Fred Castaneda of the Struggling Entrepreneur Talks about Podcasting and Entrepreneurism
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Mexico and Spanish is my native language, but I have spent the last 52 years here in the US. Although I am a permanent resident alien, I did serve in the US Army as a combat infantryman during the Vietnam War, as my draft number was #29 in the first lottery. And I have studied many languages-- Latin, Greek, French, German, and I speak fluent Spanish and English.
What university did you go to?
I have attended the following universities:
- Loyola University of Los Angeles (B.A.)
- Loyola Marymount University (M.B.A.)
- ITESM (aka "Monterrey Tech" in Mexico City- MBA program)
- Western State University (Law School, Calif.)
- KW University - PhD candidate in International Business
What brought you to Austin?
I came to Austin as a transfer from Dallas during my IBM career (I have just retired from IBM after 31 years in Systems Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Social Media, New Media, Podcasting and Software Development).
What is the idea behind your group focused on podcasting?
I have been a podcaster for 3 years, and I currently have 8 podcasts. I also am the organizer for the AUSTIN PODCASTERS GROUP with meetup sessions every month for the past 2 years. My idea is to provide the skills, technology, updates and best practices for the podcaster community of entrepreneurs in Austin, as well as nationwide (during the Telesummits and conferences in the US).
What need does it fulfill?
Podcasting fulfills the need of exposure, awareness, demand-generation & fulfillment, delivery of content and sales of premium content for the Small Business Owner and Entrepreneur--regardless of what product or service is being sold and/or delivered to the clients and customers. Including the proper format of both audio and video podcasts in this delivery channel can add to the marketing mix of the entrepreneur's firm, thus increasing revenue and profitability, while enhancing a competitive, differential advantage.
What exactly does your group do?
The Podcast of http://www.strugglingentrepreneur serves to provide lessons learned, best practices and case studies of the "entrepreneur's story" to the audiences of both aspiring entrepreneurs (aka "dreamers") and also the recently-launched entrepreneurs (aka "newbies"). It also delivers awareness of organizations that provide assistance, value and help to the entrepreneur (e.g., SCORE, BIGAustin, the Business Success Center, etc.).
The Austin Podcasters Group creates a community of entrepreneurs and other podcasters who wish to create and publish podcasts to enhance the marketing strategy of their company.
Whom is it for?
The AUSTIN PODCASTERS GROUP -- We support podcasters from every industry and at every level--from beginning to advanced.
The podcast series of THE STRUGGLING ENTREPRENEUR is for the individual who dreams about starting a business (either on a part-time or full-time basis), or has recently launched a business. It is also for the audiences that want to learn about entrepreneurship from the case studies, success stories and the personal experiences of those interviewed in the series.
What was the most challenging aspect of starting up the group?
(1) THE AUSTIN PODCASTERS GROUP - the challenge was taking a group that was about to fold and close its doors, because the leader of the group at the time, Mark Lassoff, wanted to terminate the group. However, with the insistence of a fellow podcaster (who has THE COMIC BOOK PAGE PODCAST), I took over as leader and saved the group from the brink of extinction to its current status of over 69 members. Also, in February, we have outgrown our current venue for meetings.
The other obstacle was funding out of my own pocket the cost of using the MEETUP FACILITY--that's right! the membership pays nothing for belonging to the group.
For the STRUGGLING ENTREPRENEUR podcast, the most challenging aspect was getting the podcast launched and keeping the success of the podcast in line with the quality of the content. That is, I have turned down all the offers for advertising from multiple vendors--mainly, because I do not want the quality and integrity of the podcast to suffer and lose my audience because they may think that I now have a credibility and integrity compromise. To this date, there has been no sponsorship or advertising. Thus, the content is free from ads and is not affected by others paying for their content to be pushed in the podcast.
What is the next step for you and your group?
For the AUSTIN PODCASTERS GROUP, the next step is to grow the group close to 100, and then transition the leadership to another member, with the model that the "baton" needs to be passed to other members--so that the group is really the members' group, and not mine.
Also, a sharing of the podcasts being done by the current membership will allow the exposure of the entrepreneurs with their podcasts.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Subscribe to the podcast series of http://www.strugglingentrepreneur.com.
WHY? Because every entrepreneur has a story, and one of the key items we ask in every interview is HOW they overcame their obstacles, as well as recommendations and "words of wisdom" from their entrepreneurial experiences for the "dreamer" and the "newbie." You can always learn from the experiences of others.
Remember the saying:
"Good judgement comes from experience; and experience comes from bad judgment."
Thus, let's learn from the experiences of others, so that we can avoid the pitfalls and become more successful with fewer chances for struggling with the obstacles to having a successful business in the shortest amount of time with the biggest return!
Best regards,
Hall T.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Michelle Frith of Biehler & Associates Talks about the City of Austin’s Small Business Development Program’s Getting Connected Business Resource Fair
Michelle Frith of Biehler & Associates Talks about the City of Austin’s Small Business Development Program’s Getting Connected Business Resource Fair
Where are you from originally?
All over the Midwest. I was born in the Oklahoma Panhandle, but lived in nearly every small town in Kansas and the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle. The people are really nice there, but it was great to move to Central Texas.
