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Jan 15 2014

Dispatches from Inside the Classroom: Day 6 & 7

Best Marketing’s Liz Sara continued her Business to Business Marketing class on Monday with a discussion about how to best use events and trade shows in the marketing mix. From high tech to low tech, from small to large, the class got a dose of the best ways to use third-party events. Students also learned that whether on the Internet or on the ground, sometimes it’s best to create your own event. Ryan Healey, founder of Brazen Careerist (a Dingman Center Angels portfolio company) talked about how his company uses industry trade shows and virtual events to generate leads for their offering – a virtual event platform itself. Ran Farmer, a senior managing partner at boutique econometric consulting firm ARPC, talked about how his company leveraged events in the legal industry to drive business last year.

Tuesday’s class began with a clip from an old “Saturday Night Live” episode that pokes fun at the rock band Bon Jovi for naming the band after its founder. Joking aside, the class was all about branding and what B2B companies should consider when they go through a re-branding. Alex Gordiyenko, co-founder of LightMix Design Studio, showed some examples of what happens when a global B2B company attempts to rebrand in a changing and dynamic marketplace.

“As consumers, we see the end result of a company re-brand, but we don’t know the hoops the marketing and management team jumped through to get there. Last night’s installment of the class focused on the hoops,” Sara explained. Stay tuned for our final dispatch tomorrow.

Sara-05Aug13-97 Liz Sara has 20 years of experience in the local high tech community as an entrepreneur, business leader, angel investor and philanthropist. In 2001, she founded Best Marketing, LLC to provide early stage software companies with strategic marketing, PR and business development services. Her company offers clients all the benefits of a full-scale, seasoned marketing department on a ‘virtual’ basis — eliminating overhead and headcount associated with full-time staff. Previously, she played a principal role as co-founder of SpaceWorks, an eCommerce software company, where she facilitated its startup and growth to nearly $25 million in revenue; at America Online, where she designed the PR program and investor road show for the IPO; at United Press International, where she facilitated a turn-around strategy; and for LEXIS/NEXIS, where she was instrumental in the creation and successful launch of a new division. Ms. Sara holds an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Maryland. She is a member of the Business & Professional Women’s Committee of the Corcoran; the Women’s Committee of National Museum of Women In the Arts; and the Board of the Capital City Ball. In addition, Ms. Sara is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Maryland’s Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship.

Tagged ARPC, B2B Marketing, Brazen Careerist, dingman center, LightMix Design Studio, Liz Sara, Smith School of Business, University of Maryland

Nov 08 2013

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Worth Reading

Worth Reading 11/8/13

GEW_no_year

Global Entrepreneurship Week is coming up and we have a full lineup of events planned. We’ll be highlighting the events on Twitter and our new Instagram account! Be sure to folow us for behind the scenes picutres. Instagram: dingmancenter

Now, here’s what’s worth reading.

What is the best way to teach entrepreneurship? This BloombergBusinessWeek article says you have to get out of the classroom and get your hands dirty.
Many people long for success, but only the ones who are persistent make it to the top. Take a look at the video of How Bad Do You Want To Succeed? and get inspired!
The entrepreneur-investor relationship is like a marriage, you want to assure you pick the right person. Check out 3 Ways To Avoid a Power-Hungry Investor and learn some useful tips.
Startups usually have a small but strong team. Recruiting the wrong person could be detrimental. Here are 3 Steps for Assembling a Startup Dream Team.
Ever wonder why some people are so efficient? Check out 8 Things Really Efficient People Do. Let’s get more productive.

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Tagged Branding, dingman center, Efficient, entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship, investor, startups, Suceed, team

Oct 18 2013

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Worth Reading

Worth Reading 10/18/13

This week the Dingman Center team welcomed the first cohort of Fearless Founders! We hosted a kick-off event for the group where they attended their first workshop and celebrated in the Dingman Center bullpen. Read our last post “Introducing the Fearless Founders” for details on the 22 accepted companies.
We’ve also begun receiving applications for Cupid’s Cup! Check out cupidscup.com for details on this year’s bigger competition. Not sure if you’re ready to apply? Hit the “Apply Later” button on cupidscup.com and we’ll invite you to a webinar on November 6 to answer all your questions.

