Silicon Prairie News

3299_c538490c50_small December 12, 2011 by Guest Contributor

Des Moines (This is a guest post by Drew Larson and Adam Gregg, attorneys at the BrownWinick Law Firm.) It is an undeniable fact that technology has revolutionized the way we live and do business. In fact, a good number of you reading this right now operate a website, have online business operations, or even own a tech company. Many of these online activities could face new legal risks due to … read more

3293_5116221a9c_small December 11, 2011 by Guest Contributor

(This is guest post by Sean Blanda.) At Technically Philly we are in a unique position. Because we have such a specific niche, we are often the first interaction a local company has with the press. Many times we are dealing with first-time entrepreneurs who are responsible for their own marketing and media outreach. Typically, these entrepreneurs are programmers or business majors who don't know anyone in the … read more

3228_ecf598430d_small December 1, 2011 by Geoff Wood

Des Moines Over the past week or two I've asked several folks in Des Moines the same question, "Who is the No. 1 startup in Des Moines?" The answer, almost always, is Dwolla. Some say it quickly while others try to determine a measurement criteria before answering, but either way Dwolla is where they end up. The question of "No. 1" might as well be rhetorical since what I really want everyone's thoughts … read more

3211_9a01a5cea7_small November 25, 2011 by Guest Contributor

Des Moines (The following is a guest post by Chris Draper of Meidh Corporation) The newly minted "Silicon Sixth Avenue" is exactly what our city, county and state have been clamouring for: a high density of young, technology enabled risk takers. With nationally renowned start-ups bookending a Silicon Valley-style incubator, this new technology corridor is … read more

3141_ccec18b474_small November 7, 2011 by Guest Contributor

Des Moines At Thinc Iowa in Des Moines last month, Scott Case, CEO of the Startup America Partnership and founding CTO of priceline.com, described the mission of the Startup America Partnership. Initiated by the White House but operating as an independent, private-sector entity, the Startup America Partnership is dedicated to growing more resources for entrepreneurs in the areas of expertise, support services, talent, customers and capital. Case talked … read more

3073_7296ca349f_small October 26, 2011 by Guest Contributor

I've often said that getting a technology startup launched has never been easier. So many services, software and … read more

3031_3726dde795_small October 20, 2011 by William Fisher

Omaha OK. We know our audience, and we have down cold both the industry and the company we are pitching. Now, let’s make some sausage. I like to get those I work with to follow some simple rules that I have witnessed that are effective. My idea of a perfect pitch is one that tells them up front in five minutes what you are going to tell them, then tells them exactly that in a 30 minute presentation, and then summarizes what you just told them in the last five minutes … read more

2998_db2239b615_small October 12, 2011 by William Fisher

Omaha In my last article, I explored how to answer the question regarding how to create the perfect pitch. In my opinion, it is predicated on you being able to understand your audience, the company you are presenting and any outside elements that influence the decision. After you understand these items, then you are ready to follow some simple rules and create a winning presentation. Therefore, keys to a good pitch are: Know your audience … read more

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Through August 22, help us decide the winners of our inaugural Silicon Prairie Awards, which will recognize 12 companies and individuals. You can vote once per day per category.
Winners will be announced live on stage at
our August 30 event.

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