April 2012:
Christian Gurney
Shares Lessons Learned

April 27, 2012 By Mike Colwell

Gurney’s presentation entitled “Building and Launching a Product – Lessons Learned” was intended for anyone in charge of bringing an idea to life. Among the insights Gurney provided were: staying focused amidst all the distractions, understanding that obstacles are overcome through the teamwork of a well-chosen team, and that decisive action is required even if (on occasion) it leads to mistakes.

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LinkedIn

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March 2012:
Matt Loecke
Talks Sales to Entrepreneurs

March 15, 2012 By Mike Colwell

With more than 15 years sales experience across multiple vertical markets, Loecke knows there is no “cookie cutter” solution to an emerging business’ sales requirement, but there is a process to determine those needs and tailor your efforts. During his BIZ presentation, he shared best practices on launching, aligning and managing the sales processes for emerging enterprises.

Get the presentation slides (pdf file)

Download a summary of the presentation (pdf file)

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LinkedIn

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October 2011:
Jeff Garrison
Get a Grip on Your Business

October 19, 2011 By Mike Colwell

A recognized speaker, Jeff Garrison’s interactive style and real world insight makes this a must see event for growth-oriented entrepreneurs everywhere. You will walk away focused, clear on priorities and issues, and using tools that help you gain more traction. Get the presentation slides (pdf file) Connect with Jeff

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June 2011:
Tom Buman
Transitioning from Consulting Company to a Products Company: Finding Your Feet in Two Worlds

June 15, 2011 By Mike Colwell

    Since July 1996 Agren has been a consulting business. About 5 years ago, they had a grant approved to build conservation planning software that utilizes the new technology of LiDAR. After receiving lots of compliments on the software, they decided they might be able to turn it into a business. Listen in as [...]

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March 2011:
Ben Milne
Cultivating a Start–Up That Attracts Attention

March 23, 2011 By Mike Colwell

Watch Ben Milne, cofounder and CEO of Dwolla, a peer-to-peer payment platform, as he discusses a wide range of topics spanning the distance from Des Moines to the Midwest Silicon Prairie. He’ll share his experiences as a successful entrepreneur in Des Moines, what it’s like raising money in Des Moines, details about the Silicon Prairie [...]

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January 2011:
Don Schoen
The Iowa Entrepreneurial Community: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow From a Serial Entrepreneur’s Point of View

January 19, 2011 By Mike Colwell

Audiologist, soft-serve yogurt industry pioneer, family-owned supermarket manager, software company–owner and Entrepreneur of the Year are a few of the many titles Don Schoen has held. Schoen, “Super Entrepreneur,” talks about how embarking on start-up ventures has changed over the years and gives a more holistic view of the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Get the presentation slides [...]

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October 2010:
Emily Harris
Protecting IP Assets

October 20, 2010 By Mike Colwell

A small business can live and die by its name, but protecting one of an organization’s most vital assets is relatively simple. Emily Harris, attorney at The Davis Brown Law Firm, leads an interactive discussion about intellectual property protection. Get the presentation slides (pdf file) Top 10 Trademark Tips (pdf file) Patent Tips (pdf file) [...]

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This project is funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding should not be construed as an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. All SBA-funded projects are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.