bradwrage blogg

PolyCareers has been live for a little while now and we have had some great contributions to the site, keeping in mind most of these internship reviews have been from our friends. Now the question is how do we convert the user sign-ups to actual reviews. I’m seeing user sign-ups daily but no reviews coming from those sign-ups. I think the problem is users are expecting a different page that allows actions to be taken after signing up. We need more clarity in usability. Any thoughts on how we can improve?

April 14, 2009, 11:27am   Comments

Guy Kawasaki

Jun’s startup blog

Quick Sprout

Signal vs. Noise (37 signals)

Train Thoughts(Yield Build CEO)

Venture Hacks

March 05, 2009, 11:12am   Comments

Iteration is a pretty widely used word that is talked about in the startup world.  But what really is it?  My mind first off goes to companies like basecamp or twitter.  Just extremely simple with with small improvements here and there along the way.  I read an excellent blog post “why iteration is a powerful way to build a startup” that’s definitely worth checking out as well.  I really believe it’s the only way to go.  Have an idea?  Build and make sure your creation works.  It doesn’t have to be perfect. Have a large emphasis on feedback.  Maintain the frame of mind that modifications and improvements will be made based off of feedback.  Is the feedback negative?  Means you need to change something or do something completely different.  Being able to save yourself from massive headaches because you built and built and built only to finally realize people don’t like your product could be detrimental to your success.

February 26, 2009, 1:03pm   Comments

I asked my mentor over at YieldBuild.com if he could send me three key points I should focus on as an aspiring entrepreneur.  His response is golden -

“Brad, This easy.

1. Get a plan - Figure out what problem you’re going to solve.

2. Start building it - don’t wait to learn, or until the plan is perfect.

3. Iterate - learn from mistakes, do more of what works.”

February 16, 2009, 10:12am   Comments

As Guy Kawasaki puts it in his book Reality Check

“Your executive summary is probably the most important document you will write for you company.”

The content?  Only 9 parts, all not exceeding two pages because

“…it’s purpose is to sell, not describe your company.”

1. Problem : What does your business solve or address?

2. Solution:  How does it do it?

3. Business model: What is the market and how does your business make money?

4. How:  What sets your company above the rest?

5. Marketing and sales: The strategy to get the word out

6. Competition: Who are they?  What’s different about you and them?

7. Projections: Your three year financial projections and key points to achieve them.

8. Team: Who are the brains behind it?

9: Status and Time line:  Current state and milestones ahead?

All of these are taken from Guy’s book.  Highly recommend it.  Go get it.

February 13, 2009, 8:57am   Comments

After talking about PolyCareers.com with a few students on campus, the worry of the site becoming a potential danger to relationships between companies and Cal Poly has been a topic of conversation.  What will happen if students leave a review bashing on their internship experience with a certain company?  We could be treading some dangerous waters.

When I think about these comments my mind immediately goes to all of the startup and business readings I have done in the past which repeatedly say to ignore all naysayers.  Not that these comments are nay-sayings of any kind.  They are actual concerns that my partner and I have though about from the beginning we decided to go along with the project.

Companies already know their relationship with the students.  Most of the programs evaluate the interns asking for honest opinions about their experience.  They are not asking anyone to keep the experiences to themselves and confidential.  That would just be insane.  Students talk.  Students go to their peers for information.  PolyCareers is simply a tool that allows for an easier collaboration and communication for these students.

January 08, 2009, 11:21am   Comments