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Now, let’s enjoy this week’s Worth Reading:

Digital marketing is getting more and more crucial, especially for startups with small marketing budgets. However, the truth is lots of CMOs still don’t understand how it works. Check out the infographic: Are CMOs ready for digital marketing?
To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to learn how to be a good boss. Read The 10 Best Pointy-Haired Boss Moments From ‘Dailbert’ and make sure you don`t make the same mistakes.
We’ve all met these people: They are likable, welcoming, and seem to know everyone. By speaking with them for 15 minutes, you already feel like you have known each others for centuries. Who are they? They are connectors. Check out Forget Networking. How to Be a Connector and learn a few tips.
Many entrepreneurs disregard the traditional business plan. They think business plans are static and unrealistic. But, there is The Business Plan That Always Works. Check out the article and learn the secrets why.
Every idea has the potential to become a viable business. Read the story of How ’Nightmare’ Producer Tim Haskell Turned NYC’s First Haunted House Into a Year-Round Business and get inspired.

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Tagged business idea, business plan, Connector, digital marketing, dingman center, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Fearless Founders, infographic, Networking, startup

Oct 14 2013

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Introducing The Fearless Founders

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The Fearless Founders program helps prepare student entrepreneurs from idea generation to business launch. The program demystifies the venture creation process by dividing it into three stages: Idea Shell, Hatch, and Terp Startup, each of which with its own deliverables. Powered by the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship in partnership with the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), the program will offer students with necessary resources to meet their business requirements.

In this first Idea Shell cohort, the goal for the teams is to identify the value proposition through market research and the customer discovery process. They will participate in a series of workshops over the course of seven weeks and learn the necessary skills to refine their business and better understand their customers. In the final week, each team will be required to present on their progress and will receive $500 dollars in seed funding.

This fall, we were impressed by the quality and number of applications, but ultimately selected 22 teams for the first Idea Shell cohort. Congratulations to all the teams!

417 App Studios
Ghedalia, Gold-Pastor Major: Mechanical Engineering
Zach Matz Major: Kinesiology
Ed Luo Major: Finance

Advanced Heliostats
Andrew Oles Major: Mechanical Engineering

Amlith
Carson, Myers Major: Computer Engineering
Daniel Bolton Major: Mechanical Engineering
Manjur Ahmed Major: Electrical Engineering

Bacon Barbell
Toni, Zhang Major: Marketing and Neurobiology

Casco Tech
Pedro Henrique, Santos Carvalho Major: Civil Engineering
Felipe Israel, Camargo Pereira Major: Computer Science

Color Changing Soap
Erica, Long Major: MBA
Laura, Long Major: MBA

Ethical Clothing
Chetan, Singh Major: Economics

Food Recovery Network
Ben Simon Major: Government and Politics
Evan Lutz Major: Business

Grid-Works-Inc
Thomas, Luginbill Major: Entrepreneurship

GYM SUPREME LLC
Obidi, Orakwusi Major: Government and politics
Kachi Ilochonowu Major: Economics

Imaginex
Eric, Mintzer Major: Business Management
Anthony, Ingelido

Leagueflow
Aaron, Schwartz Major: Economics

Live Unchained
Kathryn, Buford Major: Sociology
Gary Fong

MyLevelLearning
Meir, Snyder Major: Entrepreneurial Operations

Parallel Tracks
Daniel, Noskin Major: Business Management and Marketing

PoliRoots
Mohsen, Farshneshani Major: Government and Politics
Mohsen Farshneshani, Lamar Rogers

Prasidiux, LLC
Kevin, Diehn Major: Chemical Engineering
Bani Cipriano Major: Chemical Engineering

Rafiki Beads
Kikanae, Punyua Major: Economics
Mackenzie Burnett Major: Government and Politics

Sweet Buds
Allan, Nicholas Major: Engineering and Business
Erica Yingling Major: Biology
Ningwei Li Major: Finance and Economics
Peter Weng Major: Biology

The Island Pop Shop
Tenaj, Ferguson Major: Nutrition and Food Science

VentureBoard
Scott, Block Major: Information Systems
Justin, Searles

We wish all the participating teams good luck. We will keep our readers updated on their progress in future blog posts. Stay tuned!

