PandoList: Silicon Prairie News' Jeff Slobotski On Successfully Marketing Entrepreneurs

TL;DR

Silicon Free News aims to connect and showcase talented entrepreneurs, creatives, and startups in cities like Omaha, Des Moines, and Kansas City, fostering a sense of community and encouraging collaboration.

Transcript

i always just have a real fascination with like how do you connect different groups of people it was uh july of 2008 um is when things really kicked off for silicon free news i had a hobby blog continue to just kind of tell the stories of the individuals the entrepreneurs the startups the investors that were here in the city it started in omaha in ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛰️ Silicon Free News originated as a hobby blog in 2008 to tell the stories of entrepreneurs, startups, and investors in Omaha.
• 💦 The primary goal was to connect talented individuals within the community and promote their work.
• 👯 Marketing efforts focus on showcasing people, organizing events as a means of fostering community, and attracting outside investment and recognition.
• 🍉 Long-term commitment and passion are essential for successfully building a community and organizing events.
• 🧑‍💻 Silicon Free News believes in supporting and showcasing the talent and potential of local communities, rather than persuading them to leave for more established tech hubs.
• 😌 The success of Silicon Free News lies in its ability to connect and galvanize the entrepreneurial ecosystem over the long term.
• 🙈 Traditional media is not seen as competition, but rather as an avenue to amplify the voices and stories of the community.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Silicon Free News start and what was its initial goal?

Silicon Free News began in 2008 as a blog aimed at telling the stories of entrepreneurs, startups, and investors in Omaha. Its goal was to connect talented individuals and showcase their work.

Q: How does Silicon Free News market the talent and skills in the community?

Silicon Free News focuses on building a community, connecting talented individuals with investors and opportunities outside the local area. By showcasing their work, they aim to attract a broader audience and create national and international recognition for the community.

Q: What advice would Silicon Free News give to someone looking to break into this field and organize events?

Silicon Free News advises aspiring event organizers to start by building a community through online platforms and smaller meetups. Passion and dedication are crucial, as building a thriving community and ecosystem takes time and long-term commitment.

Q: How does Silicon Free News differentiate itself from other media platforms?

Silicon Free News differentiates itself by not trying to replace traditional media or compete with event producers. Instead, it serves as a voice for the community, focusing on connecting people, promoting their work, and encouraging collaboration.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Silicon Free News started in 2008 as a hobby blog to tell the stories of entrepreneurs, startups, and investors in Omaha, which later expanded to include Des Moines and Kansas City.

• The goal is to connect talented individuals with each other, promote their work, and help them push the envelope of innovation.

• Marketing efforts focus on people, events, and building a supportive community rather than being an event production company.