Chance Meetings Recordings
RECORDING OF April 4th, 2022 CHANCE MEETINGS: Authentic & Low-COst approaches to user acquisition with social media & community
If you're looking for practical and affordable ways to grow your business with both social media and in-person community tactics, this Chance Meetings is for you. Our power-house participants will share strategies and ideas that have proven to be successful. Panelists include Nikki Bogopolskaya, Gesche Haas, Caitlin Iseler, and Kelli Jones. Our moderator will be Annie Morita. This remarkable group will bring clarity and purpose to what can be an overwhelming aspect of marketing and branding for new and emerging entrepreneurs.
RECORDING OF MARCH 7TH, 2022 CHANCE MEETINGS: WHAT CAN SILICON COULOIR DO FOR YOU?
Silicon Couloir exists to serve the Teton regional community by aligning entrepreneurship with community vision to promote a diverse economy and a healthy environment for current and future generations. We offer a full range of values-based founding-to-funding programs for entrepreneurs from education to mentoring.
At our March Chance Meetings we had small breakout groups to gather your insight, feedback, and make new connections with other attendees.
RECORDING OF FEBRUARY 7TH, 2022 CHANCE MEETINGS: WYOMING ECONOMIC TRANSITION—STRATEGY OR WHACK-A-MOLE WITH DAVID DODSON
At this juncture, most everyone—from citizens to policymakers— knows that Wyoming can’t survive off coal and natural gas royalties. The stakes are high for the state and our county. Wyoming in particular has an aging population, an underfunded pension plan, and weakening infrastructure.
We need creative ideas and forward-thinking solutions. Watch the recording of Virtual Chance Meetings on Monday, February 7th from 5-6 pm for an in-depth discussion on Wyoming's Economic Transition with David Dodson. Dave discuss the state’s current situation and a blueprint for how to rebuild the state’s economic base.
recording of January 10th, 2022 chance meetings: affordable housing in the teton region
Housing in the Teton region has become more and more challenging to secure over the years, and recent demographic changes have resulted in less inventory, increased prices, and greater disparity of wealth. In November 2021 the median listing home price in Jackson, WY was $2.4M up 38.6% year-over-year according to realtor.com. For many essential workers and young entrepreneurs, the only option for homeownership (and in some cases, for secure rentals) is through one of several affordable housing programs in our community.
If you're in need of affordable housing or want to support the effort, view the presentations from local affordable housing experts. Panelists include Anne Cresswell, Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust Executive Director; April Norton, Jackson/Teton County Housing Department Director; Kris Greenville, Teton Habitat Executive Director; and Shawn Hill, Teton County, ID Joint Housing Authority Board. David Stubbs, long-time Jackson resident, and affordable housing homeowner will moderate.
Recording of December 6th, 2021 Chance Meetings: Making mental health a workplace priority
The first collaborative assessment of mental health and substance use in Jackson Hole revealed a community struggling with a myriad of challenges. The report, drafted by FSG Consultants, comprises a year of research and includes interviews with community leaders, workshops with a 19-organization steering committee, and a survey of more than 1,000 residents.
The pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties of living in our isolated mountain towns. COVID has, for many, rapidly changed the nature of work requiring constant adaptation and added stress. Trends that made the Teton region a challenging place to call home have accelerated. The survey revealed that nearly half of those surveyed considered leaving the area in the past year due to housing instability, lack of stable employment, or insufficient income.
Our expert panelists include Matt Murphy, CEO of Marvell Technology, a leader in innovative programs to promote employee wellness and work-life balance, Abigail Ridgway, Managing Director of FSG, and Deidre Ashley, Executive Director of Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center.
Recording of November 1st, 2021 Chance Meetings: mini-pitches
An elevator speech is "a short description of an idea, product or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. This description typically explains who the thing is for, what it does, why it is needed, and how it will get done." Join us on Monday, November 1st from 5-6 pm to hear our version of the elevator speech, the "mini-pitch". Four of our local companies: All Hands Craft Cocktails, Allfalfa, Avant Delivery, and YogaLyte will present their "what, why and how" to the audience, followed by Q&A. Please come support these entrepreneurs and learn how to perfect your own "mini-pitch."
Recording of October 4th, 2021 Chance Meetings: Best Legal Practices for Start-Ups
Founders are visionary big-picture thinkers with a passion or dream to pursue. Establishing the necessary legal framework for their business is often overlooked or delayed to the detriment of the company. When launching a start-up, it's essential to get the legal framework right from the start. Entrepreneurs need to ensure that their product or service is protected, that they are operating with the correct structure, and that the needed contracts and licenses are in place.