Tagged dingman center, entrepreneurs, Fearless Founders, incubator, Mtech, student

Sep 20 2013

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Worth Reading

Worth Reading 9/20/13

This week we attended the First Look Fair, one of the longest running involvement traditions at UMD, to introduce new students to the Dingman Center. We were lucky to have a booth next to our friends at the Academy of Innovation & Entrepreneurship who joined is in celebrating the new campus-wide Innovation Fridays!

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Now, check out what we think is worth reading this week.

Many people think of Silicon Valley as the main pipeline for entrepreneurs, but there are other states that deserve more of your attention. Take a look at the Spreading the love of Silicon Valley and find out what they are.
Everyone has equal 24 hours in a day, but why are some people more productive and efficient? Learn from the smartest people by reading The Habits of the World’s Smartest People and start to work smarter now.
Busy entrepreneurs need to deal with hundreds of challenges every day. Staying efficient and not forgetting things is critical. Read How To Take Exceptional Notes and Be Productive with Paper and start to get more organized.
Can entrepreneurs be fostered through curriculum? Or they are born with special entrepreneurial genes? Read Are entrepreneurs born or made? and form your own opinion.

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Tagged AIE, dingman center, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, First Look Fair, UMD, University of Maryland, worth reading

Sep 11 2013

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Dog Days are Over: Part 1

How is it that the first day of school always feels the same? No matter how old you are or where you are from, you know what I mean. You walk outside and the air feels a bit crisper than the day before. It might be 90 degrees, but the morning always brings a chill and a nostalgic reminder of the annual nervous excitement a new school year brings. And yet, despite new classes, new clothes, new friends and, if you are lucky a new Trapper Keeper, when you walk in the building the energy is familiar and reassuring.

At the Dingman Center, we too are greeting the new school year with nervous excitement. We took advantage of the quiet dog days in Van Munching to revamp and reenergize our programs, team and brand. As we reopen our doors, our community will see an office space that reflects our warmth and creativity, experience programs that reflect our collaborative nature and entrepreneurial spirit and new team members that share our passion and commitment.

But, like the nostalgic feeling of the first day of school, the Dingman Center is always the Dingman Center. Entrepreneurship may come in and out of style like skinny jeans, but the Dingman Center and our commitment to entrepreneurs has remained constant for 27 years. Our players aren’t always the same, our programs grow and change over time, but last week, on our first day, the energy in the Dingman Center was familiar and reassuring. It reminded me why we worked so hard all summer to bring you the new and improved Dingman Center we promised last spring.

So what did we do this summer?

New (ish) Office
Our office space reflects the culture of our community of remarkable entrepreneurs. Our walls represent quotes that move us and inspire us. Framed words reflect our vocabulary. Fresh whiteboard paint awaits your Fearless Ideas. Toys show our playfulness and sense of humor.

New Team Members
Two of this year’s key strategic initiatives are to strengthen our community and to position our programs at the intersection of curriculum, practice and research. To help us achieve this vision, we have made two key hires that will build stronger, ongoing relationships between our external community and our faculty partners.

Adam Van Wagner ‘11, Community & Venture Programs Coordinator – Co-Founder of 2011 Cupid’s Cup winner MyFridgeRental.com who will facilitate connections between all of our constituencies.

Alyse Carter ‘11, Dingman Center & M&O Coordinator- a thoughtful and hardworking Terp who will support Center operations and coordinate efforts with entrepreneurship faculty.

Become part of our connected community of entrepreneurs.
Our team and our programs have always been half of our story. The spirit and success of the Dingman Center relies on you. Stop by our offices, follow us on Facebook, and Twitter, attend our events and refer your friends and colleagues.

