Bunch of guys in chennai are planning to form a Bootstrap group to help startups. Interesting part of it is that we have decided to have meetings in OpenCoffee format
http://www.opencoffeeclub.org/
Here's the blurb:
The Chennai OpenCoffee Club is a place for people involved in the startup ecosystem to meet in an informal setting. Anyone involved with startups - entrepreneurs, developers, lawyers, investors - is invited to come and join the conversation.
Date & Time:
3pm on Sunday, 5th August
Place:
Subway
New no. 147, G.N.Chetty Road,
T.Nagar.
Landmark: Opp Murugan Idli Shop.
Anyone interested can drop in at the above place and time. If possible, send me an email with an rsvp so that we can gauge the approximate size of the gathering. Send a mail to Guna Sekaran or siddharta@gmail.com.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Better ways to sustain the(in a) startup!
I was talking about ways to sustain in a startup in BCB4 that was held in IIMB, Bangalore last week. Primarily, I talked on four major elements of the startup - would like to call it as 4C rules - the Customer, Company, Citizenry(people) and the Cash flow. Here is the summary of it.
Customer
1. Understand the target customer well.
2. Do the Customer profiling before you venture into the company.
3. Look at what customers benefit from your product/service – do not look at your product features!
Company
1. Ask yourself - What is that you want to change in the current system!
2. Do not venture into anything, just because you wannabe an entrepreneur!
3. Be unusual! Think big.
4. Go for a High risk high impact strategy! You are lucky if you have a low risk high impact strategy!
4. Always have alternate options!
5. Everything is urgent and important category - Do it now – Sense of urgency is a must!
6. Don’t expect to fly – Have a long term plan.
7. Crawl, walk, run – Fly strategy works out very well.
Citizenry
1. Too much passionate of your idea is too dangerous – Look at the flip side of it.
2. Complement your team - If you are a techie geek – don’t think that you can sell also, have a real sales man.
3. Add people, who is very passionate about your idea and ready to go for Marathon in the startup carrier.
4. Fire people – If he can not take forward the company's passion.
5. Be wary of expanding suddenly!
6. Do not take prejudiced decision – on people
Cash flow
1. Plan well according to the depth of the pocket!
2. Invest in inventory carefully!
3. Predict the fume date!
4. Maintain tighter cash flow.
Customer
1. Understand the target customer well.
2. Do the Customer profiling before you venture into the company.
3. Look at what customers benefit from your product/service – do not look at your product features!
Company
1. Ask yourself - What is that you want to change in the current system!
2. Do not venture into anything, just because you wannabe an entrepreneur!
3. Be unusual! Think big.
4. Go for a High risk high impact strategy! You are lucky if you have a low risk high impact strategy!
4. Always have alternate options!
5. Everything is urgent and important category - Do it now – Sense of urgency is a must!
6. Don’t expect to fly – Have a long term plan.
7. Crawl, walk, run – Fly strategy works out very well.
Citizenry
1. Too much passionate of your idea is too dangerous – Look at the flip side of it.
2. Complement your team - If you are a techie geek – don’t think that you can sell also, have a real sales man.
3. Add people, who is very passionate about your idea and ready to go for Marathon in the startup carrier.
4. Fire people – If he can not take forward the company's passion.
5. Be wary of expanding suddenly!
6. Do not take prejudiced decision – on people
Cash flow
1. Plan well according to the depth of the pocket!
2. Invest in inventory carefully!
3. Predict the fume date!
4. Maintain tighter cash flow.
Friday, June 29, 2007
why should you startup?
I received a link on reasons why you should start a company in one of the discussion forums. The excerpt that I liked the most from the article is here.
One of the audience members asked if the founders were able to work from 8-5 to Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. He sort of sighed and had this to say:
“Before you get profitable and establish yourself, you’re basically walking dead and you have to realize it’s more of a marathon than a sprint.”
