The first financier I identified is;
Name: Roelof Botha
Type: Venture Capitalist
Organization: Venture Capital Fund - Sequoia Capital
Focus/Industry: Software and Service Investments
email: botha@sequoiacap.com
Website link: http://www.sequoiacap.com/people/Roelof-Botha/
[{The email correspondence with Mr. Botha}
thanks for the clarificaation. we would be interested in taking a look
once you have launched the service and you have some initial user feedback and
metrics.
best
roelof
-----Original Message-----
From: jteklu1@umbc.edu [mailto:jteklu1@umbc.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:32 PM
To: Roelof Botha
Subject: RE: A Business Preposition
Hi Mr. Botha,
Yes, BYGGOS is still at the idea stage. However it will be ready to hit
the market in approximately 3 to 4 month after the financial injection.
Thanks
Jonathan
> hi jonathan
>
> thank you for the email. is your business already up and running, or
> are you still at the idea stage?
>
> thx
> roelof
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: jteklu1@umbc.edu [mailto:jteklu1@umbc.edu]
> Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 8:58 AM
> To: Roelof Botha
> Subject: A Business Preposition
Hello Mr. Botha,
My name is Jonathan Teklu, and I am a student at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) majoring in International & Global Studies. Aside from being a student, I am also an entrepreneur with an idea to revolutionize the management of knowledge and information flow through the internet for academia and businesses.
I am the founder and managing owner of Go Hit IT - Success Solutions
for Students, LLC which is the parent company of "BYGGOS - strive to collaborate to innovate".
"This company intends to break down inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural barriers in current academic and professional
environments. BYGGOS places social and professional networking at the center of global eLearning, thereby encouraging inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural involvement and collaborations among students, professors and companies."
The purpose of BYGGOS is to enable academia, industry and businesses
to engage with one another in a collaborative and participative approach
to share, learn, improve, and strive for innovation in science,
engineering and all other disciplines. Using real time collaborative and social software applications, BYGGOS will be able to aggregate information
and distribute this information to the matching knowledge seeker on the BYGGOS network. Whereby the user can create content and add it to the information pool which will be available to everyone that seeks for this
knowledge. By encouraging users to create and access content, BYGGOS enables its
users to administer and sustain their education in a formal as well as in an informal context. BYGGOS also enables industry and businesses to simplify the management of their knowledge and information flow within the organization's
operation framework. By providing a platform that supports real-time communication, full collaboration, 24h business lifecycle support, document/file sharing applications and etc. Wherefore, industries and businesses can communicate and collaborate with ease and high pace with other businesses on one
platform, which will help to reduce communication and administration costs and increase efficiency and productivity.
I am at the point of time where I need funding to further establish
this start-up company. I have attached a business plan to this email, and if
I have successfully peaked your interest in this project, please contact
me.
Thank you
Sincerely,
Jonathan Teklu]
The second investor I identified is a bank;
Name: Erika Clore
Type: VP Business Development Manager
Organization: Sandy Spring Bank
Focus/Industry: Small Business Loans
email: eclore@sandyspringbank.com
Website: www.sandyspringbank.com
First, I wanted to apologize, because I had mistakenly identifies Mr. Moritz as my financier. Somehow I mixed up Mr. Moritz with Mr. Botha. I had contacted both financiers to ensure that they are within my industry, Mr. Botha form Sequoia Capital and Ms. Clore from the Sandy Spring Bank.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Revised - Be a Leader applications of HTWFIP
Principle 4: No One Likes to take Orders:
Earlier last week, a good friend had a midterm exam but was not prepared at all. He was complaining about the fact that he is going to fail but he also had to finish up another project for his job. I tried to ease up the tension by making some jokes and try to tell him that he could prioritize the tasks and so manage them more efficiently. I figured that he did not want to get orders or annoying suggestion for what he should do, so I tried to sway him to recognize the efficiency in prioritizing his tasks, even though the project had to suffer from that decision. He had the feeling that he was now on top of his game and managed to utilize his remaining resources to do well in his midterm, instead of favoring his job over school.
Principle 5: Let the Other Person Save Face:
Friday night, I was engaged in a conversation with couple of people. Some of them were seniors, so the nature of the conversation was based on respectful responses. The topic, however; was the tragic shooting in the English learning center for immigrants in Upstate NY (the American Civic Association), were 13 people died. I already had heard about it on npr, and the reporter said that it was to assume that the suspect was a man from Vietnamese descent but were not able to confirm that information, because the suspects identity was still unclear at that time.
However, one of the men started to tell the others about the incident and made some serious mistakes. Thus, I recognized it as an opportunity and friendly intervened. I just mentioned how sad it is and how terrible the survivors and loved ones of those who died must feel. After I had caught their attention, I told them that the suspect was speculated to be an immigrant himself and committed this monstrous act because of the stigmas he experienced as an immigrant. By doing so the conversation was redirected and the man did not have to lose his face in-front of all the people.