What university did you go to?
The University formerly known as Southwest Texas State University – now known as Texas State University. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Master of Arts in Communication many years ago.
What brought you to Austin?
I came through Austin on a school field trip in middle school and thought it was so beautiful that I was determined to live here someday. And my dream came true! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
What is the idea behind the SBDP's Business Resource Fair?
Business owners aren’t always aware of the incredible resources there are in Austin to help them be successful. We want to connect entrepreneurs to those resources, be it from non-profit groups whose mission is to help businesses, from business networking organizations, or from government programs which have ways to assist our small business owners. When Austin small businesses are successful, Austin itself is successful in so many ways.
What need does it fulfill?
These days everyone needs to stretch their imaginations and do research to find out how to be the best they can be. Businesses are no exception and an event like Getting Connected can offer a goldmine of information and assistance and all for free. While some see these times as “trying”, I think of them as an opportunity to be creative, to see things from new and different angles. Entrepreneurs seeking new information will only make themselves and their businesses the better for it. In any other tough economic times, it’s been the true entrepreneurs who turned things around for all of us. You know – necessity is the mother of invention!
Who is it for?
Getting Connected is a free event for anyone thinking of starting a business, who is researching and is about to start a business or anyone who is already in business. We will have resources that anyone can take advantage of. Besides the great exhibit with dozens of booths being conducted on the ground floor of Palmer Events Center, the City’s Small Business Development Program will also be offering three different BizAid Business Start Up Orientations throughout the event. The hour-long classes will be offered at 3:00, at 4:45 and at 6:00 p.m. These classes share the basic considerations every potential entrepreneur should ponder before starting. Many of our BizAid Start Up Orientations are currently business owners and the feedback is always extremely positive.
What was the most challenging aspect of running such a Fair? Coordination of so many different details is definitely a challenge. Venue selection, food, exhibitors, invitations, marketing, RSVP’s, speakers, audio/visual, booth layouts, evaluations, decorations – there is just so much to do! We have a great event coordinator and a team that is unbeatable. You can always tell when an event is well run when it looks easy. SBDP events appear seamless – and we’re really proud of that.
What other events/activities are you running this year?
Our major events each year are Getting Connected, the Ups and Downs of a Second Location slated for May 13 of this year and Meet the Lender offered each August. The Ups and Downs of a Second Location was a real hit last year and we’re really excited to be offering it again. That event will include panelists from three businesses that have successfully expanded their business to more than one location. They share their positive experiences and the challenges they faced in expansion as lessons learned. Meet the Lender on August 6 will once again offer 40+ lenders in one place at one time in a casual setting so that small business owners can shake hands and find out what the lenders’ requirements are and who they might want to do business with. Getting Connected and Meet the Lender are both free events but there is a small investment for Ups and Downs of a Second Location. Major events and recurring classes and events are listed on our website’s Calendar of Events or anyone interested can sign up to be in our database to receive emails about business related events and classes.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Plan, plan, plan and then go back and get a Plan B, Plan C, Plan D and Plan F. Being an entrepreneur is fun, scary, hard, thrilling, demanding, complicated, and such a blast! Seek out resources and help, get a mentor and have support and cheerleaders who are on your side. Do your research and don’t forget while you’re working at your business, you have to work on your business. Tell everyone you know what you do – and more than anything be passionate!
Best regards,
Hall T.
Where are you from originally?
All over the Midwest. I was born in the Oklahoma Panhandle, but lived in nearly every small town in Kansas and the Oklahoma/Texas Panhandle. The people are really nice there, but it was great to move to Central Texas.
What university did you go to?
The University formerly known as Southwest Texas State University – now known as Texas State University. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication and a Master of Arts in Communication many years ago.
What brought you to Austin?
I came through Austin on a school field trip in middle school and thought it was so beautiful that I was determined to live here someday. And my dream came true! I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
What is the idea behind the SBDP's Business Resource Fair?
Business owners aren’t always aware of the incredible resources there are in Austin to help them be successful. We want to connect entrepreneurs to those resources, be it from non-profit groups whose mission is to help businesses, from business networking organizations, or from government programs which have ways to assist our small business owners. When Austin small businesses are successful, Austin itself is successful in so many ways.
What need does it fulfill?
These days everyone needs to stretch their imaginations and do research to find out how to be the best they can be. Businesses are no exception and an event like Getting Connected can offer a goldmine of information and assistance and all for free. While some see these times as “trying”, I think of them as an opportunity to be creative, to see things from new and different angles. Entrepreneurs seeking new information will only make themselves and their businesses the better for it. In any other tough economic times, it’s been the true entrepreneurs who turned things around for all of us. You know – necessity is the mother of invention!
Who is it for?
Getting Connected is a free event for anyone thinking of starting a business, who is researching and is about to start a business or anyone who is already in business. We will have resources that anyone can take advantage of. Besides the great exhibit with dozens of booths being conducted on the ground floor of Palmer Events Center, the City’s Small Business Development Program will also be offering three different BizAid Business Start Up Orientations throughout the event. The hour-long classes will be offered at 3:00, at 4:45 and at 6:00 p.m. These classes share the basic considerations every potential entrepreneur should ponder before starting. Many of our BizAid Start Up Orientations are currently business owners and the feedback is always extremely positive.