He then went on to say that you can expect to work over 70 hour work weeks to get the product out the door. If you’ve run any type of long distance race, then you’ll understand the importance of mental focus. For example, if you’re mentally ready to run five miles, and at the fifth mile you’re told to run five more, that’s much harder than mentally preparing for ten miles at the start. The only way to train for a marathon is by running, and the only way to train for a startup is by starting.
You can refer the complete article here.
One of the audience members asked if the founders were able to work from 8-5 to Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn. He sort of sighed and had this to say:
“Before you get profitable and establish yourself, you’re basically walking dead and you have to realize it’s more of a marathon than a sprint.”
He then went on to say that you can expect to work over 70 hour work weeks to get the product out the door. If you’ve run any type of long distance race, then you’ll understand the importance of mental focus. For example, if you’re mentally ready to run five miles, and at the fifth mile you’re told to run five more, that’s much harder than mentally preparing for ten miles at the start. The only way to train for a marathon is by running, and the only way to train for a startup is by starting.
You can refer the complete article here.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Why hit “start” button to shutdown windows!
A hilarious and entertaining talk given by New York Times technology columnist David Pogue on simplicity, is one of the best TED speeches I have listened to.
Doing things simple for the customers is hard for architects. But, that is where the challenge is for any product development companies. He clearly spells out that when it comes to tech, simplicity sells.
The great example he has given for the cult of simplicity is the Apple’s iPod. There were many products that were priced less, had more features, and backed up by Microsoft but the iPod won stupendously in the market. It is simply because of its simplicity!
Don’t miss watching this…here! You will also know more about “Type a word Wizard” in this amazing speech!
Doing things simple for the customers is hard for architects. But, that is where the challenge is for any product development companies. He clearly spells out that when it comes to tech, simplicity sells.
The great example he has given for the cult of simplicity is the Apple’s iPod. There were many products that were priced less, had more features, and backed up by Microsoft but the iPod won stupendously in the market. It is simply because of its simplicity!
Don’t miss watching this…here! You will also know more about “Type a word Wizard” in this amazing speech!
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Am a fan of Frisbee!
I've heard of "Frisbee" in Chennai runners group and immediatly googled about it.
Interestingly, I found that I had played this game couple of times in my school days but never called this game by this name!
I have been thinking for a while of doing cross sport and made my mind to give a try on this game. Last Friday I got hold of a Frisbee disc in lifestyle showroom and planned to try out in Marina with my colleagues.
I have to say, this is THE next cross sport with my (ir)regular running and swimming! Really an awesome one!
If you want to try this game, you can join us on Wednesdays at Marina beach and on Saturdays at Besant Nagar beach at around 5.30 am.
You can also sign in to chennai_ultimate_frisbee group for more updates!
Interestingly, I found that I had played this game couple of times in my school days but never called this game by this name!
I have been thinking for a while of doing cross sport and made my mind to give a try on this game. Last Friday I got hold of a Frisbee disc in lifestyle showroom and planned to try out in Marina with my colleagues.
I have to say, this is THE next cross sport with my (ir)regular running and swimming! Really an awesome one!
If you want to try this game, you can join us on Wednesdays at Marina beach and on Saturdays at Besant Nagar beach at around 5.30 am.
You can also sign in to chennai_ultimate_frisbee group for more updates!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
oob Conference 2007
oob stands for ‘Out Of Box’, and defines the new age entrepreneurs, thinkers, idea-creators and achievers. oob, is an experience! An experience which will keep you inspired; will get you thinking; and will push you to action-mode.
oob Conference brings together; Technology Geeks, Scientists, Creative Geniuses and Business Rebels, all under one roof. As an attendee you will get an opportunity to listen to individuals who had a unique oob idea and saw it to fruition. At the annually held oob Conference you will get to see what’s new in technology, discover the latest in science, experience the process of creativity and above all else, gain the inspiration to become achievers.
Very interesting one...I would probably register for it!
