Startup Weekend Cedar Rapids (February 28-March 2 2014)

2014 will be a game-changing year for Iowa's Creative Corridor.  I'm inspired by the people ready, wiling, and able to get stuff done.   A lot of amazing things will happen this year that will make a positive impact on our region for many years to come.

The idea of getting a Startup Weekend organized for Cedar Rapids Iowa is no accident.  It's the logical next step of a continuous work in progress.  An effort by many to foster innovation and creativity in Iowa's Creative Corridor.  There are so many moving parts that it's important to not get caught up in the moment.  Pause to pat yourself of the back, and you could end up a few steps behind.  Keep your head down- run hard.  This isn't a sprint and it isn't a marathon either.  It's a multi-day team ultra.

As we work on communicating what Startup Weekend is and why anyone should go.  I am driven to encourage people to research past events from around the world.  Google it, search it on Twitter, or check out some videos on YouTube.  

Personally, a simply explanation of 'Who Should Attend?', 'Why Should I Attend?' and 'What Can I Expect?' found on Startup Weekend Georgetown's page does a fine job in laying out the compelling reason to commit a weekend.    

In Cedar Rapids, our goal is to get non-technical folks, developers, and designers into a room and help facilitate to development of crazy ideas into viable companies inside of a weekend.  The thought that any one person can build a successful business alone is simply not the ideal way to work.  The goal should be to introduce great people that excel in the hacker (developer), hipster (designer), or hustler (non-technical) side of a business and get them around the same table to build something better together.

Startup Weekend Cedar Rapids will be a life changing event for some people.  It will launch new friendships, ideas, and maybe even a few viable companies.  It will pump you full of enthusiasm and encourage you to soar to a new level.  

Register here for Startup Weekend Cedar Rapids.  You'll emerge inspired.  

This is the dream.....

It usually starts with a euphoric feeling. I'm flying through the air, my arms are like wings and I have total control of where I go. The air and the view; everything is awesome. 

At some point I decide I want it to stop. I want to land. I realize I can't. I panic. I try to remember how awesome the feeling was just moments earlier. Panic has set in. I look for something to hold on to. To somehow hold me down. I want nothing more than my feet to feel the ground. It's damned near impossible.  

At some point, the dream either fades or I give up trying to get my feet planted on the ground. I worry about what people think of someone that floats. 

Everyone has dreams. 

The Secret Life of [Insert Your Name Here]

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is timed right for the New Year's Resolution crowd of daydreamers that fashion a new life with the new calendar year.  If a calendar can kick you in the ass, awesome.  

Kicking ass is a 365-days-a-year adventure. I don't think waiting for a date on a calendar makes great things happen.  2014 should prove to be a breakout year for many people I know.  Sharing the stories, spreading stories, and finding conspirators willing to help make dreams realities helps make it happen. It comes from having an open-mind that adjusts and pivots when necessary, pressing on at every turn.  It comes from doing.  

 
I think we all have a Walter Mitty hanging on- daydreaming of some fantastic adventure.  A life without a dream is hardly a life.  But get off your ass and make some awesome things happen. 

About Walter Mitty: The book, though short, speaks volumes. You should read it, The movie was amazing, you should see it. And the sound track wss beyond awesome. José González is easily my top listens on Spotify.