Comments on: Expanding Entrepreneur Ecosystem Of New England

By: Jeff Bennett Blog Top Posts June 2009 | Jeff Bennett Blog

Jeff Bennett Blog Top Posts June 2009 | Jeff Bennett Blog — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:19:52 +0000

[...] June 7, 2009 – Expanding Entrepreneurs Ecosystem In New England [...]

By: dealsbennett

dealsbennett — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:21:39 +0000

Thanks Jules. Indeed we have lots to be thankful right here. We also have lots of head room to expand our community for entrepreneurs…links to the schools…and talented workers. Our network is unparalleled…just need to tap it.

By: dealsbennett

dealsbennett — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:20:10 +0000

Thanks for the comment Bobbie. Thanks also for your leadership on Mass Innovation Nights. I have heard great things from those who have been attending. We have some NameMedia folks coming this week. I am envious and grateful for all we have here.

By: dealsbennett

dealsbennett — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:17:36 +0000

Thanks for the comment Stephen. I am glad you are in Boston with your venture. This is a very special place to build a company – schools, entrepreneurs, talent, funding – and a great place to live with the ocean, mountains, culture, history and all. Need more like you to come and try it out. You have a very cool business concept too!

By: Stephen Wooten

Stephen Wooten — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:28:26 +0000

This being my first time out to Boston, I wasn’t really sure what the tech/entrepreneurship community would be like but it has been nothing short of amazing!

I’m from Chicago and after a while, I realized I kept bumping into the same people at different events. The networks out there seem a bit shallow (although, maybe MY network is just shallow?), whereas out here, I feel like I can get in touch with very established people. I also am not used to how helpful everyone is!

The point is, i’ve never been to Silicon Valley but I think if you believe that the only way to win is to relocate yourself there, you’re probably going to fail anyways. There are opportunities everywhere and if you don’t realize that.. you’re toast.

By: Bobbie Carlton

Bobbie Carlton — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:36:39 +0000

Right on, Jeff. End Silicon Valley envy right now. In fact, I would submit that New England winters give us our own natural advantage, a reason to hole up and focus on your next big idea.

That said, I want to jump in and urge people to get out. Push away from the desk and the computer and go out to meet people, face-to-face. (And not just Mass Innovation Nights, either.) Use social media to facilitate meeting someone new, or catching up with a contact you haven’t seen in years. Have a conversation that stimulates your mind and helps you see something in a new light.

Event planners — what are you doing to facilitate face-to-face meetings? Are you posting your RSVP list ahead of time? Are you sharing the attendee list? How can we help connect the people who need to work together to make things happen?

By: Jules Pieri

Jules Pieri — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:53:24 +0000

Thanks for the shout out Jeff. You are right. The workforce here really is special…great skills, education, loyalty (non-competes non-withstanding) and work ethic.

I’m delighted you highlighted the Tech Stars program, and Brad Feld’s rationale for bringing it here. It’s a welcome and encouraging development for the area. And, finally, I’m glad you emphasized all of New England, and not just Boston.