Au Revoir Blogger and Merci

I started the Why Go Solo blog on Blogger in May, 2007 because I wanted a blog where I could track and tell the story of our journey. Nothing was going right with the technical development of Why Go Solo, so I turned to Blogger—it was easy, it was simple, it was free and it provided me with what I needed.

After five months, we are finally moving to a blog on our own domain, that was fully developed by our team and is still a work in progress. I can be a sentimental fool at times, and this is one of those times. In the last five months, I have poured my heart out on these pages and built great relationships with a few of my readers. I have grown, learned and found some amazing support.

The story will continue to unfold on the new blog…but it’s turning into a new chapter. I’m happy to be turning the chapter; however, I don’t want to lose or forget anything that has gotten me to where we are now. And by lose, I don’t mean lose the posts/data…I mean, the knowledge, the lessons, the beginning…the where I came from.

It’s been a great deal of pain thus far, and I say that with fondness, a smile on my face and a tear in my eyes. The new chapter starts with opening our doors for people to sign-up for their invites to the private beta and introducing more about Why Go Solo and the team behind it.

For all of you following the story, thank you. Continue to follow the story and participate in the story at the Official Why Go Solo Plugged In blog.

See you all in the new chapter.

…to be continued at our new home

Remember Where you Came From

When I got selected for the Meritorious Commissioning Program, I was at the rank of Sergeant and all my friends congratulated me and said “Ann, remember where you came from.” Remember life as an enlisted Marine…remember what it was like, so you will be the type of Officer the Corps needs the most. That’s what they were saying and it’s what I did.

Six years later, when I left the Marine Corps, as a Captain, my Marines wished me luck and said “Ma’am, remember where you came from and that we’re always here.” They meant that there was nothing in the civilian sector that could or would stop a Marine, and that the Corps and its ethos are always part of me and who I am.

There is no boot camp to forge someone into an entrepreneur, but there are rights of passage and it is one tough road to undertake. However, as I continue my research on finding Angel Investors and funding…I’ve come to wonder if some of them have forgotten where they came from. (This would be making the assumption that the majority are former entrepreneurs themselves.)

I’ve visited quite a few Angel Investor sites again, in the last two days, and been getting some emails from other types of organizations interested in learning more about us, so that we can present at their next conference. What gets me are the price tags attached to these “opportunities” to present. I’m going to compile a list and post it in the next couple of days, but I wanted to get this post out.

Obviously, some of these folks have forgotten what it’s like to be a start-up entrepreneur. If I had a couple thousand dollars to over $10,000 laying around for every presentation that struck my fancy…I obviously wouldn’t need YOU in the first place. The little money we have is better spent on the things that create progress and get us closer to launching our product. Why spend it on potential opportunities to present to a room full of supposedly investors, that come with no guarantees?? I mean, come on…what is this all about?!!? Being an entrepreneur is about taking risks and chances, but not about being flat out dumb and careless with the few assets you do have.

Remember where you came from…it seems that some of these investors out there have forgotten that at some point in time, someone came along and they cut them their break. And that someone who cut them a break…got wealthier off of them in the process.

I do want to say a BIG THANK YOU to the entrepreneurs following this blog, who have been in our shoes not long ago, and are going out of their ways to try to help us. Erik, Ed and Alain your interest in us and support is much appreciated.

Meanwhile, I’ll ponder the age old question…what came first, the chicken or the egg. I mean, what came first…the entrepreneur or the investor? One cannot go on without the other.

I’m going to see the movie premier of The Call of the Entrepreneur tonight. I’m really looking forward to it. Best part is going to be being in a theater filled with other entrepreneurs and like minded individuals. We’re going to the VIP after party afterwards, and I can’t wait to chat it up, I’m sure I’ll have much to blog about!!

Raising Money: A Headache and Motivation!?!?

Raising money is a seriously frustrating process and when I get frustrated I get a little “aggressive”. I’m at the point where I want to hit people over the head and slap some sense into them. Remember, I spent ten years in the Marine Corps; I have little tolerance for game playing, stupidity and ignorance.

Fund raising takes time and it’s definitely a pain staking process. Getting the introduction, getting past the red tape and working through all the scams and foolishness that’s out there is enough to drive you a little “postal”. Filling out online application after online application…you want me to describe the team, the concept, and the market in 250 words or less? Not, going to happen. We’ve submitted our business plan into so many different abyss, I’ve lost count. No one contacts you back, and most of the systems don’t even have confirmation emails that let you know your plan was received.

We’ve expanded and grown Why Go Solo so much now, that the business plan is actually completely outdated and I don’t have the slightest desire to update it. What’s the point. I’ve also grown paranoid about sharing Why Go Solo with investors…we’ve got too much to offer and by that I mean…actually having a business model. I need to worry as much about someone stealing our idea, as someone stealing our business model. Scratch that, I’m more worried about someone stealing the business model than the idea…not too many people could pull off the idea, without having a front man, that can bring a community together.

My Chief Technical Officer keeps reminding me that things will be very different once we have the beta…and I know that. It doesn’t hurt that we’re also planning on winning the Amazon Web Service Start-up Contest.

I guess I just need to let out some steam…

Bottom line is, I don’t understand investors and I hate it when I don’t understand something or someone. To understand them , I would have to talk to some, and to talk to some; they would need to show themselves. I realize I said I was ready to slap people around, but I promise to be nice. I’m particularly looking for Angel Investors. We need a couple hundred thousand dollars, to may be, a million. So VCs, are not who we’re looking for…and we’re definitely not looking for a six month due diligence period.

We’re on fire and we need some backing (btw, this isn’t an open solicitation, these are facts). We can move at a bootstrap pace…or we can turn up the heat a few notches. Anyone whose been reading this blog, should know I don’t mess around. This isn’t a start-up that might see the light of day…this is a start-up that’s going to turn into an Empire. We’re not just building a company here. Hence my frustrations…I read about all of these 'mom and pop' web 2.0 company getting funded, and it increases my WTF is up with investors factor. (I'm probably not helping my cause!!)

