his description of the path he’s walked to become an in-demand musician who’s requested to play on albums for well-known artists and unknown hopefuls alike.
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Writing songs that endure: The goal of every songwriter
When Roger speaks about songwriting, his eyes instantly light up. You can tell that it’s a topic that still captivates him 30 years after the formation of his first band, Jellyfish. As he recounts the first time he tried to write an original song of his own, he admits that it was amateur and awful. He was embarrassed even to ask for constructive criticism. But that didn’t deter him from trying again. Something inside told him that he’d have to fail a lot to find success, and he was willing to put in his reps.
Fast forward to today and the music he created with his Jellyfish bandmates are some of the most timeless songs I know. The heart and soul of the music and the way it connects with the human condition are testaments to the benefit of all those years of hard work. In this conversation, Roger shares openly about his journey into music across the years, and to a deeper knowledge of himself as an artist and a human being. I hope you take the time to listen.
What do AC/DC and the Beatles have in common? Outstanding musical arrangements
One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation I had with Roger about his creative process had to do with the issue of arranging. You’ll hear me bring up AC/DC as an example of straightforward rock and roll, and the comment set Roger up to educate me on the intricacies and nuances of arranging songs in ways that connect with listeners on a deep level. We walk through the styles of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, and more as Roger uncovers the details behind what makes a song truly good. It was a delightful journey I’d go on again anytime.
At the time, did Roger realize he was making timeless music?
Roger is quick to say that during the creative process you never know if what you’re after is even going to materialize, much less whether or not it’s going to become one of those timeless melodies that connect with people across generations (Think, “Yesterday” by the Beatles). It’s a process of discovery, one that takes the songwriter and artists as much by surprise as it does anyone else.
But he also says that sometimes, after you’ve finished a song project, you just know it’s right, it’s the way it’s supposed to be. There’s a sense of finality and confidence that flow out of the process and into the way you feel about it after it’s done. Listen to hear Roger explain it as only a skilled and experienced songwriter can.
Timeless songs connect with people on a deeper level
The songs that endure are the ones that connect with us deeply. They speak to our experience, providing us an opportunity to hear an expression that represents what we would have said - or written - if we could have. If you’ve ever heard a song that made you feel that way, you know what I mean.
I find Roger’s music to be those kinds of songs for me. They guide me along my journey, helping me to express my own thoughts and feelings about the pains and joys I’ve experienced along the way. He’s one of the musical greats I have long looked up to and this conversation was something I’ll never forget. I hope you listen.
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If you were to do a quick Google search for the phrase “stress relief products,” you’d find all kinds of things to help you deal with stress after the fact. That’s because we humans get ourselves into situations that induce stress and then we look for a way to deal with what we’ve created. It's normal. It's everyday life as we know it. But does it have to be?
What if a product existed that could help you avoid many of the stressful situations common to every day? Would that be a stress relief product worth having?
Nate Kelly leads the team at Adero - a company that has created a technology solution that organizes your things so you can save time, reduce stress, and simplify your busy life. It sounds too good to be true, but once you hear how it works you’ll wonder why someone hasn’t created it before now. Listen to learn more about Adero and to hear how Nate’s path has formed him into the exact leader needed in order to make it happen.
What if we could help people never get into stress-inducing situations in the first place?
We’ve all been in situations that instantly produce anxiety or stress. Nate Kelly calls them “chaos” situations. Some examples:
Everyday situations. Nothing to worry about, right? Not to Nate Kelly. When Nate took over as the CEO of Tracker, the company was developing a product to help people find things that were already lost. But he had a bigger vision. He wondered if his team could create a tool to keep things from getting lost in the first place. What if the chaos that ensues from situations of this nature could be eliminated altogether?
Listen to hear how Nate’s questions led to answers like you've never imagined - and how Adero's technology is making a difference by releasing people from the burdens of small oversights.
