What is one of the best ways to learn about business? Doing it! Creating a business from the ground up. And the next best thing may be hearing from and getting to know people who are starting businesses.
The d.studio students and I were in awe of the eight young entrepreneurs who visited (or skyped into) the studio to help us launch the second project which involves getting familiar with the business canvas (from Business Model Generation: http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/downloads/business_model_canvas_poster.pdf). Students in groups of two are assigned to a CEO — they get to observe and interview the CEO in the process of filling out the canvas — what is the value proposition for the business? What is the revenue stream? Who are the partners? And so on.
Thanks to Florin’s contacts in the community and thanks to Andrei & Cole (d.studio take one alumni) we came up with a great line-up of CEOs and really interesting companies:
Paul Lambert (Matygo)
Amelia Ufford (De-Brand)
Eesmyal Santos-Brault (The HIVE)
Lindsay Watt (Placeling)
Colin Doylend (Rain City Strategies)
Steve Rio (BriteWeb)
Winnie Lai (ClinicBook)
It was fascinating to hear the histories of the companies and to witness the creativity and courage of these CEOs. Totally inspiring!
Here is Paul Lambert of Matygo — courtesy of Vancouver Sun.