Someone basically came out and told me I need to move to NYC. I replied that we’re making being in DC work for us...However, I can’t help but have his comment feel like a thorn in my side. Is being in DC really holding us back? I know I never would have thought about or created Why Go Solo had I not been here, so who knows...

I need the right words and the right compelling way to get investors to give me 5 minutes of their time. I’ve always been turned off by cocky and arrogant claims. It used to really tick me off when I was in the Marine Corps, too. Some folks would make outrageous claims about what they (with their platoon) could do…and they never delivered. I never made claims and we always over delivered. I’ve never had anything to prove to anyone. We always did what we had to do for own gratification and to beat our own personal best. It’s about internal drive and motivation; vice outside sourced (fake) drive and motivation. It's about empowering people, and empowering an organization.

It’s the same with Why Go Solo. We have a kick ass team, that has nothing to prove…but everything to give to seeing what they’re made of and what they can accomplish. The drive is the vision and seeing it happen. The hunger and ambition is alive in each member of the team. Those who achieve greatness, are those who challenge, and push themselves, beyond who they are now, today. The gratification and satisfaction is about results and accomplishment, not praise or money. Don’t get me wrong…they’ll be plenty of that to go around at the end of the rainbow, but it’s that “We Did It” moment, that will be the ultimate moment of sweet success. That "We Did It" moment will only be truly known in those who have been there from the beginning...who took the risks, who bleed together, who wrote history.

Those who dream big, and embark on accomplishing things that are bigger than themselves, never wonder what life is all about.

When you have a team like that behind you…you know what you’ve got, and what you will achieve…there’s no need to get to the highest tree top to announce it. We’ll deliver. We’ll make it happen. Now, who is smart enough to take us on?!!?

My purpose in life this week is to get on the calendar of investors. November is our beta launch…I’m not waiting till then to get to talk to investors or get on their calendars. This is about being ahead of the game and keeping/building more momentum.

Beta Testers: Who Are They and How Do You Benefit??

If you are launching a Web 2.0 company…beta testers are your best friends for the first few weeks (may be months) of your official private beta (or alpha) launch.

Here are a few things (according to Ann) about beta testers.

They are very knowledgeable about the web, technology, social communities, bookmarking, blogging, tagging…and all that is the Web 2.0 and the latest happenings.

They seek and keep looking for the next best thing.

They DO NOT represent your target market

They all have Web ADD. I say this with kindness…I’m guilty of it too. Plus, it's what makes them good at what they do and who they are. They explore and test many sites.

The majority are very technically inclined (programmers and developers)

Some are business development types, marketing/PR types and some are just Web 2.0 users

They are all Web 2.0 fanatics. They all have lots of opinions, and for the most part; they all have some sort of platform (blog), from which, they share their opinions and input.

Many travel in pacts. You can increase the interaction and feedback you will get, if you allow them to invite the pack to come in with them.

I want to reiterate two points: Beta testers are NOT typical web users and they are NOT your target market. They are part of your market and some will stick around, but by the time your target market gets to your site…the beta testers will have moved on to something new. In their wake, the beta testers will leave you the following:

Honest and thorough feedback. It will probably vary from one extreme to the next. But, they will openly share their thoughts, so ensure you give them an easy platform to give you feedback. Be sure to interact with your beta testers…particularly if you are working on building any type of community.

They will thoroughly test your site. They will click through everything and find everything there is to know about your site and the features you offer.

Recommendations. Recommendations and Recommendations. They will tell you how to improve your site and features. (When considering the recommendations from beta testers, remember the level of skills and web knowledge they possess. Ask yourself if the recommendation makes sense for a basic web user.)

Your beta testers are your initial evangelists. Treat them well, welcome them and connect to them. They love what they do…they love getting first looks at new sites, communities or new features. They love to talk about and report what they find.

They’ll even write code…if you’re too slow to implement a feature that makes sense; they might simply do it for you.

Like I said, some beta testers will stick around and they might become your most powerful and loyal users. It all depends on what type of site you’re running.

A lot of sites are now starting out as private betas, which require invitations to get in. I know that on Pownce, private beta invites are exchanged in the pack of folks that are beta testers. You can also find your beta testers on Inviteshares.com

Sites like Mashable, Techcrunch, Webware and the few other good ones that report on the newest Web 2.0 company, site, application or widget are the source of choice for news for the beta testers. They follow what’s happening, and then; they work on getting in. They are not the front line of reporting, but they are a very close and knowledgeable second.

I know I’ll be brining on quite a few beta testers unto Why Go Solo once we have the private beta up, and I’m really happy to say that many of those beta testers have become friends; we’re already jumping unto the latest things together. It will be awesome to open the door to them to my own home, welcome them in and receive their assistance in strengthening our offerings.

I can’t emphasize this enough about developing and starting a Web 2.0 site/company…you MUST become part of what you are building in order to ensure greater success. If you don’t participate in or understand the web…how to you expect to be successful in it?

If you don’t belong to the web, respect the web, and understand it…don’t expect that to change over night. At least be smart enough to seek the people who can help you: The Beta Testers.

...More on the DC Web Start-up Situation

Back in mid-August (August 14) I wrote a blog entry about uniting the DC, MD and VA Technology Community, Entrepreneurs and Investors. It was called The Wheels are Turning Watch Out. Wrong title, since thus far, there’s been nothing to watch out for…granted, I’ve been a little busy with moving things along with Why Go Solo.

I immediately talked about the idea with quite a few people: Two of which, have blogged about is since then, and have said much of the exact same thing: Nick O’Neil on Webentrepreneur: Bringing the Valley to DC on September 8th, and Will Kern on 15 Meanings: Irons in the Fire on September 12, 2007.

I’m an action person. Talk is cheap, blogging works, but you have to take active steps. Personally I now think, we can't say that it’s because the press isn’t involved or it’s because the VCs and investors don’t participate in the community that DC is the way it is. It’s more along the lines that the entrepreneurs aren't quite yet, really aggressively seeking each other out, getting to know one another and joining to help/support each other. Who are all the DC, VA and MD web start-up entrepreneurs?!!?

