BarCampRDU is almost here, and I cannot wait! I attended my first BarCampRDU a year ago. I volunteered, and got to meet many great folks, and the sessions I sat in on were just great - full of smart people eager to share their ideas and experiences.
The last BarCamp I attended I knew no one. I think that was really a great way to come in. I could focus on the sessions, and what really appealed to me, versus finding my friends and trying to stick with them. It will be interesting to see if knowing a dozen or more folks at this one changes things.
At the last BarCamp, I did my part by volunteering. I didn't feel like I had an area of expertise to speak in, so I didn't offer up a session. After attending, I now know you don't need to be an expert to lead a topic - often the best topics are discussions that bring together lots of folks contributing their ideas. So in that spirit, I have a few ideas that might make for good discussions:
- What's the deal with airline food Twitter?
Possibly a 100 level intro for folks that are on the fence about Twitter, but I'd really like to talk about how people are using Twitter, what tricks or tips they have for making it work for them, as well as what doesn't work with Twitter (because being snarky is always fun).
- I want to start a business that isn't headed for an IPO or acquisition. Is there a place for me in RTP?
A lot of the energy around new companies in the triangle seems focused on the startup pattern of developing a business plan, finding investors, developing product, heading for an exit event. There doesn't seem to be a lot of support or resources for folks simply interested in starting their own business outside of that pattern. I'd like to start a discussion on this and hopefully identify the resources that are out there.
posted @ Thursday, July 31, 2008 2:21 PM