I love the pithy delivery and I think the money raising part has merit, but on conferences..
Consider if filmmakers were advised not to go to film festivals or authors were advised not to go to book festivals until they're noteworthy enough to get invited. I'm not sure that would be a winning approach for most.
I oversimplified a bit for readability and I'm thinking specifically of technology entrepreneurs.
I don't believe the value of conferences is absolute zero but the point would be that spending your time building a notable product is far more valuable than spending your time at a conference.
I've spent a fair amount of this year attending conferences (most notably SXSW) and this post was a reaction to my experiences.
I believe I know what you are referring to. There is almost a natural limit to the amount of events can go to, before we suffer "burnout" and wonder if it's worth it. I and others have been conferences, got hyped, raring to go and spent the time afterwards doing... nothing, but recovering from the conference really.
a. To meet and sell to potential clients at a relevant trade fair
b. To meet and court potential hires or partners
c. Get inspired
d. To eat and drink and be merry
Building something awesome doesn't happen in isolation - you've got to sell too! A gathering of people around an idea is very useful to have.
Of course, all of the above can be accomplished without going to the conference proper - you can hack your way around - but you still need to spend that time and effort
6 comments
[ 0.22 ms ] story [ 29.1 ms ] threadConsider if filmmakers were advised not to go to film festivals or authors were advised not to go to book festivals until they're noteworthy enough to get invited. I'm not sure that would be a winning approach for most.
I oversimplified a bit for readability and I'm thinking specifically of technology entrepreneurs.
I don't believe the value of conferences is absolute zero but the point would be that spending your time building a notable product is far more valuable than spending your time at a conference.
I've spent a fair amount of this year attending conferences (most notably SXSW) and this post was a reaction to my experiences.
a. To meet and sell to potential clients at a relevant trade fair b. To meet and court potential hires or partners c. Get inspired d. To eat and drink and be merry
Building something awesome doesn't happen in isolation - you've got to sell too! A gathering of people around an idea is very useful to have.
Of course, all of the above can be accomplished without going to the conference proper - you can hack your way around - but you still need to spend that time and effort