I know I need to become more active with the related meetup.com events, so I can find who my counterparts are…

One person who has taken some action forward is Justin Thorp by establishing DCTechnology.ning.com as a place for everyone to become and stay informed. Ross Karchner has been very good at keeping a list of all the DC Tech events on his blog and the RSS feed is included on the Ning community. And Ralph Sklarew has been a big evangelist for the same thing. I started the DC Entrepreneur (Web 2.0) group on Ning to hopefully really get things moving in the right direction.

I want to thank Rebecca Carpenter at Razoo for leaving a comment on my previous blog post and I look forward to meeting her and the team at their Brewing Good Happy Hour event on the Sept. 27^th and I’m sure many other folks would love to come out. This is part of supporting, encouraging and learning from each other. I have a passion for entrepreneurship, web 2.0 and making a difference in the world...shouldn’t be that hard to share and fulfill those passions!?!?

Entering a New Stage with Multiple Fronts

The development of a start-up has many stages and although they might vary slightly from one start-up to another…I think, to some extent, they are basically the same. Of course this is my first start-up of this magnitude, and I’m not an expert, so I’m writing this post (like all my other posts) in laymen’s term.

Here is a little recap of what’s been going on to better lay the foundation to explain the new stage we’re entering into:

First Stage: Have an idea. I was blessed with an idea for a web start-up through having/seeing a huge need that is currently unmet.

Second Stage: Create a team. I shared the idea with a few people who had key abilities, experiences and assets in the hope to create a team that could develop and bring the concept to market. The concept became known as: Why Go Solo

Third Stage: Nail down who is in and who is out. The team solidified itself (two of us were left standing) and we proceed to get the business plan together

Fourth Stage: Write the business plan. Through writing the business plan, doing a lot of research, and talking to many people about Why Go Solo; the idea/concept grew and was furthered developed.

Fifth Stage: Raise money. Once we had a completed business plan it was time to raise funds. Through lots of researching, networking and hitting dead ends…we realized we needed more than just a business plan to raise funding.

Sixth Stage: Develop the “product”. This stage required finding and bringing together a development team. Without funding, this stage also required growing the overall team, which is truly a joy and pleasure.

Seventh Stage: Get the growing team up-to-date and working together. Establish procedures, terms, and development platforms.

Eight Stage: Begin development.

It’s odd to look at those stages simplified like that, because it does little to identify the many challenges, obstacles, victories, joys, pains and difficulties you encounter in each of the stages...

Anyway, this brings us to the Ninth Stage…and let me tell, Stage Nine is one complex stage.

Ninth Stage: Multi-task, Supervise and Grow

For Why Go Solo, Stage Nine has three main fronts and multiple sidebars.

Front #1 Development: The development process requires constant supervision and clarification. Each developer/programmer is working diligently on his or her own piece of the puzzle and each piece is being brought together to create a whole. The whole is a moving target that needs to be identified, clarified, solidified, and perfectionized constantly, so it is the extreme best it can be. This requires the efforts, coordination and participation of many people.

Front #2 Fund Raising: Since the product is being developed…the fund raising efforts are being re-initiated. This includes updating potential investors, reconnecting with past investment options and creating new investment routes and opportunities. This involves a lot of researching and networking.

Front # 3 Finding our Clients and Customers: It’s too late to start thinking about establishing contact with potential customers once your product is already to market. This needs to begin happening before your product hits the market. Since we have three types of clients and customers:

• Individuals (This group is further broken down into three main markets)
• Corporations
• Partners/Advertisers

It’s even more crucial that we begin reaching out and building interest in who we are and what we are offering, ASAP. This involves creating a lot of materials and presentations. It also involves networking with an entirely different set of people…

Anyone overwhelmed yet!?!? Hope not…because we haven’t even addressed the side bars:

Sidebar #1 Production: We have a production side to our web start-up, therefore, we also need to buy equipment, test the product and begin production and create an inventory. This involves doing some additional research and finalizing some items and partnerships.

Sidebar #2 Board of Advisors: Time to focus on operating more like an established start-up and begin having regular meetings with our Board of Advisors…in preparation to working with our Board of Directors.

Sidebar #3 Legal Matters: “Protect our Six” We have been very good at seeking and following legal guidance and advice. Now, in Stage Nine we have a lot of new agreements, contracts, terms of services, etc. that we need to ensure we are creating and using. We also need to start submitting our patents.

Sidebar #4 Coaching Corner: I haven’t talked much about this—if at all, and I’m going to keep it that way for now. I’ll just say that it’s big item on the sidebar that includes creating and establishing another blog and podcast.

We entered the Ninth Stage within the last couple of days and this stage will go for about the next 8 weeks. Truth is…the pace is only going to continue to pick up in the next stages. These are the real fun times of the start-up process...these are the times things are happening and coming together.

Competitive Spirit: AWS Start-up Contest

We’ve decided to enter the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Start-up Contest. (Only thing that would stop us is an argument against it from our lawyer) One of our developer came across the contest and passed it along…of course, I got excited about it right away.

I play to win. I have a very competitive spirit and I love when it gets fired up. I also love the thought of having additional incentives that make me and the team work extra hard towards multiple solid tangibles.

Reap the rewards (Excerpt from Contest Page)

Prizes include $50,000 in cash, $50,000 credit toward Amazon Web Services, an investment offer from Amazon, and mentoring sessions from an Amazon Web Services Technical Expert. All five finalists will be included in various promotional activities and be featured at the invitation-only AWS Start-Up Challenge Awards Dinner.

This would be excellent exposure for Why Go Solo and it conveniently co-insides with our scheduled launch date. (Excerpt the Rules)

For each Finalist, Sponsor will produce, at its expense and at the Finalist's location, a professional video highlighting the Finalist's Business Proposition (the "Finalist Video"). The Finalist Videos will be posted online at http://aws.amazon.com/startupchallenge in November 2007. The public will be permitted to view and vote on the Finalist Videos online at the contest website, but the votes will not determine the winner.

Final Round. The final round will take place in December 2007 in Seattle, WA at the Amazon corporate headquarters. Each Finalist must be present in person at the final round and must prepare, at the Finalist's expense, a 30-minute presentation and demo of its Business Proposition. The presentation and demo will be presented to the Amazon Judging Panel. Each presentation and demo will be followed by up to 30 minutes of Q&A by the Amazon Judging Panel.