You can register for this conference at
http://www.oobconference.com/register.html
oob Conference brings together; Technology Geeks, Scientists, Creative Geniuses and Business Rebels, all under one roof. As an attendee you will get an opportunity to listen to individuals who had a unique oob idea and saw it to fruition. At the annually held oob Conference you will get to see what’s new in technology, discover the latest in science, experience the process of creativity and above all else, gain the inspiration to become achievers.
Very interesting one...I would probably register for it!
You can register for this conference at
http://www.oobconference.com/register.html
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Simple truths!!
Unfortunately we don't respect few simple truths some times....
Here is a powerful presentation that really blazed me….
I'm sure you'll enjoy the awe-inspiring message. Ensure your speakers are ON.
This is really something needed almost everyday!!
Here is a powerful presentation that really blazed me….
I'm sure you'll enjoy the awe-inspiring message. Ensure your speakers are ON.
This is really something needed almost everyday!!
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chennai runners are in full tilt !!
These days Chennai runners are in full tilt...!
I am seeing lot of activities...starting from website launch, branding, tagline finalization to featuring in HINDU.
Unfortunately I missed this Sunday run...(couldn't do much about it) and Yes...THE HINDU had the Chennai Runners covered in the page two of the Chennai edition. Here is link for online edition of the Hindu article...that has come out very nicely.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/11/stories/2007061103330200.htm
Congratulations and Thanks to all those who took the effort to get the article on Hindu.
I see lot of new runners joining the club after this article...and I believe close to 50 runners joined in last 4 weeks and close to 25 runners joined today alone.
We are looking forward to have much more people joining us...in the near future!
We are planning to have our own marathon in Chennai as a substitute for the Mysore half marathon that was cancelled couple of weeks back. This marathon is going to be from Tollgate to Mahabs on ECR for about 30 kms on July 15 2007.
We are expecting lot more turn out and to have lot more fun...!
Do join us at http://www.chennairunners.com for more fun and of course for more run!
I am seeing lot of activities...starting from website launch, branding, tagline finalization to featuring in HINDU.
Unfortunately I missed this Sunday run...(couldn't do much about it) and Yes...THE HINDU had the Chennai Runners covered in the page two of the Chennai edition. Here is link for online edition of the Hindu article...that has come out very nicely.
http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/11/stories/2007061103330200.htm
Congratulations and Thanks to all those who took the effort to get the article on Hindu.
I see lot of new runners joining the club after this article...and I believe close to 50 runners joined in last 4 weeks and close to 25 runners joined today alone.
We are looking forward to have much more people joining us...in the near future!
We are planning to have our own marathon in Chennai as a substitute for the Mysore half marathon that was cancelled couple of weeks back. This marathon is going to be from Tollgate to Mahabs on ECR for about 30 kms on July 15 2007.
We are expecting lot more turn out and to have lot more fun...!
Do join us at http://www.chennairunners.com for more fun and of course for more run!
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
10 destinations in 1000 bucks!
Well, reaching out to 10 destinations in 1000 bucks may be possible…but see the below map for the places that you have to visit.
· Pandavapura (Near Srirangapatnam, Karnataka)
· Ului (Near Karwar, Karnataka)
· Mungal (South of Hydrebad, AndhraPradesh)
· Sangam (Near Nellore, AndhraPradhesh)
· Uttumalai (Near Tenkasi, TamilNadu)
· Jayamkondacholapuram (Near Mannarkudi, TamilNadu)
· Chembakolli (Near Nilgiris, TamilNadu)
· Kottar (Near Quilon, Kerala)
· Kaladi (Near Cochin, Kerala)
· Valiyanur (Between Kozhikode & Tellicherry, Kerala)
Definitely a difficult task but a possible one!!
You have to start with just 1000 bucks and find possible ways to travel…eat and sleep during these 15 days.
Participants are allowed to carry extra money, but are not encouraged to use it unless they are in some deep trouble – In this case you have failed in the contest.