“Try hard to remember not to screw that up” is NOT a good plan
Prior to the advent of the kind of technology Nate’s team is implementing, the main way to ensure you didn’t forget things was to create a list. But what happens when you forget to make the list? What happens when you lose it?
Smart tags and taglets are the answer Adero provides. These tiny A.I. powered devices are attached to the important items in your life so they can be managed for you. The system can prepare itself according to your schedule to enable your items to remember what you need for you. It’s a system that requires the use of IoT, machine learning, and other elements of the very best of tech - and it’s amazing how it works. You really should hear Nate’s explanation and vision for how Adero will change the world.
There’s no need to blame yourself for forgetting things anymore
How many times have you gone on an important business trip, or even just a drive across town and discovered that you forgot to bring what you needed? Our tendency is to chastise ourselves for being such a dummy. But what if a piece of technology could prevent that situation from ever happening?
Nate envisions a day - coming very soon - when the items you need are able to remind you that you will need them in the near future. Can you picture it? Never having to make a list again? Never forgetting important items - because the items themselves remind you to take them?
More importantly, can you imagine never feeling the panic associated with a high consequence mistake - because the mistake never happened? Nate’s team is making it possible. Find out more by listening to this episode.
Overcoming the anxiety of things through technology
Forgetting to take important items with you seems like a small problem. But look beyond the temporary inconvenience of not having a needed resource to the emotional toll it takes on you. Nate calls it “the anxiety of things,” and ironically, his team is coupling technology WITH things to prevent the anxiety from happening at all.
Nate foresees the Adero platform becoming one that allows every THING in your life to worry about YOU, preparing everything in your life for your use and convenience. Your things will be taking care of you, instead of you having to care for them. It’s an incredible solution to everyday problems, and it’s on the horizon. Nate’s team is making sure that’s the case.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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As human beings, we drastically underestimate the power of change. It’s because we derive comfort from routine and habit. It feels safe, secure, and comfortable. Change is the exact opposite, it DEMANDS that we step outside of what is normal for us and do different things.
My guest on this episode of Unconventional Genius is Beth Comstock. She’s one of the most powerful women in the business world right now and has recently released an amazing book that recounts her transformation from a shy publicist to the first woman Vice-Chair at General Electric. Beth knows about the power of change because she’s leaned into it all her life. In fact, her mother used to ask her, “Why do you always have to make things so hard?” Beth says it was because she wanted to take on her own weaknesses and fears to become something more. Beth is truly one of the most impressive people I’ve ever spoken with.
I spoke with Beth at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Los Angeles and she shared her insights on courage, overcoming the status quo, encouraging creativity, the power of change, and the results that come from true organizational change. I hope you’ll listen to this engaging conversation.
We are taught NOT to be creative - but Beth says we must learn to overcome it
In her own words, Beth Comstock says she grew up as a classic “good girl,” but when she stepped into the working world a rebel emerged - but not in the classic “buck the system” way you might think of. She simply believed there was a better way of doing things and she couldn’t hold it in.
Looking back, she can see that the typical educational system as well as the way society has been structured has made us dependent on knowing things so that we can feel like we are in control of them. To move into a context of change causes us to feel untethered, like we have no firm footing.
Beth says it’s important that we learn to develop the belief that we can figure it out - whatever “it” may be. It’s that attitude that harnesses the power of change. It moves us beyond convention to unlock the unconventional genius that resides in all of us.
Courage comes from making yourself take small, everyday steps forward
From the time she was young, Beth pushed herself. She wanted to be stronger than the things she was afraid of. But first, she had to admit that it WAS her fear that was holding her back. None of us like to admit we are afraid, but she says it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s natural - but it’s equally natural for human beings to want to overcome fear.
As an adult, Beth has seen the benefit of conquering her fears step by step throughout life. It’s the resolve to face fear, question it, and push into it instead of retreating from it. She calls it “everyday courage.” She’s taken this life lesson into her leadership. Applying her “small-steps” approach to teams has empowered many people to find the courage to unleash their own creativity.