Amazon Web Services

We have been discussing and already considering Amazon EC2 and Amazon S3 for the hosting and storage solution for Why Go Solo…so the contest helps us make our decision and allows us take advantage of some serious perks.

I’ll make the announcement to everyone once our application is submitted!!

A Million and Ten Things To Do

Okay, it’s not quite that bad, and by no means am I complaining, whining or bitching. As always, I am simply sharing with you what’s going on. What’s going on is some major action via Skype, Basecamp, our Wiki, Subversion, Gtalk and Yahoo IM; as we have begun development, and I still need to empty everything that is Why Go Solo out of my head and into some sort of comprehensive and usable format for the developers to build the right modules.

I had never really done any work on a Wiki before…so I’m learning a lot. Perhaps one day I can graduate and become a ‘Wiki Ninja’. But, I have a long way to go. The Wiki is the main place where I’m unloading and flushing out all the user stories and unfolding how I envision Why Go Solo to function and what it will accomplish. It’s hard for me to stay focus on the more granular settings for Why Go Solo. Each user stories has some other aspects and links to it, and that still only begins to unfold the full possibilities…so I get frustrated as I write the stories that I can’t say it all at once. Thankfully, I had created many of the wire frames already, and we have quite a few of the basic screen shots done as well. You know the expression…pictures are worth a thousand words.

While I’m going through this process, I can’t help but to wonder how the process unfolded for many of the other web 2.0 sites/communities that are already out there, right now. Makes me wonder how thought out some of the ideas were before they were implemented, since it took many of them a long time to have new features added. The entire process is rather fascinating to me and someday I hope to be able to compare notes with some others. (I’m also hoping to make our development team famous!!)

So far so good, but we’ll see as we go what creates hold ups, if anything at all.

We have decided to kill the investor site idea and hold out for the alpha version, but we will still launch the new blog, a sign-up for the beta site invites and a new temporary homepage. Hoping that will happen in the next two weeks.

We have posted a job listing on GoBig Network: Stellar Opportunity for RoR Developer. We would like to add at least one more part time developer to the team. We have lost two members since starting due to some of life’s surprises requiring much of their time. These things happen.

Anyone notice I’m using a lot more WE. I’m loving it.

I have also submitted our application for the Grubstake Breakfast, which is being held on October 23^rd, 2007. We’re definitely hoping we get selected to present, since that would be great exposure to VCs and Angel Investors in the DC, MD and VA area that specialize in investing in our type of business.

With all the work I have been doing, and still need to do, I haven’t been as active on my usual networks (particularly Pownce and blog reading)…because I have to fight my usual web ADD habits and stay focused, so hopefully I’m not missing out on too much!! If I am, make sure to give me shout out.

Inching Towards the Avalanche

Last night we had our first development team meeting…I feel it went really well, and I’m even more excited about the team, the talent, the passion and the enthusiasm embedded within the team. We will unveil the members of the team once we release the new blog and we are more deeply into the development phase(s).

Not to contradict my other post Who is Your Front Man…but the backbone of every Web 2.0 company is a strong, knowledgeable and experienced development team. No development team…no concept, and no job for the front man.

Initially, the development work for Why Go Solo was going to be outsourced, but we ran into all sorts of problems, road blocks, issues, and frankly, a lack of money. Due to the level of work required, the immense potential of Why Go Solo and a need to ensure top level quality control, very timely response time, and performance assurance, having our own team makes a lot more sense and makes us much stronger as a whole.

We might have to plug a few holes here and there with additional programmers, developers and leaders in certain respective areas, but as it turns out, the team has the connections to those people and the abilities to do whatever is needed. Have I mentioned how nice and good that feels!?!?

Development is set to begin on September 7, 2007 (my birthday present) with a private beta release scheduled at the beginning of November. A more solid timeline and updates will be released as we make progress and move ahead.

This is that moment where the scale is about to turn…I smell it in the air and I feel it in my bones. Not saying the fight is over…but when you have a team behind you, when people are brought together, when passion is ignited in highly motivated, ambitious and intelligent people…that creates some serious synergy and momentum.

I’m smiling, I’m happy and I feel good…and that is priceless after 8 months of working at making this happen. No stopping a massive avalanche of progress and good things from happening!!

Who is Your Front Man??

…and by front man, I’m obviously being gender inclusive. Here are a few expressions that I most definitely always consider gender inclusive and/or gender neutral.

“You’re the Man” and “You’ve Got Balls” I’m always a fan of hearing “Ann, you have bigger balls than me” (Just making sure if not being politically correct, I’m at least explaining myself)

So, who is your front man? If you are in the process of starting a web 2.0 start-up that’s a question you best be asking yourself and answering. And P.S., I’m not just talking about who is presenting to investors, running the team and talking to corporate partners. I’m referring to—Who is your public front man.

Web 2.0 companies are filled with user generated features and information, and packed with user interactivity and collaboration, but what’s your glue, idea generator/mixer, the key to spreading your message (assuming you have a message) and source of commonality (for or against…if everyone hates you, they are uniting around that!). This is particularly important for social and online community type of companies…this is how and why many communities are developing around a cause and/or a niche.

Ideally, your front man is the founder and CEO…because he or she are the breath, heart and soul of the company. The founders and CEOs are normally who people, consumers and followers will want to know and learn about and hear from.

Your front man needs to have personality (for good or for bad…preferably an extrovert and very outgoing), passion, possess some likeability factors; be presentable in public, and respectable. Extra bonus point if your front man can easily transcend across genders, age groups, ethnicities, all backgrounds etc.

Case in point, Kevin Rose…awesome front man. People pay attention to what he’s doing and what he has to say. Some girls have a crush on him, some guys want to be him, some people dislike him, a handful hate him, and some don’t care…but, everyone pretty much knows about him.

Kevin was never in the shadows…he played up his role as the front man to Digg, before Digg became what it is today and therefore played a big part in getting Digg to what it is today.

