Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs

Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by bartjacobs on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @06:31PM (#2356844)

The real value that a community like this could provide is the creation of what Justin calls mastermind groups. It reminds me of Sprouter.com but on a much more personal level. The latter is very important in my opinion. Starting a business is something you experience on a very personal level and these groups could provide the help/advice (and possibly support) that a (new) entrepreneur needs to succeed. I do wonder what the "mentors" gain from this time investment.

I like most of the idea and am looking forward to how it grows and develops.

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by jv22222 on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @06:36PM (#2356859)

Agreed. The Skype based mastermind group I joined made all the difference for me. I can almost pin-point the date I had my first discussion with them as the turnaround of my business.

There's members of my skype group who make a lot more money than me, but they still ask for my advice on other issues such as tech related stuff, asking me to proof read blog posts, strategy idea bouncing, and other things.

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by marcamillion on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @07:05PM (#2356975)

How does one join the Skype based mastermind group? Sounds intriguing.

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by robfitz on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @08:42PM (#2357324)

You suggest it to 4-8 of your peers and then go out of your way to make it happen every 1 or 2 weeks in person or on email/skype.

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by jeffepp on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @07:03PM (#2356964)

Agree, I am fortunate enough to be a part of the Mastermind group. It's awesome.

Especially for those who are not located in startup hotbeds.

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by aymeric on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @07:22PM (#2357051)

Self plug: I created a free web app that helps entrepreneurs form "circles of trust" which are mastermind groups really.

http://ongoingfeedback.com

I am looking for feedback to take this further. Thanks!

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by jeffepp on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @07:26PM (#2357073)

I think that Justin would agree the key to our current mastermind group is rooted in the fact that we all get on the phone and spend 60-90min together.

Much more valuable than a message board or email thread.

Although, your app seems really interesting as well. I believe they would both be effective and perhaps complimentary..

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Re:Introducing the Startup Guild: A Community for Entrepreneurs by thaumaturgy on Tuesday March 22, 2011 @09:42PM (#2357513)

If potential mentors are passionate about what they do, then they derive value just from sharing it with others.

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