GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
THE MISSING PIECES FOR CEE
Marian Gazdik, Startup Grind
400,000 entrepreneurs in 200 cities and 85 countries
CONNECTING THE DOTS
• 75 years ago, Silicon Valley was a little more than an orchard
• Detroit was key innovation hub, (filed for bankruptcy in 2013)
• Disruption comes from the bottom (Netflix) or outsiders (iPhone)
• Successful companies get comfortable and become arrogant
• At today’s fast pace, they only notice when it’s too late (Nokia)
Lesson: cities, regions or countries rise and fall
SALESFORCE: DON’T FIGHT, JOIN THEM
BUILD YOUR BRIDGES
• It’s not you against them. Don’t compete,
collaborate
• Connect to key global hubs
• Find a way keep them coming back
• Make sure they talk about you, in a good way
• Develop strategic partnerships
Examples: Israel, Portugal
CHALLENGES OF CEE REGION
• Fear of failure, lack of ambition
• Secrecy won't help, feedback almost always will
• Lack of advice. Find 2-3 top mentors, develop a
relationship
• Products not ready for big markets. Find product
market fit first
• Under-utilised network. Reach out when needed
TIP: Make a list of 10 potential mentors & reach out
HOW CAN WE HELP
• Develop local startup eco-systems
• Connecting startups with investors, mentors & advisors
• Conferences attended by world’s TOP entrepreneurs
• Offer help and advice on startupgrind.com
• Build a bridge to Silicon Valley:
StartupGrind.com/Conference
Tip: Let us know how we can help you
OUR VALUES
MARIAN GAZDIK
Director, Europe
@Mgazdik, @StartupGrind
MEET PEOPLE THE RIGHT WAY
• GET INTRODUCED BY A TRUSTED CONNECTION
• REMEMBER NAMES
• MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION (BE HELPFUL, COMPLIMENT)
• DON’T BRAG, LET OTHERS PRAISE YOU
• DON’T PITCH TOO SOON - RELATE AND CONNECT FIRST
• BUILD A “BRIDGE”
Practice: Think of how you can help
CONFERENCE NETWORKING
• DEFINE WHOM YOU WANT TO MEET HERE
• DO A LITTLE RESEARCH & PREPARE 1-2 QUESTIONS
• STAY FOCUSED, MEET PEOPLE ON YOUR LIST FIRST
• HAVE AN INTERESTING PITCH, ASK FOR FEEDBACK
• LOOK FOR INTERESTING PEOPLE TO MEET, ASK OTHERS
Practice: Make a list of 10 people to meet
BUILD LASTING RELATIONSHIPS
• BUILD TRUST AND HUMAN CONNECTION FIRST
• FOLLOW-UP. WHEN NO RESPONSE, RECONNECT (MOORE’S
LAW)
• GIVE VALUE REGULARLY, MAKE VALUABLE INTRODUCTIONS
• USE OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY IN TOUCH: COFFEE, LUNCH,
CALLS
• SHARE INVITES TO INTERESTING HAPPENINGS
• VALUE YOUR WORD AND DELIVER ON TIME
TIP: Only promise only what you can deliver
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