The chill is in the air…don’t be nervous..be excited and Be Fearless.

-Elana

Elana Fine (@elanafine) was appointed Managing Director of the Dingman Center in July 2012, after joining the team in 2010 as Director of Venture Investments. As Managing Director, Elana’s primary focus is leading the Dingman Center in support of its mission and strategic plan. Key responsibilities include oversight of our student venture incubator, Dingman Center Angels investor network, business competitions, and technology commercialization efforts. Elana also develops and maintains relationships with donors, board members, EIRs, the Smith School community and other campus and regional partners. She is also serving as co-chair of the Dean’s Task Force on Entrepreneurship and Innovation and will be working with our Academic Director to expand the Dingman Center’s research activities and curriculum development.

Tagged Adam VanWagner, Alyse Carter, dingman center, Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship, Dog Days, elana fine, entrepreneurship, Summer

Sep 06 2013

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Worth Reading

Worth Reading 9/6/13

As UMD undergrads started the new semester this week, the Dingman Center saw many old and new students coming to visit. During the summer, we worked diligently to make quite a few changes, one of which is Innovation Fridays, formerly known as Pitch Dingman. The experience is the same, only the name has changed. Students can pitch their ideas and receive feedback from experienced Entrepreneurs in Residence. We are excited to kick off Innovation Fridays today and expect to see more students this year! Now, enjoy this edition of worth reading.

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Few people can claim to be successful entrepreneurs. Far fewer can say they are successful serial entrepreneurs. Take a look at how Serial Entrepreneurs Pursue Multiple Opportunities.
Often times, one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs encounter is creating brand awareness with little capital. Here are the 7 Marketing Tips for Bootstrapped Startups.
With the evolution of web 2.0, doing businesses across international borders is much easier than ever before. Check out some of the Best Destinations to Start Your Startup globally.
There is an old saying that goes ”learning by doing”, but it is equally important to learn before doing. To be a successful entrepreneur, you need to learn how to be a leader first. Here is a list of 30 Books To Make You A Better Business Leader. Choose a few, apply theories learned, and make yourself a better leader.
Successful entrepreneurs are good observers. They pay attention to small details and get inspired. Read What Salvador Dali and Jeff Bezos Have in Common and grab some tips from them.

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Tagged dingman center, entrepreneur, global entrepreneurship week, Innovation Fridays, News, pitch dingman, startups, students, worth reading

Aug 23 2013

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Worth Reading

Worth Reading 8/23/13

Today we close out a week of Dingman Jumpstart. We’ve hosted some talented entrepreneurs with creative ideas. Check out this post on some of the entrepreneurs who have shared their stories with our students this week. We also continued our summer redecoration project. Stop by to see if you made the History of Dingman wall.

Now, check out what we think is worth reading this week.

Here’s a lesson all entrepreneurs should learn: Stop Planning. Start Doing.
Do sporty women make better entrepreneurs? Before you decide, read about Heels and Helmets, a training camp for Washington D.C. women to learn how to use sports to elevate their business game.
When starting a new company, it’s important to take advice from seasoned pros. But, how do you get your foot in the door. Check out this article to learn How to Successfully Turn (Almost) Anyone into Your Mentor.
Entrepreneurs look up to the risk takers who achieve rapid success, but what they don’t know is that the pressure to maintain can lead to personal struggles. Learn about The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship in this Inc.com article.

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Tagged dingman center, entrepreneurship, News, startups, worth reading

Aug 22 2013

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Community of Entrepreneurs Share Their Experiences at Dingman Jumpstart

It’s been an exciting week so far at Dingman Jumpstart. We’re seeing some of the areas brightest entrepreneurs with some game-changing ideas. The participants have attended several workshops and panels but there are two that stand out: one with seasoned entrepreneurs and one with entrepreneurs fresh in the game. Take a look at who we lined up to inspire our group of Jumpstart participants.