Listen to hear how Beth has led ground-breaking initiatives, pioneered new ways of approaching problems, and has fostered creativity in teams that goes beyond the normal “creative sessions” often touted in business circles.
The power of change is yours when you think into the future and take action
In her book, “Imagine It Forward,” Beth outlines what she refers to as her “Imagine It Forward” framework - a way individuals and teams can systematically address barriers to creativity, innovation, and obstacles to scaling. I particularly enjoyed a number of the strategies she outlines in the framework. They themselves are creative ways of thinking about problems or challenges to enable new insights and perspectives.
The overall framework is based on the belief that looking into the future, imaging what it could be, is one of the most powerful ways of opening minds to possibilities. She points out that transforming the mindset and culture of a company is messy and without any kind of easy checklist. She believes the challenge calls for the courage to defy convention, go around corporate gatekeepers when necessary, and reinvent what is possible.
If you’re also tired of being told “it can’t be done,” you’ll enjoy Beth’s book and this conversation.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Andrew Yang about The Freedom Dividend and the future of America. Andrew is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of Venture for America, a national entrepreneurship fellowship that has helped create over 3,000 jobs in major cities across the United States.
He is also running for president in 2020, with a key component of his platform being the creation of a universal basic income. During our conversation, Andrew shares his vision for the future and I ask questions submitted by the Unconventional Genius community through Facebook.
How the freedom dividend could help people
Andrew explains that his plan for providing a universal basic income, known as The Freedom Dividend, was born out of the inability of the U.S. job market to keep up with technology. He says that robots are taking jobs from people at an alarming rate and our ability to adapt hasn’t kept pace.
Rather than demotivating people to work, Andrew argues that The Freedom Dividend will provide a jumpstart to those working underpaying jobs. He also says it will give people the opportunity to save more. He believes that this solution is a more viable option than trying to retrain workers.
Getting to know Andrew Yang through your questions
During this episode, I do something I’ve never done before. I let you ask the questions. Listeners submitted questions for Andrew on Facebook. He tackles these challenging questions and shares his platform and ideologies.
Many of the questions submitted dealt with Andrew’s policy and platform. He is running as a Democrat with very different views and policies than the current administration. He says, “Our goal is to try to get (Trump) out of office as fast as possible while we still have a functional government.”
Andrew Yang’s proposed Presidential platform and policies
Andrew Yang is running for President because he believes he can unite the country and bring about positive change. He argues that he isn’t a lifetime politician, but rather an entrepreneur who understands business and the economy.
During our conversation, Andrew shares how he plans to fund The Freedom Dividend. One concern is that taxes might increase. How do you pay for everyone to get $1,000 a month? Listen to this episode to find out how he intends to pay for a universal basic income.
The plan to help people adapt to the future
Andrew proposes a radical shift in both mindset and action that he feels is critical for the country to move forward. His approach is formed from the belief that job creation will not outpace the massive impending job loss due to automation. Andrew discusses the ways he would address the nation’s challenges during this interview.
Can Andrew change the mindset of people quickly enough to adapt to the times? Andrew says, “That is the challenge. Things are changing very quickly. We have to rise to that challenge. If we fail in that, then we will witness the disintegration of our country.”
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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The Unconventional Genius podcast welcomes guest Inbal Etgar, Creative Director at frog Design, to discuss the importance of design. Inbal leads the product development team of mechanical engineers and industrial designers at frog, which has been in business for over 50 years. During our conversation, Inbal talks about her role at frog, how they help companies succeed and what she sees for the future of design.
frog Design has played an instrumental role in many well-known companies and products. They have worked with companies like GE, Google, and Heatworks. Most notably, frog helped strategize and create Apple’s design language called Snow White for their line of computers. Hear Inbal recount the opportunities she has had to leverage the importance of design with these major companies.
The benefit of design for Heatworks
During our conversation, Inbal details the work that she and her team has done for Heatworks. Heatworks is also a client that I have worked with and I know firsthand that they are an innovative company with beautiful design. frog helped Heatworks design one of the most unique countertop dishwashers on the market today.