Are you game for it !! visit http://bigrace.pbwiki.com
Planned date:
o Start Date: 10th June 2007 Morning (Sunday)
o End Date : 24th June 2007 evening (Sunday)
o Starting destination: Your choice
o Final destination : The start and the end point should be the same
Ohhh....I love to do this! But no ways for taking 15 days off!!
· Pandavapura (Near Srirangapatnam, Karnataka)
· Ului (Near Karwar, Karnataka)
· Mungal (South of Hydrebad, AndhraPradesh)
· Sangam (Near Nellore, AndhraPradhesh)
· Uttumalai (Near Tenkasi, TamilNadu)
· Jayamkondacholapuram (Near Mannarkudi, TamilNadu)
· Chembakolli (Near Nilgiris, TamilNadu)
· Kottar (Near Quilon, Kerala)
· Kaladi (Near Cochin, Kerala)
· Valiyanur (Between Kozhikode & Tellicherry, Kerala)
Definitely a difficult task but a possible one!!
You have to start with just 1000 bucks and find possible ways to travel…eat and sleep during these 15 days.
Participants are allowed to carry extra money, but are not encouraged to use it unless they are in some deep trouble – In this case you have failed in the contest.
Are you game for it !! visit http://bigrace.pbwiki.com
Planned date:
o Start Date: 10th June 2007 Morning (Sunday)
o End Date : 24th June 2007 evening (Sunday)
o Starting destination: Your choice
o Final destination : The start and the end point should be the same
Ohhh....I love to do this! But no ways for taking 15 days off!!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Real spirit - Inspiring video!!
One of my friends - swamy shared this video to me! A best inspirational video I have ever seen…soon I got this video I uploaded into YouTube and plugged in my blog space.
Watch this…Get inspired!!
Watch this…Get inspired!!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Bangalore Midnight Marathon - 19th May
This is a first of its kind in the history of Marathon. I was very fortunate to be part of it. I participated in the half marathon...i.e running 21097.5 meters - to be very precise.
We were bunch of ardent runners from chennairunners club participated in this Marathon. All of them participated in the half Marathon.
It was altogether a new experience running in the midnight when the entire city was sleeping. Of course it was way way better than the practice runs that we had in Marina beach.
The run was extremely strenuous for me and I finished the run in 3 hours 15 minutes....! Not a best timing as compared to my previous half marathon in Mumbai (It was 2 hours 55 minutes)....May be because of lack of practice (well...lack of discipline as well)
My target of finishing HM is less than 2 hours.....and I am planning to break this in the forthcoming Bangalore Marathon in September.
All the runners from chennairunners group finished the Half marathon successfully. It was a great fun running in the midnight...and we enjoyed every bit of it.
Here is one of the snaps that we've taken before the run....!
Yes...definitely we created a history!!
We were bunch of ardent runners from chennairunners club participated in this Marathon. All of them participated in the half Marathon.
It was altogether a new experience running in the midnight when the entire city was sleeping. Of course it was way way better than the practice runs that we had in Marina beach.
The run was extremely strenuous for me and I finished the run in 3 hours 15 minutes....! Not a best timing as compared to my previous half marathon in Mumbai (It was 2 hours 55 minutes)....May be because of lack of practice (well...lack of discipline as well)
My target of finishing HM is less than 2 hours.....and I am planning to break this in the forthcoming Bangalore Marathon in September.
All the runners from chennairunners group finished the Half marathon successfully. It was a great fun running in the midnight...and we enjoyed every bit of it.
Here is one of the snaps that we've taken before the run....!
Yes...definitely we created a history!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Run for a Cause!!
I had NO time to put my pledging emailer in to my blog before the Marathon day.
=========================================================
I have just started volunteering for Dream a Dream, an organization established to create an empowered future for all of us. This is where I would want to spend a little time I may have.
I wholly expect this volunteering work would be an enthralling experience and a constant source of inspiration, where the children inspire the volunteers who inspire the children!
This January on the 21st, Sunday, I'm joining hands with other Dream a Dream volunteers for running half Marathon (21 kms) of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, for couple of reasons…
Firstly to raise money for the various programs at Dream a Dream, I've set myself a target of more than twenty thousand rupees (>$500).
