This is not the first time for me to attend
such a networking event but I still have a lot of thoughts to share. After
attending the venture forum held in WPI two weeks ago, I get three take away from
this great networking event.
Firstly, the real elevator pitch given by
the health care company was great. This is not my first time to see a casual
business proposal in person, but this one is really an integrated and promising
one. The content the elevator pitch covered was comprehensive and pinpoint in
accordance to the Business Model Canvas I have learned. Therefore, it was a
great real experience for me to observe a real elevator pitch, which combined
the principle introduced by professor. Moreover, it gave me more idea of what a
real elevator pitch should be and adopted them in my following presentations of
my own business models both in ETR500 and MKT566. I’m glad to see that the
knowledge I’ve learned in another course can benefit my work and can be adopted
by other business man in real.
Secondly, communication is the key in
networking event. As other networking events do, the Venture Forum gave
considerable time for people to social with others, both during dinner and
break. It was great time to talk to the people you are interested in, which
widen your social networking circle at the same time. However, how can we achieve
this goal and utilize the networking time effectively? The answer is
communication. No one talk to people who do not talk. Therefore, looking at
other’s eyes and say hi is the key process to start with!
Thirdly, clarify your goal before attending
the networking event. I remembered a student asked a question of how to find
the co-founder from technology domain. And two engineers raised their hands.
You will never gain if you do not ask. Moreover, well preparation makes your
time more effectively. You want to seek co-founder? Fund? Or just make more
friends? People with clear goal goes faster.
I cannot agree with you more about the elevator pitch should be include all the key things that the presenter want to tell to the audience. InfoBionics really did a good job on that part. Also, networking event is all about meeting new people and communicating with them. It depends on what kind of networking event you want to participate. Before attending events such as Venture Forum, people definitely needs to prepare well.
ReplyDeleteI really agree that you should be fully prepared before going to venture forum. At least we should know who gonna talk today, what position s/he is, and the most important, today's topic. I feel like I did not do enough research about the second topic, which lead me some fall behind the angel invest part. I'm pretty sure what I exactly took away from this venture forum is how to participate a venture forum.
ReplyDeleteI always feel a pity that I can’t go to the venture forum every time since I have class on Tuesday. I totally agree with you about the networking opportunity that venture forum provided for participants. I have this opportunity met Lisa who is such a kind person and will lead a discussion during every break about the topic. People on the table are sharing great ideas to make the night even better. Just love the feelings of meeting new people. But sometimes it’s hard to take the first step. Venture forum gives us the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel pity on absent from VF. I know there is considerable great networking events beside the VF. Take a look at www.eventbrite.com. You will find a lot of resource.
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