Topics include laws around company structure, investment, intellectual property, and taxation.
Panelists include attorneys Matt Confer, Bill Ewing, and Jim O'Brien.
recording of AUGUSt 2nd, 2021 Chance meetings: Competition refreshed: understanding leadership with jeff moore
Jeff will challenge you to re-examine your approach to leadership by discussing the difference between leading people and managing them. Managers build companies from the outside-in. They tend to be results-obsessed, driven by the need to compare favorably. Leaders don't compare. They compete. Leaders build companies from the inside-out by embracing Strivership, an ethic of continuous improvement based on the origin of compete: “to strive together.”
Succeeding in today’s disruptive, unstable economy requires being in perpetual invent, adapt, and reinvent mode, and yet there is constant pressure to compare favorably. The impression management industry has stifled our willingness to solve big problems. Success (or the appearance of it) must always be within our grasp. The key to thriving in a rapid change economy is the willingness to compete - the willingness to stretch beyond perceived limitations. Companies that are led exude a Spirit of Strivership, the palpable sense that everyone involved is excited about getting better every day - together!
recording of MAY 3rd, 2021 Chance meetings: Lessons from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives with Fred Keller
Events over the last year have brought Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ("DEI"), to the forefront of our personal and professional lives. Americans are awakening to a new understanding of what constituted diversity, the existence and experience of inequity, and how we can be more inclusive in small and large ways. Individuals are engaged in rigorous self-reflection and are gaining a new understanding of how we can do better and help create real opportunities for all.
If you missed Monday night’s insightful and engaging discussion on how DEI can make a lasting difference in the culture, productivity, and health of a company, the recording is now available. Hear the results of Fred Keller’s early DEI efforts and positive impact on his employees, the community, and the company.
recording of April 5th, 2021 Chance meetings: raising capital 101
The recording for last night’s Chance Meetings is now available. The discussion was excellent with many insights, tips, and straightforward strategies for entrepreneurs looking to raise capital.
There’s simply no way around it — growing a company requires capital. And for many entrepreneurs, one of the scariest and most daunting tasks is deciding how, when and from whom to raise capital for their venture. Our experienced panel will try to demystify, in clear language, the options in, and dynamics of, the start-up capital markets.
This panel was moderated by Leslie Schrock. Panelists included: Sam Heshmati, John Jenkins, and Alex Muromcew.
recording of March 1st, 2021 Chance meetings: Managing remote teams
If you missed last night’s Chance Meetings, the recording is available now. The discussion was excellent with many practical tips and practices for both bosses and employees from three experts in the field.
1 in 4 Americans will be working remotely in 2021, according to Upwork’s “Future of Workforce Pulse Report” released in December 2020. The study predicts that by 2025, 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, an 87% increase from pre-pandemic levels. Whether you have chosen remote work, or it's been thrust upon you by COVID restrictions, there's little doubt remote work is here to stay. For employees, benefits include greater flexibility, more autonomy, and less time spent commuting. For business owners, scaling back office space can afford significant savings.
Yet remote work has presented challenges for both bosses and employees. Join us for Chance Meetings on Monday, March 1st as we discuss strategy and tools for managing remote teams. Our expert panel includes Bryan Miles of BELAY Solutions, Nathan Adams of Linkwell Health, and Bill Watkins of The Lions Pride.
Recording of February 1st, 2021 Chance Meetings: Digital Marketing Trends
in a changing world
After months of research, development, fundraising, and hard work you've finally launched your company with a product or service you know people will want. But how do you inform the world about your wonderful new product? Marketing is a crucial, though often overlooked piece of the success puzzle. It's also evolving. The pandemic has accelerated digital marketing trends and pushed the creation and adoption of new platforms and techniques to reach customers. Watch the recording from Chance Meeitings to hear from an expert panel on the latest trends in digital marketing. Panelist include Brian Moderna of TMBR, Tana Hoffman of Mountainist, Chris Dickey of Visably, and Phil Mollenkof of Cultivate. Ginny Hutchinson, Silicon Couloir board member and Principle of Zero Point Partners lead the discussion.
Recording of January 4th, 2021 Chance Meetings: Success Starts with You— Taking
Care of Your Health and Wellbeing
Being an entrepreneur isn't easy in the best of times, but the turmoil and uncertainty of 2020 have upped the difficulty significantly. How can entrepreneurs stay grounded, healthy, and productive while weathering the changes and uncertainty of business during COVID? At Monday’s Chance Meetings Sandy Hessler and Todd Hanna — entrepreneurs, consultants, and experts in strategy and leadership — shared practical and meaningful ways to safeguard and enhance your own health and wellbeing as we go into a new year. Success starts with you.