Earlier last week, a good friend had a midterm exam but was not prepared at all. He was complaining about the fact that he is going to fail but he also had to finish up another project for his job. I tried to ease up the tension by making some jokes and try to tell him that he could prioritize the tasks and so manage them more efficiently. I figured that he did not want to get orders or annoying suggestion for what he should do, so I tried to sway him to recognize the efficiency in prioritizing his tasks, even though the project had to suffer from that decision. He had the feeling that he was now on top of his game and managed to utilize his remaining resources to do well in his midterm, instead of favoring his job over school.
Principle 5: Let the Other Person Save Face:
Friday night, I was engaged in a conversation with couple of people. Some of them were seniors, so the nature of the conversation was based on respectful responses. The topic, however; was the tragic shooting in the English learning center for immigrants in Upstate NY (the American Civic Association), were 13 people died. I already had heard about it on npr, and the reporter said that it was to assume that the suspect was a man from Vietnamese descent but were not able to confirm that information, because the suspects identity was still unclear at that time.
However, one of the men started to tell the others about the incident and made some serious mistakes. Thus, I recognized it as an opportunity and friendly intervened. I just mentioned how sad it is and how terrible the survivors and loved ones of those who died must feel. After I had caught their attention, I told them that the suspect was speculated to be an immigrant himself and committed this monstrous act because of the stigmas he experienced as an immigrant. By doing so the conversation was redirected and the man did not have to lose his face in-front of all the people.
Revised - Be a Leader
The lesson on how to be a good leader, discussed in part 4 -chapter 4- of HTWFAIP, resonated with the example set by the former professional soccer player Zinedin Zidian. When one player made a mistake that resulted in a goal for the opposing team, Zizu always played the ball first to that particular player to build up his confidence. He always tried to make sure that his team-mates had confidence in their skills, despite frequent failures of individual players.
Therefore, I tried a technique which was combined from both methods to positively influence my sister into monitoring her driving with attention.
The situation was that I and my sister were driving down to Virginia, and she was distracted and speeding, and I thought this is a good situation for social interaction - part IV. Thus, I started a conversation about the $1000 fee due if Virginia highway patrol charges you with speeding or other offenses. But I covered it up with me using my phone and passively direct the context to drivers on the phone, and emphasized how dangerous it is with all the distraction. She quickly realized that she was lacking concentration on the road and adjusted her driving. I indirectly pointed her attention to her mistake without pointing fingers and calling it out, and she responded positively to it.
Therefore, I tried a technique which was combined from both methods to positively influence my sister into monitoring her driving with attention.
The situation was that I and my sister were driving down to Virginia, and she was distracted and speeding, and I thought this is a good situation for social interaction - part IV. Thus, I started a conversation about the $1000 fee due if Virginia highway patrol charges you with speeding or other offenses. But I covered it up with me using my phone and passively direct the context to drivers on the phone, and emphasized how dangerous it is with all the distraction. She quickly realized that she was lacking concentration on the road and adjusted her driving. I indirectly pointed her attention to her mistake without pointing fingers and calling it out, and she responded positively to it.
Revised - Interaction with reporter
As for the interaction with a reporter from the Retriever Weekly, I contacted Saira Khan. A writer for the opinion section of the student paper. I didn’t know anybody from the redaction, so I had to get to know somebody from there. I emailed Saira, telling her that I read her article in this week’s paper and that I liked it. I added that I also read the other articles she had written. Unfortunately, it took her about a week to respond to me. And when she did, she appreciated that I did not just read her article but also had enough interest to email her and talk to her about it. I think that the reporter interaction went very well.
Revised - Social Interaction part III
My first interaction was with Jason, the random class-mate I talked to last week. I asked him if he remembers me and engaged in a good conversation with him. We continued the discussion from class and exchanged personal opinions. I paid attention and reflected interest when he talked.
The second interaction was with a customer service operator from Gaico. I applied the principles and Sheila, the operator, was very engaging. She was trying to do her job, but did not try to change the topic. We were laughing and the interaction was going very well. She wasn’t even upset when I didn’t end up buying any auto insurance.
My third interaction was very interesting. I went to the dining hall and didn’t have my card with me. I figured it before I got to the dining hall and thought it is a good opportunity to apply these principles. I called her by her name and asked how she is doing. We chatted for a little while, and I mentioned as a side note that I forgot my ID but she didn’t care and she let me through.
My fourth interaction was with a person from retail. I needed to buy a tie, and the person that assisted me was Andrew. I interacted with him and asked him about his life, which he seemed to be glad to be asked about. I continued showing interest in him but had to interrupt it when it was too much. I believe he didn’t notice that I got annoyed. To keep it positive, I incorporated another sales person to our conversation.