On the other hand, Mark Zuckerberg, never took an active role in being the front man of Facebook. The media coverage is what exposed Mark as the front man of Facebook and he is a passive and boring front man…others have stepped up and have become sub-front man via their Facebook blogs for Mark.

So on that point…your front man needs to be active in their role as the front man from day one or really pre-day one. Don’t wait for the media to uncover you or for your PR team to get you an audience. Go find and create your audience…set yourself up. They are plenty of ways to do that…if you don’t know how, then frankly, you probably need to rethink your chosen path or find a real good front man to partner up with.

Chirping in My Basement

There is a cricket chirping away in my basement…this was annoying me a great deal since I enjoy working in absolute silence, so I shared my frustrations on Pownce and Jeffrey replied “a cricket in your house is a sign of good luck. she/he will leave when it's time.”

Truth is, I am having some amazing luck these last couple of days…the kind of luck that is bringing together a stellar programming team for Why Go Solo. I couldn’t dream this stuff up even if I tried; the experience, the diversity, and the excitement each member possesses is right on mark. This will take us into a whole new category when it comes to raising money and getting off the ground. We will not simply be going into the development stage, we will go into the development stage with our own development team. Why Go Solo will have a fully experienced and dedicated Development Team. I can’t stop saying it…there’s something to take to the bank!!

I realize you shouldn’t count your chicken till they’ve hatched…so I won’t, not just yet, but I am going to be one diligent and thorough mother hen to make sure each of those eggs properly hatch.

Let the chirping continue…I’m apparently in good company!

I consider the post from below to be a good omen and a sign. Someone told me a few nights ago I would become the next Kevin Rose...perhaps, it’s all coming together.

If you read my blog and you aren’t part of the family on Pownce, let me know and leave me your email address. I’ll send you an invite. We’re having quite a fun time over there.

For the Sake of the Story...

That’s the conclusion I have drawn…it’s for the sake of the story. I mean really, how boring is this story—entrepreneur has brilliant idea, writes business plan, pitches to first investor she meets, receives funding, launches product and makes it big. BORING…right?!!??

Exactly, you have to spice it up…add struggles, tragedies, disappointments, short lived victories that turn into set backs, and make it a story of perseverance, serendipities and hope.

So on that note…off we go into the next chapter. Since posting my post on Sorry…But, I’ve Been Burned Before, I have started to get closer to finding the team of programmers and developers I’m looking for.

First, there are a few programmers on Pownce that I’ve been “Powcing” with for the last few weeks who are interested in hearing more. I’ve already had a long chat with one of them, and he is absolutely excited and ready to get started. This obviously makes me very happy. He loved the concept (Why Go Solo) and was amazed by it.

Second, I have just received an email from GoBig Network. They are getting more involved and hands-on with helping start-up succeed. We found the company, who is assisting us raise funds, through GoBig Network and they have been tracking our progress pretty closely ever since. I’m very impress with GoBig Network’s level of involvement.

Anyway, the email related to helping us find the killer team of programmers we need who would be willing to work for equity. Need I say more…obviously, I responded to let them know I’m very interested and what do we do next.

Martin and I had a long heart to heart today about our situation and our options. We’re both pretty exhausted…because honestly, it takes a lot of energy, passion and determination to keep a dream alive and every time we explain Why Go Solo we pass on that energy and passion to someone else, whether or not they will do anything with it. Every time something doesn’t pan out, we have to dig deeper to keep going and keep the faith and hope alive. It’s draining. We need some progress.

Neither of us wants to give up; we both believe so much in what we want to build and create. Hopefully, the tide is about to turn in our favor. Let this be the beginning of the chapter of how we created a killer development team that will release the future of online and social communities…the team that will shake things up and create a whole new type of buzz. Lets grow the team that will believe in the possibilities and the dream that is, Why Go Solo!!

To be continued…the story keeps unfolding.

Random and Much Needed Update

Ahhhh, yes…what’s going on with Why Go Solo!?!? I realize I haven’t been blogging has much these last couple of weeks and there are two good reasons for that:

1) The unbelievably slow progression is down right killing me and I haven’t wanted to talk about it. And

2) We will soon be moving the blog over to our whygosolo.com domain, and therefore, I want to have some fresh and wonderful material to start the blog in the new location.

Yesterday we received some designs that I was very happy with…the problem we have now is which one to go with—if it’s not one thing, it’s another right? I really wish I could just post the designs here and have everyone take a vote on it, but of course, we can’t. The decision we have to make is between very fun, exciting, colorful and playful and a more professional, business-like, but still hip design.

One of the designs just makes me happy…looking at it makes me smile. On the other hand, Martin kinda thinks that design would be best suited for Crayola. We have sent the designs to be vented out to friends, family, our handful of investors thus far, and our board of advisors. This is going to be a tough call. We need to decide soon so we can move into the design for the blogs…and the backend screen shots.

The funding raising efforts are going much slower than I had ever anticipated. I’m hoping August is just overall a slow month for getting in touch with people…it’s what I’m telling myself.

I’ve been aggressively looking into other options and for the most part coming up short. I was thoroughly let down by one investor who had promised to help. People will say anything to get your help, but when it’s time to return the favor…only a few rare and special people return the favor. There’s no point in harboring a grudge. I just keep a good list of who has been there to help and who hasn’t. I also try to remember to simply help while not expecting anything in return. See there’s that word expectation…wish I never had expected this gentleman to help.

Meanwhile, I’m keeping busy networking. I’ve met some really interesting people these last few days. I will talk more as things develop…lots of great potential collaboration, but no expectations!!

If I were a DC VC...

I would have cool VC envy…seriously. I’m not jus trying to rhythm—I mean it!!I figure I would go ahead and blog today about my thoughts on this subject as well, since it’s related to starting the Club in my previous post.

I’m an avid follower of Fred Wilson’s blog AVC and Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson’s blog Ask the VC and of course every entrepreneur basically knows of/about Guy Kawasaki. There are other VCs who also get good attention…but none that I’ve come across who are in the DC, MD and VA areas (DMV). The key thing all the cool VCs have in common...is their willingness and high level of interaction with entrepreneurs, budding entrepreneurs, other investors and the general public.

