5 Things I Am (after Startup Weekend)
March 31, 2008 | by Brian Burns3 weeks ago, I didn’t know what Startup Weekend was. 1 week ago, I had never been. Today, a couple days after my first one, I’ve been spit back out the other side. Here’s what I am right now, in the aftermath:
Tired – That was a long and intense weekend. No worries from me – that’s what I expected and that’s what I wanted -a chance to engage myself in a project and in an environment… not only for the time working, but for the time eating, sleeping, and the time lying in bed not sleeping. I got what I wanted.
Inspired – The fatigue from Startup Weekend will wear off in another couple days, but the inspiration will last awhile. I’ve come back to my ‘real job’ (which looks very similar, just with less people and better hours), and came back with a sense of excitement and purpose… with a new energy and new ideas.
Smarter – As much as Startup Weekend is about doing (instead of talking about doing), it is (perhaps as a result) a great learning experience. I got a lot better at what I do from doing it non-stop for a whole weekend, and doing side-by-side with a whole bunch of good people.
More Connected – Startup Weekend isn’t a networking event – people who use it just for that are easily exposed (and mostly ignored) by the people there to work. However, between the workers, some real connections start to form, and real networking starts to occur (you know, the kind where you actually call the person who gave you the card). I came out of the weekend with some new friends, and friends I’d like to work with again sometime soon.
Appreciative – Andrew talks a lot about building a Startup Weekend community, and admittedly, that can get lost in the bustle of activity. But when all was said and done, the community is what stuck with me. I felt, and still feel a tangible sense of appreciation… appreciation that there are a ton of other talented people doing the things I do, and appreciation that they shared in doing it for a couple great days. Entrepreneurship can be lonely… Startup Weekend makes it a group activity. And really, that’s pretty cool.
Now I can’t wait until the next one!
Brian Burns is an entrepreneur and freelance copy-writer loving the life in Boulder, CO. You can see him in action at his blog, StartupWriting.com.
Popularity: 33% [?]
One Response to “5 Things I Am (after Startup Weekend)”
By Dave on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Sounds like a fantastic event. I’ll have to hit one up the next time they come to the bay.