What was the most challenging aspect of running such a Fair? Coordination of so many different details is definitely a challenge. Venue selection, food, exhibitors, invitations, marketing, RSVP’s, speakers, audio/visual, booth layouts, evaluations, decorations – there is just so much to do! We have a great event coordinator and a team that is unbeatable. You can always tell when an event is well run when it looks easy. SBDP events appear seamless – and we’re really proud of that.
What other events/activities are you running this year?
Our major events each year are Getting Connected, the Ups and Downs of a Second Location slated for May 13 of this year and Meet the Lender offered each August. The Ups and Downs of a Second Location was a real hit last year and we’re really excited to be offering it again. That event will include panelists from three businesses that have successfully expanded their business to more than one location. They share their positive experiences and the challenges they faced in expansion as lessons learned. Meet the Lender on August 6 will once again offer 40+ lenders in one place at one time in a casual setting so that small business owners can shake hands and find out what the lenders’ requirements are and who they might want to do business with. Getting Connected and Meet the Lender are both free events but there is a small investment for Ups and Downs of a Second Location. Major events and recurring classes and events are listed on our website’s Calendar of Events or anyone interested can sign up to be in our database to receive emails about business related events and classes.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Plan, plan, plan and then go back and get a Plan B, Plan C, Plan D and Plan F. Being an entrepreneur is fun, scary, hard, thrilling, demanding, complicated, and such a blast! Seek out resources and help, get a mentor and have support and cheerleaders who are on your side. Do your research and don’t forget while you’re working at your business, you have to work on your business. Tell everyone you know what you do – and more than anything be passionate!
Best regards,
Hall T.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Eric Hennenhoefer of Obsidian Software Talks about the Entrepreneurs Organization
Eric Hennenhoefer of Obsidian Software Talks about the Entrepreneurs Organization
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Washington DC, was a toddler in Dallas, and lived a dozen places before settling down in Harrisburg PA for kindergarten. If you’ve visited Hershey’s Chocolate World or remember Three Mile Island, I’m from up there.
What university did you go to?
I went to Penn State University and have a graduate degree in Computer Engineering.
What brought you to Austin?
I’m a migrant tech worker. I was living in Vermont and working for IBM when AMD lured me down to Austin to work on the Athlon microprocessor. I figured anywhere that serves ice tea year round works for me.
What group are you with?
I’m the Texas Director for Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and I work with the boards of the Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston EO chapters.
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global network of more than 7,000 business owners in 38 countries.
What need does it fulfill?
EO provides a peer to-peer-learning experience for entrepreneurs. Often entrepreneurs find that as their businesses grow, they need a safe forum to discuss their personal and business challenges with others facing similar problems. EO offers a way to connect with your peers to learn and grow.
What exactly does your group do?
The EO chapter has monthly education events and members are placed in a forum. Forums contain 8-10 fellow business owners who meet once a month for a confidential discussion. EO is not a networking group and there is a strict non-solicitation policy.
Who is it for?
EO is for founders and controlling shareholders who operate companies with over $1 million in sales.
What was the most challenging aspect of starting up the group?
Reaching entrepreneurs is difficult. The number one complaint I hear from new members is they wish they heard of us earlier. You can check out our Membership video
What is the next step for you and your group?
Growth, Austin EO is looking for new members.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Follow your passion.
Best regards,
Where are you from originally?
I was born in Washington DC, was a toddler in Dallas, and lived a dozen places before settling down in Harrisburg PA for kindergarten. If you’ve visited Hershey’s Chocolate World or remember Three Mile Island, I’m from up there.
What university did you go to?
I went to Penn State University and have a graduate degree in Computer Engineering.
What brought you to Austin?
I’m a migrant tech worker. I was living in Vermont and working for IBM when AMD lured me down to Austin to work on the Athlon microprocessor. I figured anywhere that serves ice tea year round works for me.
What group are you with?
I’m the Texas Director for Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO), and I work with the boards of the Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston EO chapters.
The Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) is a global network of more than 7,000 business owners in 38 countries.
What need does it fulfill?
EO provides a peer to-peer-learning experience for entrepreneurs. Often entrepreneurs find that as their businesses grow, they need a safe forum to discuss their personal and business challenges with others facing similar problems. EO offers a way to connect with your peers to learn and grow.
What exactly does your group do?
The EO chapter has monthly education events and members are placed in a forum. Forums contain 8-10 fellow business owners who meet once a month for a confidential discussion. EO is not a networking group and there is a strict non-solicitation policy.
Who is it for?
EO is for founders and controlling shareholders who operate companies with over $1 million in sales.
What was the most challenging aspect of starting up the group?
Reaching entrepreneurs is difficult. The number one complaint I hear from new members is they wish they heard of us earlier. You can check out our Membership video
What is the next step for you and your group?
Growth, Austin EO is looking for new members.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs?
Follow your passion.
Best regards,
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