The DMV has it’s share of Venture Capitalist firms—here is a list of just those in Fairfax County, VA. And it’s worth noting that a few were listed in the Entrepreneur Magazine's 7^th Annual Top Venture Capital Firms for Entrepreneurs:

• Maryland Technology Development Corporation
• Maryland DBED
• Boulder Ventures ltd.
• The Carlyle Group
• Novak Biddle Venture Partner LP
• Amplifier Venture Partners LP

Of course I’d be reminisce if I didn't note that the majority of the firms in the top 100 list were in Palto, CA, Menlo Park CA, and Waltham MA.

But back to being cool…if I were a VC (first off, my life would probably be drastically different) I would aim to be one of the cool VCs who is approachable, full of good scoop, and abreast of what’s happening. Frankly, I think that’s why so many people read Fred’s blog. He knows what’s going on, he’s a cool guy who is in “the know” and loves to interact. I would be his alter ego…the cool chick VC. Yes, when I grow up I want to be Fred!!

The VCs in the DMV need to come out and play a little more…meet the entrepreneurs and the people who partake in the technology community.

I just recently received this comment (two months after the event) from Hannah Clifford of Intersouth Partners on my post about the Grubstake Breakfast

Thanks for the mention in your blog. Please say hi next time you're at an event; not all VCs bite.

The key to your success will be perseverance, self-awareness and surrounding yourself with a great team. There will be many bumps in the road; embrace the challenges and learn from them.

Good Luck!

Hannah

We all need more events in order to be able to network and say “Hi” to each other. Am I going to pitch a VC every time I see one…must definitely not. We (investors and entrepreneurs in the DMV) all need to network, keep each other abreast of what’s happening and support one another.

I’m sure many VCs in the DMV wouldn’t mind hitting the same types of homeruns Fred has habit of being involved in…if you don’t know what they are, look them up and you might want to use Del.ici.ous or Feedburner to help you (hint, hint).

The next big thing might very well be lurking in the DMV (shameless plug for Why Go Solo).

I plan on knocking on the doors of VC firms to get them involved once our Club (we'll need a name soon) is up, running, active and productive. I certainly hope they will get involved, provide feedback and education…as well as, have some fun and be a little cooler!!

The Wheels are Turning...Watch out!!

Since before BarCamp DC I decided to get involved in the technology community of DC, which is frankly, what ultimately lead me to BarCamp DC. What I’ve realized in the process is that there isn’t much actively going-on and therefore not much of a gathered community around Technology and Web x.x in our Nation’s Capital.

Like I mentioned in my previous post, BarCamp DC has gotten me all fired up and now the wheels have been turning. Anyone who is a serial entrepreneur knows what that normally means—that’s right, I’m going to start something!!

Not a business…but rather a club and community. But first let me share what I have found so far:

The Northern Virginia Open Coffee Club (OCC) which meets every two weeks but rides the OpenCoffee Club concept developed by Saul Klein. I’m talking with Will, the organizer of OCC, about this idea. I first thought may be expanding OCC would work, but having our own DMV (DC, MD and VA) Club might be best.

We also have Refresh DC…I haven’t been to any of their meetings yet.

Our goal is simple: bring together the best and brightest new media developers in the DC metro area so that we may learn from one another. Our industry is too rich for any one person to "know it all." That's where we come in.

Newly started is the DC Web 2.0 & Video 2.0 Meetup group…They are having a meeting tomorrow and I plan on attending. According to Paul, the organizer of this group, the group has reached two dozens members in less then a month. So it’s obvious the interest is there.

I have heard of TECH Cocktail and apparently there was a TECH Cocktail event way back in May, in DC, and although, it sounds like is was a hit and splendid event…it’s not a regular thing.

And also upcoming is Start-up Weekend DC (I’m signed-up but on the waiting list)

I know there are probably quite a few groups I’m missing which are completely programming/engineering related.

Alright, so here is what I have in mind:

We start a group in the DMV which upholds a creed that is the basis, backbone, and mission of the Club. The creed basically entails a group dedication to support, encourage and grow all web x.x type companies, technology companies and spread the growth of all related matters. The Club is open the web entrepreneurs, technology driven individuals, programmers, engineers, and technology focused investors and everyone else who have a genuine interest in supporting the creed/mission.

Thought leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in the DMV would lead the efforts and combine knowledge into a blog. The blog would be about the Club events, the members, entrepreneurial ways and the latest happening/technology...as well as, what's hot in the DMV as it relates to technology and business development.

The Club would host 2-3 events/gathering a month. Once a month the meeting would be for Entrepreneurs to vent their ideas and get feedback from the community or practice their pitch prior to seeking funding. The members would provide honest feedback, recommendations and support to assist each other. Once a month, we would also have have an educational session presented by the members covering a new technology or an entrepreneur skill/know-how. Finally, once a month we would try to host a guest speaker (successful entrepreneur, VC, PR...etc.)

The point of all this is to truly establish a way to support, grow and promote the Technology industry in our own backyard. It will take the involvement of all sides to make this happen (the entrepreneurs, techies, developers, investors and social media gurus).

I imagine a day when a web x.x or technology company is launch in the DMV and there is a buzz, commotion, and excitement around it. There is an Army of local bloggers promoting and supporting the launch, there’s a killer launch party with lots of media, and there is a sense of accomplishment…we might not be Silicon Valley, Seattle or NYC, but at least we aren’t the quiet mouse we used to be either!!

Coding Envy: Why Aren’t I a Bigger Geek

I went to bed with coding envy…and I woke-up this morning still frustrated from having coding envy. Instead of Powncing about my frustrations, I decided to blog about it. I’ve been Powncing too much and not blogging enough (but, I digress)

BarCamp DC was fun and informative, it was also a reminder of everything I don’t know and wish I knew. Being surrounded by what appears to be some of the best and brightest programmers and designers in this town increased the coding envy I’ve been harboring for the last couple of years.

I wish I knew one programming language like the back of my hand…be it PHP, .Net, Java or Ruby on Rails, while having broad knowledge of all programming languages. I would love to “geek out” and talk about it, constantly develop new applications, and test “stuff out”. But, I don’t and can’t. If I could, Why Go Solo would be much farther along.

