Soft Cities at Where 2.0 Startup Showcase 2011

Setting up with best intentions and a nervous smile.

The thing about a trade show or conference is that you learn more about your business preparing for it, than demoing it. I participated in a Startup Showcase that introduces your new business to people who love new businesses and if you’re lucky catches the eye of a VC or angle investor. So in preparation, I studied our conversion rates and demographics of customers and visitors, revisited the business plan, created a compelling slide show for the demo, and gave a great deal of thought to how the technology behind the blankets would fit into the context of the theme of the conference (location based everything–it is called Where afterall, except we’re not on an ipad or iphone!) And, if anyone asked what I would do with seed money I could answer in 30 seconds. I was really ready to be grilled!

"Yes, we can ship outside the US!"

Do you know what happened? People went gaga over the samples. I never once used the slides. Or stood behind the table. And I think two people asked me how they were made. They just loved the product! I was very pleased with the amount of interested we got, even though we didn’t win “Best Idea” (Although many people afterwards said, “I voted for you!”–thank you very kind people!) Also, most visitors were impressed that we used Open Street Map data, but for the most part were more concerned about how many arrows they could put on their map or if we made a version with personal photos added to blanket. (and the answer is no on that because I can’t begin to try to adjust the color on every random photo to make sure it prints crisp and clear on fleece fabric)

So what did I learn? Overprepare and have fun! And if people love the experience of the thing you make, don’t worry about the rest. Just keep making it!  I’m thinking Kickstarter is our next move.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to show off Soft Cities and would like to thank Brady Forrest at O’Reilly for setting us up, Hurricane Coast for initial encouragement and Eric Rodenbeck for amazing feedback and support.

Now please, I must get back to making maps!!