Living Entrepreneurship Blog / Babson Entrepreneurs

Self-Reflection

Have you ever felt at home while at work? Before working at the Blank Center, this was an unfamiliar concept to me. Today, I know exactly how it feels. I am incredibly fortunate to have spent four years working in the entrepreneurship center of America’s top-ranked school for entrepreneurship. Throughout my time here, I have consistently been impressed and inspired by the entrepreneurs, mentors, faculty, and visitors found at the Blank Center. The resources available to undergraduate and graduate students and alumni are unlike anything else I’ve seen. The John E. and Alice L. Butler Launch Pad, Summer Venture Program, B.E.T.A. Challenge, Rocket Pitch, Hatcheries, and How 2 Tuesdays are incredible resources for any aspiring entrepreneur. Despite not having immediate plans to start my own business, I gained invaluable knowledge and made lasting connections by attending every event possible. The Blank Center is connected to the entrepreneurship community both locally and globally, making it a true entrepreneurship hub and a tremendous resource.

A large part of my role as a Butler Launch Pad Team Member was to conduct interviews and attend events for Babson’s Living Entrepreneurship blog. I had a great time meeting people from all walks of life and hearing their entrepreneurial stories. The event blogs are especially helpful for entrepreneurs of all stages. Using several of these blogs, I’ve created a guide to how I would approach founding a startup. The blogs are separated into general topics that entrepreneurs of any stage can utilize.

Feasibility

  • How 2 Validate a Business Idea
  • How 2 Interview Customers
  • How 2 Uncover and Shape Your Value Proposition

Marketing (including Digital Strategy)

  • Digital Marketing for Startups
  • How 2 Engage with the Media
  • How 2 Use Google Adwords
  • Grow with Google
  • How 2 Understand SEO

Sales

  • Acquiring Customers
  • How 2 Sell Early-Stage Tech

Finance/Fundraising

  • Finance Tips for Startups
  • How 2 Raise a Seed Round
  • Crowdfunding 101
  • How 2 Understand Investor Agreements

Legal

  • How 2 Divide Equity
  • How 2 Avoid Top Startup Mistakes
  • Understanding Insurance

Culture

  • Building a Board
  • How 2 Build a Personal Board of Advisors
  • Work Life Balance for Entrepreneurs

Below are a few of my main takeaways from working at the Blank Center:

  • The Butler Launch Pad is not only a resource for people who have already started a business. If you have any interest in entrepreneurship, attend Launch Pad events to network and stay connected to the field. You might even meet your future business partner!
  • Ask for help. Everyone here wants to see you succeed and will assist however possible.
  • Take advantage of the resources offered here (office hours, mentoring, workshops, competitions). The Blank Center’s speakers, sponsors, and Entrepreneurs in Residence and are very generous with their time and have great wisdom to share.
  • Push past discomfort. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. As the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”
  • Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun!

Sadly, my time as an undergraduate student is coming to a close, but I look forward to staying in touch with Babson and the Blank Center for years to come. See you at Alumni Weekend!