I spoke with a few programmers who were working on their own Web 2.0 type companies (in their spare time) and they admitted, that although, they can create it; they can’t necessarily bring it to market.

On the other hand, I can bring just about anything to market and am fully equipped and prepared to lead a company, be a spokesperson and continue to grow a concept. This is why people need each other and have to develop the right teams.

Fortunately, I met someone yesterday who mentioned he would help me find a lead engineer for Why Go Solo, and prior to that, I met someone else who agreed to review our code for quality control. We’re moving ahead with the development of our Phase One beta because nothing will stop us from launching. And much like many other Web 2.0 companies, we’re going to start looking for the brightest, and smartest programmers to come join our team.

One of the discussions that floated around throughout the day, and definitely at the after party was the need for more technology and web 2.0 type conferences and events in Washington DC. The VA, MD and DC areas are not without some amazing programmers, engineers, designers and innovative entrepreneurs…and we definitely need to get together more often, support each other, interchange ideas and put ourselves ‘on the map’.

I wonder a great deal about how different things would be if we were creating Why Go Solo in Seattle or in San Francisco…I’m assuming it would be overall a lot easier; from raising funding...to the development and launch, but I’m hoping that doing it here in the DMV will create some commotion!!

I’m sure I will continue to suffer from coding envy, I will continue to be absolutely amazed by programs like Firebug (although, I will never personally use it) and I will continue to wish I was a real geek/nerd. That however, will NOT stop me from getting things done and shaking things up.

Rites of Passage...the Fourth Installment

Develop Nerves of Malleable Steel

I will try to coherently explain, the best I can, what I mean about developing nerves of malleable steel. Determination, perseverance, and even sheer stubbornness are all inwardly generated sources of energy, strength and driving forces that are sent outbound and “burned” like fuel, as we pave our way forward in the world. Some people have greater reserves then others and push harder, faster and farther against all odds. But the thing is, outside forces like; stress, pressure, difficulties and other strains are inbound and aplenty in the start-up game. How those outward forces coming in are coped with, is just as important, as all the energy you expand everyday.

By malleable I’m referring to: having a capacity for adaptive change, and being capable of being flexible and compliant.

Nerves of straight steel can snap or even worst…break, after taking too many ‘hits’ from outside sources. However, nerves of malleable steel will bend, flex and adapt to the outside forces and allow you to better deal with the stresses and pressure.

Developing nerves of malleable steel is a rite of passage that beautifully compliments the other attributes inherent in entrepreneurs.

Identify and Surpass all Weaknesses and Step out of all Comfort Zones

This is my favorite rite of passage and the one I enjoy(ed) the most because I am definitely on a journey of self-discovery and growth. I take pleasure in pushing my limits and facing my fears, and embarking on the journey of following my dreams and being an entrepreneur has elevated the requirements and sped up the process.

I believe this rite of passage actually applies to anyone who is pursuing a dream. Our dreams push us to become more than we already are…our dreams ask of us what we often times neglect to ask of ourselves.

You will know when you are facing this rite of passage…whatever the requirement asked of you; be it to overcome a fear, surpass a weakness, or step out of your comfort zones--the option to either pass through the rite of passage or give up on your dream will likely hit you like a ton of brick.

It hit me that way…each time, it was either surmount and do or let go and give up. The way the paths crossed and then veered off one way or the other was appalling…each time I grabbed hold of my dream and went for it!

Our dreams are meant to stretch, push, and mold us…go for it, it’s worth it.

Now, I say…BRING IT ON!!

Release all Doubts and Believe in Possibilities

This rite of passage becomes easier to exceed as you pass and master the other rites of passage. As you begin to master finding comfort in taking constant risks, entering and living in the realm of unknowns, accepting reality while living in fantasy, maintaining hope while releasing expectations, developing nerves of malleable steel and identifying and surpassing all weaknesses and step out of all comfort zones—you grow strong, confident and become empowered…so by default, your doubts begin to melt away.

Replacing doubts by believing in possibilities creates optimism…positive thinking. We are, create and attract what we think. Doubt attracts uncertainty and what we fear. Believing in possibilities attracts a world of possibilities beyond our wildest dreams.

When doubt creeps in, replace it by visualizing the outcome you desire. Do this as many times as it takes, until only the desired outcomes reside in your thoughts and being. After a while, you will simply think and create possibilities.

This is a rite of passage I am very familiar with…been traversing it time and time again.

Final installment tomorrow...

NYC Green Lady Prescribes Why Go Solo for Me

I grew up in a town called Westfield, NJ, which is about 30 minutes outside New York City. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in the city over the years and it was good to get back over there for the weekend. My mom, dad, Ruth, and I went to visit my sister, Laura in North Jersey and went into NYC for a day of fun. From left to right, you have my sister (who is single and can’t wait for the Why Go Solo launch), mother, father, and Ruth (my wife who can’t wait for different reasons:). For myself, the trip was to evaluate the need for Why Go Solo in NYC, “The city that never sleeps.”

NYC experiences over 40 million travelers per year and houses over 8 million people (according to 2000 Census data). My initial thought was that if you are in NYC and seeking out a social life or spontaneous connections you are in the right place. After spending a full day in both China Town and Little Italy, I was able to view at least 200,000 people walking around, sitting in restaurants and outdoor eateries, going shopping, biking, jogging, etc. Regardless of what they were doing, there were people alone everywhere and a lot of them were simply people watching. Understanding there are some assumptions in my drawn conclusion, but I would say that some of these individuals are curious people and would love to have a service like Why Go Solo.

Towards the end of the day, I broke off from my family and was alone for about 3 hours just people watching. My main thought, without first recognizing it, was, “I wish I had Why Go Solo and wouldn’t mind making a connection right about now.” Martin

Rites of Passage (Part III)

We’ve begun to discuss the rites of passage to getting a start-up off the ground. If this hasn’t become obvious yet from the previous post, it will in this post—starting a start-up will test your sanity in indescribably ways. What I can manage to convey in words…doesn’t even begin to explain it.