Learning From the Mistakes of Successful Entrepreneurs
On Wednesday, we featured two of our Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, Jason Shrensky and Ed Barrientos. The entrepreneurs shared their experiences starting successful businesses as well as the mistakes they made along the way.

Jason Shrensky (@shrensky), Co-Founder, Uber Offices
Jason Shrensky is a local entrepreneur and angel investor who joined the Dingman Center team as an Angel in Residence in 2011. In addition to actively investing in early-stage companies, he splits his time between two startups that he recently co-founded: ÜberOffices and ComplexInterests. ÜberOffices provides co-working office space in the DC Metro area predominantly for early-stage technology and media companies. At ComplexInterests, Jason is working on developing a unique enterprise software package targeted at accounting, law, and financial services firms.

Elena Fine's Entrepreneur Roundtable with Ed and Jason, photographed for the Robert H. Smith School of Business at Van Munching Hall in College Park MD, 26 April 2013.

Ed Barrientos (@SnowCrash65), CEO, Brazen Careerist
Ed Barrientos is CEO and Chairman of the Board of Brazen Careerist, a career focused social networking site targeting Gen Y. He is also Managing Partner of Zeitgeist Holdings, L.L.C., an angel investment firm focused on investing in early stage technology companies. From 1996 to 2005, he was President and CEO of Arc Second Inc., a high growth market leader in the field of laser based, high-precision GPS. Barrientos led Arc Second to a successful exit (acquired by Metris NV of Belgium) at the end of 2005. He sat on the Board of Directors of Metris NV, and worked as an active Board member through the Company’s IPO (2006) and its acquisition by Nikon (Japan) in 2009.

Learning From Young Entrepreneurs
To close out the week on Friday, we will be joined by a group of young entrepreneurs still fresh in the game. Their startups have experienced success, but they are still knee-deep in the daily operations of running their companies.

Justin Baer, Founder, Check In Easy (@checkineasy)
Justin Baer, New York University graduate and entrepreneur, has launched the guest list and event check in app Check In Easy. The idea was born from social business venture, CharityHappenings.org and CharityHappenings Ticketing clients who were fed up with the inefficiency of paper check-in. Prior to founding Check In Easy, Justin launched CharityHappenings.org LLC, a social business venture providing the non-profit sector with a web-based master calendar, ticketing service and supplier directory.

Aaron Epstein (@aaron_epstein), Co-Founder and CPO, Creative Market
Aaron Epstein co-founded Creative Market, a platform for hand crafted, mousemade and easily accessible design content from independent creatives around the world. A designer, developer, jack of all trades and Robert H. Smith School of Business alumnus, Aaron claims to be fueled by avocados and cheerios.

Rami Essaid (@ramiessaid), Co-Founder, Distil Networks
Rami began his career as the founder and CEO of Chit Chat Communications. After a successful exit, he consulted in mobile development. With over 11 years in communications, network security, and infrastructure management, Rami advised enterprise companies to help improve scalability and reliability while maintaining a high level of security. Rami attended North Carolina State University where he majored in computer engineering.

Kevin Lenane (@kevinlenane), Founder & CEO, Veenome
Kevin Lenane is an experienced project manager with a keen sense of how location, platform, and portability play in to the mobile experience for businesses and consumers. Kevin has worked with clients at PointAbout including OnStar, the Huffington Post, FEMA, and the ESRB. Prior to PointAbout, Kevin was part of the product management team behind the location management platform NAVTEQ.

Elise Whang (@elisewhang), Founder, SNOBSWAP
SNOBSWAP was first inspired by Elise’s hunt for a pre-loved Chanel handbag, when she found herself dreaming about a website where members could swap or sell their designer clothes and accessories. Elise, hailing from a highly successful law background, decided to join forces with her sister Emily, an MBA with a deep luxury retail background and passion for all things designer. Uniting complementary strengths, expertise, and vision made for a perfectly tailored business venture.

Tagged Aaron Epstein, dingman center, Dingman Jumpstart, ed barrientos, Elise Whang, entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, Jason Shrensky, Jumpstart, Justin Baer, Kevin Lenane, Rami Essaid

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