8-26-2024 Rust Belt Recruiting, Bootstrapping, Best in Tech

08/27/24 • 14 min

In this episode, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss their upcoming events and dive into the conversation with Taylor Evans about Rust Belt Recruiting. They talk about the importance of having a strong brand name, the challenges of expanding into new areas of business, and the significance of having a consistent operating system. They also touch on the gaps in the current workforce and the potential of robotics in manufacturing. The conversation highlights the importance of intentionality, finding focus, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Takeaways

Having a strong brand name can make a significant impact on the perception of your business.
Expanding into new areas of business requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the market.
Implementing a consistent operating system can greatly contribute to the success of a business.
There are significant gaps in the current workforce, particularly in skilled labor.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing and create new job opportunities.
Intentionality, finding focus, and surrounding yourself with the right people are key factors in entrepreneurial success.

This week's Lay of the Land episode reviewed:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/180-taylor-evans-rust-belt-recruiting-talent-reindustrialization-and-manufacturing-recruitin/

Other Lay of the Land Episodes mentioned:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/177-joshua-edmonds-digitalc-bridging-the-digital-divide-in-cleveland-internet-as-a-human-rig/
https://www.layoftheland.fm/137-adam-rakestraw-mediview/
https://www.layoftheland.fm/134-andrew-wolfe-bloomfilter/

Other References:

https://ohiovcfest.com/speakers/
https://rustbeltrecruiting.com/
https://greatercle.com/events/2024/09/24/tech/best-of-tech-day/

Takeaways

Having a strong brand name can make a significant impact on the perception of your business.
Expanding into new areas of business requires careful consideration and a clear understanding of the market.
Implementing a consistent operating system can greatly contribute to the success of a business.
There are significant gaps in the current workforce, particularly in skilled labor.
Robotics has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing and create new job opportunities.
Intentionality, finding focus, and surrounding yourself with the right people are key factors in entrepreneurial success.

This week's Lay of the Land episode reviewed:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/180-taylor-evans-rust-belt-recruiting-talent-reindustrialization-and-manufacturing-recruitin/

Other References:

https://ohiovcfest.com/speakers/
https://rustbeltrecruiting.com/
https://greatercle.com/events/2024/09/24/tech/best-of-tech-day/

Previous Episode

8-19-24 Weekly Impact - Founder Dinners, Crain's Top Employers, Get Your Numbers Right

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss various topics including founders' dinners, the grand opening of Encore Venture Labs, the Ohio VC Fest, and the importance of focusing on numbers in business. They emphasize the value of networking, seeking feedback, and building a strong team. They also highlight the recognition received by Payne & Tompkins and Meg Mayhew for their achievements. The conversation concludes with a mention of future discussions on the flywheel and community building.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and the Value of Networking
03:13 Encore Venture Labs Grand Opening
06:09 Cranes' Report on Best Employers in Ohio
08:53 Ohio VC Fest and Speaking Engagements
11:06 The Importance of Numbers in Business
14:15 Future Discussions on the Flywheel and Community Building

This week's Lay of the Land episode:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/bonus-weekly-impact-craig-hassall-playhouse-square-iovs-and-innovation-summit/

Other Lay of the Land Episodes mentioned:

https://www.layoftheland.fm/146-meg-mayhugh-people-architects/
https://www.layoftheland.fm/98-kris-snyder-ninetyio-impact-architects-vox-mobile/

Other References:

https://www.wearepeoplearchitects.com/
https://www.encoreventurelabs.com/
https://www.payne-tompkins.com/
https://www.hyland.com/en
https://ohiovcfest.com/
https://www.impactarchitects.io/firstos/
https://cose.org/events/2024/10/15/cose-signature-event/big-summit/

Takeaways

Networking and seeking feedback from mentors and peers is crucial for success in business.
Building a strong team and fostering trust and open communication are essential for achieving goals.
Recognizing the importance of numbers and regularly monitoring and adjusting them is key to business success.
Celebrating and acknowledging the achievements of individuals and businesses is important for motivation and growth.
Exploring topics such as the flywheel and community building can provide valuable insights for business growth and momentum.

Next Episode

9-3-24 Fred DiSanto of Ancora, Annual Planning, Don't Wait

In this conversation, Jim Haviland and Kris Snyder discuss Lay of the Land #181 with Fred DiSanto of Ancora, the importance of wisdom and earned wisdom, the value of trusted relationships and introductions, the benefits of being part of a community, the role of mentorship in personal and professional growth, the importance of making decisions and taking action, and the significance of annual planning sessions for businesses.

Takeaways

Wisdom is gained through years of experience and paying attention to learning opportunities.
Trusted relationships and introductions are valuable for personal and professional growth.
Being part of a community allows for easier connection and collaboration.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development.
Making decisions and taking action is more important than waiting for the perfect solution.
Annual planning sessions are essential for setting goals and aligning the team's vision.

Sound Bites
"Wisdom is gained through years of experience if we're lucky enough to pay attention to the learning."
"Trusted high valued relationships are built through trusted introductions of value."
"If you're looking for something to get back, you're doing it wrong."

Chapters
03:02 The Power of Trusted Relationships
06:04 The Value of Mentorship
07:39 The Mindset of a Leader
11:18 The Significance of Annual Planning
15:47 Conclusion

This week's Lay of the Land episode reviewed:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/181-fred-disanto-ancora/

Other Lay of the Land Episodes mentioned:
https://www.layoftheland.fm/12-bob-sopko-launchnet-case-western-reserve-university/

Other References:
https://www.impactarchitects.io/annual2023/
https://cose.org/events/2024/10/15/cose-signature-event/big-summit/
Bob Sopko's List:

1. BRITE Startup Weekend | Sep 12-14 | Cleveland & Cincinnati

For three days, you will join expert mentors and create startups! The event is for students interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability and creating positive change through innovation. Held at Case Western Reserve University https://brite.org/startup-weekend/

Material to cross-promote - https://www.canva.com/design/DAGNXz3r3yg/DDngUxCi-fAdKVd4qnBGqQ/view?utm_content=DAGNXz3r3yg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

2. NASA International Space Apps Challenge Cleveland at NASA Glenn Research Center Oct 5 - 6

Cleveland has teamed up with the group putting on the event in Silicon Valley. Many CWRU have entered in the past. Over 57,000 participants on 8,700 teams from 152 countries. Virtually and in person for anyone. The in person is US Citizens only and limited space.

https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/nasa-space-apps-2024/2024-local-events/cleveland-oh

3. Northeast Ohio Student Venture Fund Due 9/6

Run by students and open to everyone to apply for funding. http://www.neosvf.com/

4. National Science Foundation I-Corps Due 9/15

A 7-week program focusing on using direct customer interactions to validate an idea. https://www.uakronuarf.com/i-corps.html

5. SXSW Pitch early entry due 9/8

A CWRU student and researcher entered in the past leading to connections and funding. SXSW pitch showcases innovative tech to industry experts, high-profile media, venture capital, and angel investors. https://www.sxsw.com/pitch/

6. Ohio VC fest Sells out fast 9/17, 18

Celebrating our growing technology, innovation, and investing community. Over 100 Investors, 200 plus startups. https://ohiovcfest.com/

7. 3 River Venture Fest 10/29, 30

Bringing together hundreds of investors, entrepreneurs, and top-tier service providers. https://3rvf.com/...