The fifth interaction was Sharron; the other sales person from the fourth interaction. I approached her by saying that a woman’s opinion should be considered. Both were comfortable with the situation, and Sharron was even very open and willing to continue the conversation some other time. (That was an unexpected side effect of the principles.)
The sixth person I talked to was James, a parking valet at Colonial Parking in DC. The situation allowed a conversation and I thought it is probably a good idea to make him a friend. After all he was handling my car. We chatted for a while and he noticed that I drive a stick shift. That gave material for a good conversation. It went so good that he gave me a ticket for an hour only despite my plan to stay there for the day, and I had told him that.
The seventh interaction was with a person from register office. I approached her smiling and introduced myself. As I asked her for her name, I got the feeling that she was distracted. I tried to make her feel good but she was not really into that. So I just finished why I came and left.
The eighth interaction I had was in a Chevy Chase bank in Silver Spring, with one of the bank personnel. She introduced herself before I could ask for her name, and we immediately engaged in a conversation that was personal. I gave her the feeling that she is important and interesting; I laughed and confirmed her throughout the interaction. I completely forgot that I wasn’t done and left. When I noticed it outside and returned, she was already smiling and waiting for me to come back.
The ninth interaction was with a UMBC bus driver. I sometimes take the UNBC shuttle service and I wondered if the drivers get a lot of conversations with the passengers. So, I introduced myself and ask him that question, and one led to the other topic and we ended up talking the whole ride long.
The last interaction I had was with a friend of a friend that I have met once before. I approached her and we got to talk. We interacted for a while, and then I noticed her phone when she picked it up to answer a call. It was a G1 phone; I thought this is a good situation to ask questions about the technology adoption behavior of hers. Monica said that she just got it recently and only because she lost her previous one. She said she had a Blackberry –curve with T-Mobile. She said that she uses her phone for voice, text, email, browsing the internet, music, video, and as an organizer. I would say she is a early adopter, because she uses almost all apps the phone offers. In addition, she had a Blackberry before she got the G1 phone, based on that I would say that she is an early adopter.
The second interaction was with a customer service operator from Gaico. I applied the principles and Sheila, the operator, was very engaging. She was trying to do her job, but did not try to change the topic. We were laughing and the interaction was going very well. She wasn’t even upset when I didn’t end up buying any auto insurance.
My third interaction was very interesting. I went to the dining hall and didn’t have my card with me. I figured it before I got to the dining hall and thought it is a good opportunity to apply these principles. I called her by her name and asked how she is doing. We chatted for a little while, and I mentioned as a side note that I forgot my ID but she didn’t care and she let me through.
My fourth interaction was with a person from retail. I needed to buy a tie, and the person that assisted me was Andrew. I interacted with him and asked him about his life, which he seemed to be glad to be asked about. I continued showing interest in him but had to interrupt it when it was too much. I believe he didn’t notice that I got annoyed. To keep it positive, I incorporated another sales person to our conversation.
The fifth interaction was Sharron; the other sales person from the fourth interaction. I approached her by saying that a woman’s opinion should be considered. Both were comfortable with the situation, and Sharron was even very open and willing to continue the conversation some other time. (That was an unexpected side effect of the principles.)
The sixth person I talked to was James, a parking valet at Colonial Parking in DC. The situation allowed a conversation and I thought it is probably a good idea to make him a friend. After all he was handling my car. We chatted for a while and he noticed that I drive a stick shift. That gave material for a good conversation. It went so good that he gave me a ticket for an hour only despite my plan to stay there for the day, and I had told him that.
The seventh interaction was with a person from register office. I approached her smiling and introduced myself. As I asked her for her name, I got the feeling that she was distracted. I tried to make her feel good but she was not really into that. So I just finished why I came and left.
The eighth interaction I had was in a Chevy Chase bank in Silver Spring, with one of the bank personnel. She introduced herself before I could ask for her name, and we immediately engaged in a conversation that was personal. I gave her the feeling that she is important and interesting; I laughed and confirmed her throughout the interaction. I completely forgot that I wasn’t done and left. When I noticed it outside and returned, she was already smiling and waiting for me to come back.
The ninth interaction was with a UMBC bus driver. I sometimes take the UNBC shuttle service and I wondered if the drivers get a lot of conversations with the passengers. So, I introduced myself and ask him that question, and one led to the other topic and we ended up talking the whole ride long.
The last interaction I had was with a friend of a friend that I have met once before. I approached her and we got to talk. We interacted for a while, and then I noticed her phone when she picked it up to answer a call. It was a G1 phone; I thought this is a good situation to ask questions about the technology adoption behavior of hers. Monica said that she just got it recently and only because she lost her previous one. She said she had a Blackberry –curve with T-Mobile. She said that she uses her phone for voice, text, email, browsing the internet, music, video, and as an organizer. I would say she is a early adopter, because she uses almost all apps the phone offers. In addition, she had a Blackberry before she got the G1 phone, based on that I would say that she is an early adopter.
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