The Model 3 by Heatworks is a countertop dishwasher that uses a completely new way to heat water. By developing this type of technology, Heatworks was able to use their water-heating method in different applications, including the dishwasher. During our interview, Inbal shares her experience working with Heatworks to not only help with product design, but also with their overall branding.
Inbal Etgar’s journey into industrial design
Inbal shares with me her journey to becoming the creative director at frog. Starting out as a painter and sculptor, she had a passion to shape her environment. A family friend, who was an industrial engineer, invited her to help build some models which opened her eyes to the professional opportunities that industrial design held.
Inbal says that industrial design is the intersection of engineering and plastic arts. She appreciates the constraints of the discipline and the opportunity to redefine visual norms.
Inbal has traveled through Europe and China and experienced the different aspects of industrial design. She landed in the United States just before the release of the first iPhone and Fitbit. Inbal has achieved the rare privilege of experiencing the confluence of passion and skill.
The acceleration of progress and how it is impacting design.
Is design experiencing benefit from the acceleration of progress? Inbal says design is a key factor in progress and innovation but is only successful when a company has a solid foundation. She suggests that companies can over-index on design and fail to actually solve a problem for businesses and consumers.
Inbal says, “Design starts in the boardroom.” You can have a really beautiful design but if you don’t have clarity about how you are going to ensure longevity, you will struggle to deliver over time. Hear more insight from Inbal’s unique experience and perspective during this episode of Unconventional Genius.
The importance of design and its connection to failure
“Success lives where tolerance for failure exists.” Inbal stresses the importance of being willing to fail. Data and research help you better understand how to solve problems, but sometimes you have to follow intuition. Inbal cites Steve Jobs as a great example of someone who took risks and failed but who bounced back to experience unprecedented success.
During this interview, Inbal shares her vision for the future of design. She believes that the importance of design is understood better than ever before. She believes that companies gain an advantage in creating a product and solving a problem by having a designer at the table. Listen to this episode of the Unconventional Podcast to hear more from Inbal Etgar.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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This week on Unconventional Genius, I talk with Stuart Lombard, Founder and CEO of Ecobee about how he led his company to overcome adversity to become the smart thermostat leader. Even what sometimes seems like a victory in business can turn in to an unexpected setback. It’s not about the challenges but how you respond to them that matter.
Stuart Lombard is serious about saving energy. Even with no background in the energy sector and no experience in consumer electronics, Stuart set out to create a better way to manage energy in the home. “When we started people were like ‘Why are you doing thermostats? That’s the stupidest idea ever!’” With a degree in applied mathematics and a background in leading businesses, he started a company that produced one of the first connected thermostats.
How a potential setback set the course for continued success
Before the launch of Ecobee, thermostats were programmable, but not wifi connected. In 2009, Stuart led Ecobee to raise capital, secure investors, and release the first connected thermostat to market. It was a huge success. However, 2 years later NEST introduced their cheaper and more feature-rich thermostat. What could’ve been a devastating setback turned into be a defining moment for the company.
How you respond when unforeseen trouble arises can make or break your company. For Stuart Lombard, even a potentially crippling challenge couldn’t stop his optimism or passion for creating a great product. Instead of giving up, the Ecobee team dug in and found a way to create the next best product that would put them back on top of the connected thermostat market.
How Apple set the expectation for all consumer electronics
Even though they don’t make thermostats, Apple has set the expectations for all consumer electronics when it comes to form and function. This has led Stuart Lombard and his team to pursue excellence and innovation. During our conversation, Stuart shares five competitive pillars that Ecobee strives to win at with every product.
One key to success that Stuart shares is the importance of slowing down. For startup companies, everything is urgent. However, when you are first developing a product you have to take your time and consider every detail. Once you’ve solidified the actual product, then you can speed up. Knowing the rhythm of when to slow down and when to push forward is critical.