Accept Reality While Living in Fantasy

This is particularly applicable to the visionary(ies) for the start-up, the person who gave ‘birth’ to the idea and initiated the process of taking the idea to conception. From day one, this person has been carrying the load of his/her vision and has been busy rallying people behind it, imparting the vision and motivating others to follow him/her.

For this person, (and yes, I am that person) there’s a need to live in a world where the grandeur of the start-up exists in it’s full glory, because that is where the will to keep moving, to keep fighting and to keep giving 110% comes from…it’s the source of the enthusiasm, hope, and joy which must continuously be shared with others: partners, investors, vendors etc.

At the same time, this poor soul also has to stay grounded and accept reality. This is very tough when things aren’t going well or when progress is delayed. No one around possesses the same sense of urgency or burning desire to see things happen. (Just want to note. I’m talking in general terms, Martin is right there with me)

Everything has to be seen in a variety of dimensions, phases and stages…starting a start-up is not a single layer job, and the visionary behind it, has to exist in different places, at different times while never losing perspective or track of the house of cards.

The reason why this becomes very difficult for me is because I have a wild and vivid imagination. I can’t even impart the sheer size of the vision to most people or explain how clearly I can see it all…meanwhile, the reality SUCKS. However, only being positive and active in reality will bring about the vision.

I can jolt anyone interested in the world that exists in my imagination!!

Maintain Hope While Releasing Expectations

This isn’t about being passive or naive…this is necessary in order to maintain some sanity. Having hope means you believe, you trust and you have faith…this also means, you are detached from the outcome and releasing expectations. You trust and believe the right things will be done, the best outcome will be reached and the correct actions will be taken. (You hope while you supervise)

Leaders don’t have expectations…they impart a vision, they share their passion, they nurture, train and develop their people and then allow for right things to occur and for their people to raise to the occasion.

Having expectations is like carrying a very heavy ball and chain that you created for yourself. Surely, if you are dead set on having expectations, be sure you clearly communicate what they are, but don’t be surprised when those expectations aren’t met.

Hanging on to expectations is setting yourself up for constant disappointment. That is not the type of environment that is healthy for developing a strong start-up.

Hope is also a slippery slope…and heartaches are still plentiful, but growth, understanding and further development is built into it; be it your own or that of the people around you.

There will be times for expectations, for deliverables and for specific requirements—it just shouldn’t be the normal tempo or level of operation. The world cannot come crashing down if an expectation isn’t met. See, it’s always best to hope and be prepared with an alternative plan.

That’s the other thing with hope…it keeps you creative because you aren’t tied to being angry or disappointed.

Even as I write this—I know that I have way too many expectations and I know they are weighing me down. I come from a background that was very structured and failure to deliver had consequences…so I’m still learning to ease up!! However, don’t be fooled…it’s still necessary to hold people accountable, to express and convey a sense of emergency and foster a need for action.

More to come later…btw, the picture is from my time on the USS Essex.

Rites of Passage (Part II)

As an entrepreneur with a brilliant idea (sorry for the shameless self-promotion) I’m on the journey (with my partners) of getting our start-up off the ground. I have embarked on this journey with my eyes wide open, and every day, I remain extremely conscious of what’s happening to me and what I’m experiencing. I constantly check-in on the state of my well-being, my outlook on everything that’s happening or not happening, my train of thoughts, my expectations, and the reality of current statuses and progress.

Blogging has been a useful method of expressing myself and keeping tabs on what’s happening…however, I have yet to truly and directly express what I have learned to date and what I am still struggling with.

The question I ponder the most everyday is this: What are the rites of passage to getting a start-up off the ground?

I ask this question in ways that extend well beyond having a solid idea, comprehensive business plan, strong business model, and appropriate funding. Those are obviously crucial benchmarks, but what goes on psychologically, emotionally and mentally into each of those steps are the real Rites of Passage every entrepreneurs undertake to get their start-up off the ground.

Starting a start-up and being an entrepreneur is often compared to being on a roller coaster ride. You often have either real highs or crushing lows and keeping things balanced is difficult. I believe the Rites of Passage we undertake on the journey identify why that is…

Here are The Rites of Passage I have identified thus far:

• Find comfort in taking constant risks
• Enter and live in the realm of unknowns
• *Accept reality while living in fantasy
• *Maintain hope while releasing expectations
• Develop nerves of malleable steel
• Identify and surpass all weaknesses and step out of all comfort zones
• Release all doubts and believe in possibilities
• Trust key players and trust absolutely no one
• Become temporarily selfish and live with the guilt/circumstances

(* most troublesome for me)

Find Comfort in Taking Constant Risks

Upon making the decision of embarking on the start-up/entrepreneur journey immediate risks are taken. Leaving a steady job, placing your financial future at risk, and risking the current state of all your relationships due to the time requirements involved.

Taking the initial risks is just the beginning. Every decision at the beginning of a start-up is a risk. The key is this, do not not fool yourself that you’re making a decision…and not taking a risk. Of course, there are ways to minimize the risks…but as someone taking daily risks, that really means crap at the end of the day.

By default, taking a risk means you have no guarantees of the outcome but an educated guess, so when you take a risk based on an another risk…it has quite a compounding factor and creates what many people call “a house of cards”.

This is definitely the first Rite of Passage. Those who don’t have the stomach for it will never start a start-up.

Enter and Live in the Realm of Unknowns

Once you start building your “house of cards” (on hopefully a valid foundation, i.e. strong idea and solid business model) you work everyday to apply crazy glue to each cards so they never tumble.

Your daily work might include meeting key people, creating partnerships, building your team, developing your technology or product, and raising funds, etc. Through your daily interactions and tasks you begin encountering answers to your unknowns…some answers will propel you forward and provide glue, while some will shake up the house.

But here is the kicker, ALL potential answers to unknowns (good or bad), have to remain in the unknown category. In a start-up there are no guarantees—Therefore, unless it’s a signed deal, a delivered product or money deposited in the bank…it remains an UNKNOWN.

Your sanity is often tested. If you can do this and remain semi-sane then you have passed another Rite of Passage.

To be continued…