startupweekend lansing presentation

Lessons we learned

Ah ha!

October 31, 2008

It’s about execution

•Excel macros•10 students•Positive feedback: saved students from missing assignments…value!

Test early. Test often. Listen.

Your vision Developer

November 2009. 1 year anniversary *tear *tear

December 09 Graduation.

“Heartburn & anxiety are a product of my girl friend, remind101”

Good• Work for myself

• Build something cool

• Provide value to the world!

• Make money?

I didn’t realize• It’s really hard•There is SO much to learn•Lonely & 23•Naïve

So?•Surround yourself with people who care (family, friends, mentors)•Just start: best time’s in college•Worst that can happen?•You are investing in yourself

November, 6th, 2010

1,500 students. 200 professors. 20,000 SMS.

• Always takes more time & $ than expected

• 1,000 of small decisions every day

• Be resourceful & find a way: story with marketing team

• Be courageous: Pitched a billionaire & failed (for now)

• Don’t quit your day job...yet

• Vision to know where you are going but patience to get there

Major Lessons

@brettkopf

brett@remind101.com