As we reach the end of 2009, we find ourselves in a new economic climate - the Google age of fast, fresh, and free. As a company in the event video space, Firewire Films has always sought to stay ahead of the curve, providing innovative services and challenging ourselves to deliver them faster and cheaper than ever.
For us, 2010 will be a launching pad for subscribing even more deeply to this commitment. Our goal is to give our customers precisely what they need - accessible, reliable, and affordable video. In the spirit of this goal, look out for more free live webcasts, new ways to watch video, and several HD options in the next few months.
To our partner organizations - Thank you for your continued support! In 2010, we will expand into even more US markets in order to provide the consistent, simultaneous, nation-wide video network that you’ve been looking for. We will continue to provide you with reliable event data and an open line of communication before, during, and after your event.
We’re looking forward to 2010. With your help, we will reach new markets, decrease the marginal cost of our videos, and share our productions with a wider audience. Event video is a memory. It’s a training tool. It’s a long-distance front row seat for relatives. And in 2010, event video is for everyone!
It’s been a while since I’ve updated this blog, but I thought what better time to start it up again then from my trip to the other side of the world. So here are some brief updates:
Firewire Films is flourishing. We’ve sold videos to customers in all 50 states and 14 countries. In July, we moved into a new office North of Boston in Beverly, MA, with space to grow. And earlier this year, we announced our expansion to the west coast, with the opening of a new office in Scottsdale, AZ scheduled for this fall.
As for New Zealand, Jonathan is out here studying on the South Island in Dunedin. I’m visiting this week, and it’s been quite the adventure. This weekend we kayaked through the Milford Sound, where we paddeled alongside wild seals. Yesterday we went skydiving, which was the experience of a lifetime. Jonathan and I are exploring opportunities in the wine tourism industry, which I’ll post more about eventually (see cargovino.com).
Also, I’m dabbling with Google’s new Google Voice service, which is pretty cool. Give it a try -
This morning, I competed in the New England Regional Competition for the 2007 Global Student Entrepreneurs Awards, and I took home 3rd place for Firewire Films. This year, the global competition received over 500 nominations, and New England was the largest of all the regions.
The competition took place at Suffolk University in Boston, and was judged by 5 local entrepreneurs who are each part of the EO Network [Entrepreneurs under 50 with Businesses over $1M in revenue].
In my 30 minute presentation, I discussed my drive as an entrepreneur, the growth and future of my company, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
For more information, visit: http://www.gsea.org
About the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards:
The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards recognize those outstanding undergraduate student entrepreneurs who are simultaneously juggling course work and business plans. The GSEA Awards program understands the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship in students. This new generation of risk takers will help create the economic foundation of tomorrow. Student winners from the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand compete. They come from different backgrounds and with different business ideas, but they share the determination and creativity common to successful entrepreneurs.
Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to have lunch with Scott Smigler, owner of Exclusive Concepts, Inc.
Scott was one of the founders of the Bentley Entrepreneurship Society, and was instrumental in building the group during its early stages. Since graduating Bentley in 2004, Scott has worked tirelessly to grow his Internet Marketing company from their Waltham office.
Among other advice, one of the best things that Scott left with me was the assurance that all good things take time. One of my main concerns (and one that resonates with my fellow student entrepreneurs) is whether or not my business will grow to the point that it could financially support me, and eventually, my family. Everyone wants to work a job that they love doing, but security is a legitimate aspect of choosing a career. Scott explained that with the right mix of ambition and perseverance, often times one great lifelong customer can finance an entire start-up venture.
Another important suggestion that Scott offered was to find out what your company does best, and stick to it. One downfall to being a true entrepreneur is the tendency to always create new ideas and never fully realize them. By understanding what you’re good at and completely investing yourself in that effort, the result is a purer and more recognizable solution for your clients.
Take advantage of any opportunity that you have to learn from people like Scott who have already crossed some of the obstacles that challenge you. You can never have too many mentors!
To save up for college, Alex sold one million pixels of a web page ($1 ea.) in 100 pixel blocks to advertisers who wanted a piece of the inevitable publicity that would occur if Alex’s page took off. And it did.
Alright… so I was never much of a fan of reading, but I found out recently that there are good books out there. Any of these books will positively impact your thinking on how to start/run a business:
Blueprint to a Billion, By David G. Thompson The Innovator’s Soultion (follow up to The Innovator’s Dillema), By Clayton Christensen
Seeing What’s Next, By Clayton Christensen, S.D Anthony
Blue Ocean Stategy, By Kim and Mauborgne
How to Win Friends and Influence People, By Dale Carnegie
Winning, By Jack Welch
First, Break All the Rules, By Marcus Buckingham
The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid, By C. K. Prahalad
Good to Great, By Jim Collins Treasure Hunt, By Michael J. Silverstein Biznets: The Webopoly of Future Business, By Frank Feather