The mission that propels Ecobee
Ecobee's mission is greater than creating a great consumer product. It is about making the world a better place and helping people reduce their carbon footprint. They have a program that allows customers to anonymize their data and share it for research purposes. This program helps Ecobee make life better and more efficient through their products. They are also partnering with utility companies to help them serve their customers.
I ask Stuart Lombard about the advantages and disadvantages of running a tech company in Toronto. He shares that there is a wealth of talent in Toronto, with less competition than Silicon Valley. The cost of living and quality of life are also better. Access to capital and quality of the teams continues to raise the level of opportunity for Ecobee.
What the future holds for Ecobee
Ecobee continues to innovate by bringing new and improved products to market. The newest is the Switch Plus, which is a wifi connected light switch. It has occupancy detection so it will turn on the lights in a dark hallway. It will also turn off lights for you. Listen as Stuart shares about how their light switch solves common problems in the home.
10 years into the business and Stuart Lombard says he is as excited as ever about the opportunities ahead for Ecobee. They are continuing to research and learn the needs of customers. He believes the connected home will be the next computing platform. With all the adversity that Ecobee and Stuart Lombard has faced, they have been able to overcome and take their place at the top of the smart thermostat industry.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Gene Marks, author, speaker, and President of the Marks Group, about the top technology trends in business. Gene talks to entrepreneurs all around the country about the issues that impact growth and success. During this conversation, we discuss several trends in business that can improve your company.
3 technologies that will impact your business this year
Gene Marks is not only a marketing genius, but he is also a CPA by trade. Because of his background, he likes to talk with business owners about ways to improve cash flow. Doing so will help increase profits, which can be funneled back into the business, fueling growth. Gene shares with me some ways to track and improve cash flow by leveraging technology.
When thinking about the impact of technology trends on your business, Gene Marks says that you have to consider both long-term and short-term impact. One of the most important trends in technology is the use of a CRM system. This type of platform acts as a one-stop shop for all the data in your company. Listen as Mark talks about different CRM providers and the benefits they can offer your company.
How to pick the right tools for your company
Along with the various demands of running a company, there is an overwhelming amount of technology that business owners can choose from. While many of these resources are helpful, they can also become expensive and cumbersome. How does a business owner know which platforms are the best?
Gene Marks recommends finding a company that provides multiple platforms so that you have consistency and integration. Instead of using different companies for various applications, he says picking one company that provides multiple platforms will decrease some of the confusion and expense. Listen as Mark shares some of the best integrated suites you should consider using in your company.
Attracting and keeping millennial talent
Millennial workers are incredibly innovative and talented young individuals that are now entering the workforce. One of the challenges of leading a company is determining how to attract and keep that talent. During our conversation, Gene shares with me some of the technology trends and benefits that companies are using to appeal to potential millennial employees.
One trend that Gene highlights is unlimited time off. He suggests that millennials want more mobility and independence in their careers. Offering unlimited time-off has proven to be attractive to potential hires. However, you might be surprised by the amount of vacation used by employees at companies that have implemented unlimited time off.
The politics that are impacting technology trends in business
In the last few years, there has been a major shift in politics. With a Republican congress and the current presidential administration, there is some uncertainty as to what policies might change in the near future. Gene says “The smartest business people I meet put that aside and focus on the facts.”
It is critical for business leaders to focus on the things that they have control over while resisting the temptation of fear and worry stirred by politics. Gene discusses some of the major policies that might impact businesses and how to navigate those changes. Listen to this episode to hear his advice on that and much more.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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On this week’s episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Zoli Honig, Founder and COO of Waivecar, about how he is building a truly free car-sharing program. By harnessing advertising capital, Zoli is seeing his dream of transporting people from place to place for free become a reality. He shares with me how he got his start in business and some of the keys to being a successful entrepreneur.
Zoli’s story is one of both hard work and a little bit of luck. He has proven that even though some ideas don’t seem great at first, with a little bit of imagination and a lot of time and energy, you can create an industry-transforming business. During this episode, you’ll hear Zoli’s story and what he’s learned along the way.
