Thought I would post about what I would do if I was allowed to run a bizspark camp, not because I think the ones that have been organised stink or people that organise them need advice but because I would really love to see an event like this.
So what is the camp I would like to see ? Firstly it would be a series of camps focused on the business of technology not a technology itself. Using the underlying Microsoft skills base as the glue that brings people together. The first camp would be over a weekend, then other camps 3 – 6 months apart so we cant build a real businesses over just a weekend.
This first camp will be a “pitch and dating camp”, basically everyone before the event lists their skills ie coding, design, UX, management etc, desired role and the amount of time they can put into a project. On the first morning of the camp if you have an idea you can open the floor or hold private interviews with people that or on the list that you would like to join your project. In the afternoon you buddy up with the people that have accepted your invites into your project to work together in planning your go forward.
The second day we will run some adhoc advice sessions that your free to join by either sending none, one or all to the session to learn about things such as remote team working, legal issues etc. Also during the day we will run a closed pitch session where you can sit with some real investors to hear your idea get some advice and maybe some investment.
All project participants will be invited back after 3/6 months for a casual afternoon to hear how things are going and what has been built and to learn what Microsoft can do to assist your business.
Would you come and participate ? If so tweeter to @bizspark_au & @jamesmcc that you would like to see this or leave a comment as I would love to here your thoughts on a camp like this ? A retweet would also be great to spread the word for having an invite like this as the more the better the event would be
Jul 19, 2010 @ 08:39:55
I like! The only thing I have against it is focus on Microsoft technology. Don’t get me wrong, I like Microsoft stuff, but sometimes its not the best choice for certain applications.
Jul 19, 2010 @ 10:07:26
Ben,
Thanks for leaving the comment and you raise a good point and one I did think about when writing this post. The problem I thought could happen if we did this is how does a php guy collaborate with a rails guy or C# guy ? Even on Microsoft technology you would get silos of VB v C# or MVC v Forms v Silverlight.
The other thing to remember its a Bizspark program and the aim of this camp would be to give more value to people in the Bizspark community so obviously there would be some lean to promoting Microsoft technologies, but saying that there is plenty of links between these different non Microsoft technologies such azure and php, rest based technology and ralls,etc and Microsoft does even allow flash 🙂
So I guess what I am saying is if you have a concept that is based on other technology or skills in these platforms you might be harder to find other people to buddy up with but then maybe there will be a project looking for an iphone or rails or etc dev to show cross platform.
Jul 19, 2010 @ 16:43:34
I can follow that. I guess I just feel that sort of even suits meeting people more then meeting people with skills in some language. After all myself I code C# and use SQL Server during the day with a focus on Microsoft Technology, and given a decent opportunity am more then happy to switch to those products, but I also code Python, PHP and MySQL on the side and don’t limit myself to any particular .
I think what I am looking for is some sort of peer group in Australia where everyone gets together and discusses issues etc… even if they are not funded etc… Perhaps something like an Australian version of Hacker News but with meetups now and then. I have a looked around and nothing of the sort seems to exist. The startup scene in Australia seems to be rather woeful at best, but possibly I need more Googlefu to find it.
Jul 19, 2010 @ 16:53:53
James, Are you based in Sydney? Just joined Bizspark and have close associations with programmers using C#, .NET, SQL and LabVIEW (useful for quick projects). Looking to use Silverlight.
I agree with Ben. While there are pockets of like-minded people, it is hard for start-ups or small companies to network or, I should say, network effectively.
Would like to touch base.
Jul 19, 2010 @ 17:19:57
@Ben: Yes some of these startup meetings are like an AA meetings but there are a few around and I will post them here when I stumble over them.
I have been thinking about running a meetup with bizspark being the gel that brings people together not the reason, while I am happy to run it I need people to tell Microsoft there is a need. So the more that posts here that this is what they want then the better chance I have I making it happen. So please pass this on to more people and get them to post or tweet about wanting to do it.
@Shirley: yes I am in Sydney, I will pass my email and skype details to you via the email address you have left. Your welcome to contact me.
Jul 20, 2010 @ 01:39:38
@Ben, @Jamesmcc: There are actually heaps of events/meetups happening in Sydney on a regular basis. This is a good starting point:
http://www.startup-australia.org/events
Definitely sign up for the Silicon Beach mailing list, many useful events get announced there and there’s are great startup related Q&A:
http://groups.google.com/group/silicon-beach-australia
There are also StartupCamps (http://www.startup-australia.org/startupcamp) & BootUpCamps (http://www.bootupcamp.com/).
Silicon Beach drinks on Friday in the CBD is my favorite end of the week winding down startup meetup. Recently The Hive come to Sydney and has a monthly meetup (http://thehive.org.au/). The last one had a great turnout, with about 50 people attending.
Bottom line is that there are heaps of things happening around Sydney and new events seem to get startup each week. I’d recommend going to one of the bigger ones, mingle and meet some people and find out what else is happening.
Jul 27, 2010 @ 16:51:12
Thanks for the links Bart! Exactly what I was looking for.
Jul 27, 2010 @ 17:41:50
@Ben: if you go a report would be appreciated for others in the bizspark community would be welcome
Jul 25, 2010 @ 12:08:37
Thanks for the links Bart