Secondly, it makes me immensely proud to represent Dream a Dream in one of the biggest events in Asia!
Visit www.dreamadream.org to know more about Dream a Dream and the Mumbai Marathon.
I request YOU to help me achieve my target by monetarily pledging your support for my Dream Run. No amount is small or big enough, every rupee/dollar will count for me!! :-)
All donations will be used for the programs at Dream a Dream and you will be eligible for Tax exemptions on the donated amount.
Here are the options to pledge money for my Dream Run…
1. Online donations can be done through the Give India Website. US taxpayers can pledge online at: www.giveworld.org/pledge.htm. Indian donors can pledge online at: www.giveindia.org/give/pledge.jsp
2. You can make an online transfer to my account in ICICI Bank (005301023831, S GUNASEKARAN). Kindly send me an email once the transfer is done.
3. Give me a cheque in the name of "Give India", you can courier the cheque to the address below or call me at 098409 67389 and I'll come and collect the cheque if in Chennai or Bangalore or Mumbai.
Dream a Dream,
No. 73, 1st Floor, Lashker, Hosur Road,
Adugodi, Next to Suraksha Motors,Bangalore – 560 030
Looking forward to a positive response from you, please call me at 09840967389 or email me for any questions/suggestions!
Another way to help me out: Please forward this to your friends, groups, and family who might be interested in contributing….you never know who's waiting out there to help!
With lots of Dreams,
Guna Sekaran
gunasekaran.sj@gmail.com
Vision of Dream a Dream: Empowering children from vulnerable backgrounds by developing life skills and at the same time sensitizing the community through active volunteering leading to a non-discriminatory society where unique differences are appreciated
=========================================================
I have just started volunteering for Dream a Dream, an organization established to create an empowered future for all of us. This is where I would want to spend a little time I may have.
I wholly expect this volunteering work would be an enthralling experience and a constant source of inspiration, where the children inspire the volunteers who inspire the children!
This January on the 21st, Sunday, I'm joining hands with other Dream a Dream volunteers for running half Marathon (21 kms) of the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon, for couple of reasons…
Firstly to raise money for the various programs at Dream a Dream, I've set myself a target of more than twenty thousand rupees (>$500).
Secondly, it makes me immensely proud to represent Dream a Dream in one of the biggest events in Asia!
Visit www.dreamadream.org to know more about Dream a Dream and the Mumbai Marathon.
I request YOU to help me achieve my target by monetarily pledging your support for my Dream Run. No amount is small or big enough, every rupee/dollar will count for me!! :-)
All donations will be used for the programs at Dream a Dream and you will be eligible for Tax exemptions on the donated amount.
Here are the options to pledge money for my Dream Run…
1. Online donations can be done through the Give India Website. US taxpayers can pledge online at: www.giveworld.org/pledge.htm. Indian donors can pledge online at: www.giveindia.org/give/pledge.jsp
2. You can make an online transfer to my account in ICICI Bank (005301023831, S GUNASEKARAN). Kindly send me an email once the transfer is done.
3. Give me a cheque in the name of "Give India", you can courier the cheque to the address below or call me at 098409 67389 and I'll come and collect the cheque if in Chennai or Bangalore or Mumbai.
Dream a Dream,
No. 73, 1st Floor, Lashker, Hosur Road,
Adugodi, Next to Suraksha Motors,Bangalore – 560 030
Looking forward to a positive response from you, please call me at 09840967389 or email me for any questions/suggestions!
Another way to help me out: Please forward this to your friends, groups, and family who might be interested in contributing….you never know who's waiting out there to help!
With lots of Dreams,
Guna Sekaran
gunasekaran.sj@gmail.com
Vision of Dream a Dream: Empowering children from vulnerable backgrounds by developing life skills and at the same time sensitizing the community through active volunteering leading to a non-discriminatory society where unique differences are appreciated
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