Don’t let fear cause your good idea to go to waste
Zoli Honig’s technological aptitude began when he was a teenager. He turned his skills into a successful business idea while in college. Zoli noticed that the educational platform used by most colleges and universities was inefficient and difficult to use. He decided to build a better application that could be used by primary schools as well as post-secondary institutions.
Along the way, Zoli learned several important lessons that he shares with me. One of the best pieces of advice he gives during our conversation is about being willing to share your ideas. Zoli says, “A lot of people assume that their idea is going to be stolen, so they don’t tell anyone. It’s not about the idea, it’s about the execution.”
A little more talk can lead to a lot more action
Leveraging your network and having strategic conversations can help open new doors of opportunity that can take your company or idea to the next level. Zoli shares how his willingness to talk with someone he didn’t know led to a meeting with the head of Hyundai ventures. That conversation was the catalyst for the largest partnership with Waivecar.
Waivecar is able to provide a free car-sharing program to consumers through advertising subsidies. In order for the business model to work, major advertisers needed a large volume of cars on the road before they were willing to buy ad space. Through a chance encounter, Zoli was able to get the idea in front of Hyundai ventures who not only bought the ad space but also provided the fleet of cars for the free car sharing program.
Thinking outside the box can open up new opportunities
The partnership with Hyundai is mutually beneficial, providing the ultimate test drive for potential buyers of a Hyundai while transporting Waivecar users. A free car-sharing program is not a traditional advertising avenue a car company might typically consider. However, because Zoli was willing to pursue his dream and work hard, he has been able to create a unique platform that serves both companies.
The stated goal of Waivecar is to provide transportation at no cost for the consumer. Instead of charging customers, Waivecar is committed to using advertising money to generate revenue. This model of being a free car-sharing program sets Waivecar apart from all other ride-sharing platforms.
Taking care of yourself helps you take care of your company
Zuli shares the importance of maintaining good physical health. Staying in shape makes you more productive, giving you more energy and focus. This allows you to more effectively pour into the business. However, keeping a routine of health takes discipline.
Zuli gives great advice for staying motivated while investing in your health. He encourages setting short-term goals so that you can see incremental success. Healthy living will ultimately contribute to greater success in all areas of life. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear about that and much more.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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Enis Hulli is on a mission to provide funding for startups. His company, 500 Startups Istanbul is looking for the best possible companies to invest money in so that those companies can achieve success while providing premium returns. However, landing an investment deal with 500 Startups Istanbul is far from easy. Listen to this episode of Unconventional Genius to hear how Enis Hulli is leading 500 Startups to make a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs around the world.
The global impact of entrepreneurship
Silicon Valley may be geographically located in the U.S., but it’s a truly international community. A study released by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a non-partisan organization which does research on trade and immigration, found that over half of $1 billion of funding for startups are awarded to companies founded by immigrants. Collectively, these companies are worth $168 billion and employ over 33,000 people.
“Entrepreneurship is all about passion and perseverance, and immigrant entrepreneurs are the most hungry for success,” adds Hulli. “That’s why many of the big companies in the U.S. are built by immigrant entrepreneurs. 500 Startups launched microfunds in countries like Turkey, Canada, Japan, and Mexico to find these entrepreneurs and become the bridge connecting them to Silicon Valley.”
The opportunities and challenges of startups outside the U.S.
Enis Hulli says that while Silicon Valley is a hub of business and entrepreneurship, not every startup wants to move to the U.S. In fact, many companies outside of the United States want to provide products and services that can help their developing countries. 500 Startups Istanbul was started to help provide funding for startups like these.
Hulli says, “An entrepreneur should go wherever the biggest market is, whether that is India, China, Africa or Europe,” he says. “That’s why our bigger vision is to help make Istanbul the startup hub of the region. Istanbul is a great place to build a product and conduct angel tests with different segments at scale."
The selective process of providing funding for startups
While 500 Startups Istanbul’s goal is to invest in businesses, not everyone who seeks an investment will get one. It is notoriously difficult to strike a deal with Startups 500. The company’s website boasts that “it’s tougher to get into 500 Startups than Harvard, MIT or Stanford.” Entrepreneurs who meet with Hulli will find he is just as selective. Of 2,500 deals presented by entrepreneurs and executives with early-stage companies, only 25 have struck deals with 500 Startups Istanbul.
“Fundraising is a priority for us, but even more critical is managing that capital and investing it wisely,” says Hulli. “Generating good returns is vital can be a turning point in building our ecosystem and attracting investor appetite."
What is the difference between a Red Ocean and a Blue Ocean company?
There are different kinds of companies seeking funding for a startup company. Enis Hulli says that some entrepreneurs are entering into an established market with lots of competition. Those companies are called Red Ocean. Other companies, called Blue Ocean are trying to create a new market or product category.
Regarding Blue Ocean companies, Hulli says, “Here we are taking a bigger market risk, but these companies can become a category or even market creators, and these are the exciting ones.” Listen as Enis Hulli gives advice for earning investments whether you have a Red or Blue Ocean company during our conversation on Unconventional Genius.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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On this episode of Unconventional Genius, I talk with Mark Palfreeman, CEO of Nixplay about the power of doing hard things. NIxplay was founded in 2007 with a vision to use technology to connect people in a meaningful way. The company accomplishes this vision through their digital photo sharing service by which families can access and share pictures over the cloud.
During our conversation, Mark shares how the military and the movie business prepared him to be a CEO of a successful tech company. He explains how he started the company and the approach to business that sets Nixplay apart. Listen now to be inspired by this Unconventional Genius
Sometimes you just have to figure it out
There is a temptation to wait until you have everything figured out before starting something new. Mark Palfreeman didn’t do that. He started his business without knowing certain key aspects of the business. However, he committed himself to doing hard things in order to figure out how to run the business.
One of the ways that Mark made up the learning gap was by surrounding himself with talented people and watching them collaborate to create great work. The time invested in putting together the right team helped him to be able to create an excellent product. Listen as Mark explains the genesis of Nixplay and the lessons he has learned while leading the company.
The key to success in business lies in core-competencies
Mark began his business by considering the opportunity for longevity. By thinking about how he can provide a meaningful service to the consumer, he has built something he both believes in and in which he can continually invest himself. Mark also shares the importance of discovering the right opportunity before attempting to launch a business
The success of a business can be found in how core-competencies are managed. Anything that is considered a core-competency in your business should be monitored closely by the top leadership. There were several aspects of his business that Mark had to closely oversee himself. Doing so safeguarded the company from the potential drift in those key areas.
How Nixplay sets itself apart
Because Nixplay is primarily an online business, customer satisfaction is of utmost importance. The impact of customer reviews cannot be overstated. Mark says that by making customer service a priority, that aspect of the business has been transformed from a cost center into a profit generator.
It’s been said that content is king. This is certainly true for Nixplay. Mark Palfreeman says, “As long as you own the copyright and I can provide a service to you, then I can be relevant to you and it’s hard for people to get in the way of that.” Focusing on providing a service where users own the content has given the company long-term value to its customers.
How doing hard things can change your life
During my conversation with Mark Palfreeman, I heard him talk about how he chose to do hard things in order to achieve his goals. He didn’t let fear or doubt keep him from trying to do something he thought was impossible. Mark’s attitude is a contributing factor to his success. He urges other leaders to have the courage stretch beyond themselves to accomplish their big vision.
Leaders should also be on a constant mission of truth-discovery within their companies. Settling for the status quo will, at best, lead to mediocrity. Listen to my conversation with Mark Palfreeman on this episode of Unconventional Genius and be inspired to do hard things that can lead to greater success in your life.
If you are with a consumer technology company planning to launch a new product at CES or are even looking ahead to CES 2019, the Max Borges Agency can help you succeed. To learn more, check out: www.maxborgesagency.com.
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The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.