Recording of November 2nd Chance Meetings: The Mini Pitch — two minute drills
"Mini Pitch" is a short description of an idea, product, or company that explains the concept in such a way that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. This description typically explains who the product is for, what it does, why it is needed, and how it will get to market. Three of our highly successful local companies: Vera Iconica, Humble Brew Coffee, and Bikologi. Founders presented their "what, why and how" to the audience, followed by engaging Q&A.
Recording of October 12th Chance Meetings: Angel Investing–A primer
You’ve probably heard the term “Angel Investor” thrown around with entrepreneurs and start-ups. But do you really know what it means? Angel investing is critical to new and growing ventures, and it can take many forms with vastly different structures and involvement.
This Chance Meetings featured an expert panel to inform about Angel Investing and answer your questions.
Panelists included Alex Muromcew, Investor, Silicon Couloir Board Member, and Chair of Angel Group Committee; Dave Brown, Investor and Silicon Couloir TEAMS mentor; and Gregory L. Wright, President and Head of Banking and Advisory, Board Member, Zanbato, Inc. The panel was moderated by Liza Millet, Silicon Couloir Board Member and Co-Founder of Silicon Couloir Angel Group.
Recording of september 14th Chance Meetings: Pitch day sneak preview
For Virtual Pitch Day 2020, we have five top-notch companies selected and in the coaching process, and the stars of the show will definitely impress. At our September Chance Meeting we heard from finalists about the coaching process and progress made leading up to the big event. Mark your calendars for "Shark Tank, Teton Style" on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:00 - 6:45 pm. Coaches Bryan Kujawski and Ross MacIntyre also join the meeting to offer a coaching perspective.
To register for Pitch Day and receive the livestream link please click here.
Recording of August 3rd Chance Meetings: Social benefit companies—A Mission
Beyond Proft
What does the future of business look like? Since becoming a legal entity in 2010, B Corps have enabled businesses to create a solid mission-driven operating foundation to guide them through growth, capital raises, and leadership changes. Consequently, B Corps are committed to a high standard of accountability and transparency with regard to society and the environment while still pursuing profitable goals. Local experts Fred Keller, Founder and Chair of Cascade Engineering, Bill Klyn, former Patagonia Marketing Manager, and Jack Hartpence, Co-Founder and CEO of Powwater shared their knowledge and experience and inspired the audience to take their own steps towards being a social benefit company.
Recording of July 6th Chance Meetings: Meet the Entrepreneurship Essentials
Grads and Their Businesses
Entrepreneurship Essentials, a four week online intensive for new and existing businesses to learn key frameworks, tools, and financial templates, took place this spring. It was by all accounts a success. Hear pitches from graduates about a variety of businesses from sustainable building products to mountain inspired apparel. These are the leaders of tomorrow!
recording of A continuing conversation with jonathan schechter:
Where is our economy headed?
Gary Trauner and Jonathan Schechter sat down on Wednesday, June 3rd for another exclusive interview to discuss the future of our economy. "Comparing the results of April’s and May’s surveys, the most striking aspect was that, during the four weeks between the surveys, respondents had become much more pessimistic about the prospects for Jackson Hole’s economy during the next 12 months," explains Jonathan. "We have a 21st-century economy with 20th-century infrastructure and support. Where do we go from here?"
Recording of June 1st Chance Meetings: Crowdfunding 101
In our current business environment, online sales may be more important than ever. Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet, with platforms such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise the capital needed to launch a new product and reach a wider audience. However, it's not without risk, and meeting the goal is essential for the product launch, and helps to promotes consumer confidence.
Join us at our virtual June 1st Chance Meetings on Monday from 5-6 pm to hear about lessons learned in crowdfunding from local experts Bubba Albrecht, Founder and CEO of Give'r, and Susan Pieper, Founder and CEO of DMOS Collective. Bubba and Susan have executed numerous successful crowdfunding campaigns that raised approximately $2M in total. They will share insights into what works, and pitfalls to avoid. Also joining the conversation will be Will Ford, President of Launchboom, a company providing a global team of certified Kickstarter & Indiegogo experts with the proven formula for crowdfunding success. Michael Halloran, partner at HFK Law, new Silicon Couloir Trustee, and our most recent addition to the panel, will provide insight into the legal implications of crowdfunding as a means of raising capital.
recording of may 9th conversation with johnathan schechter:
where is jackson’s economy headed?
Results are in for Jonathan Schechter's community survey of the direction for Jackson's economy over the next year. We conducted a conversation with Jonathan of Charture Institute via Zoomon May 9th to discuss the results and implications of COVID-19 for local businesses.
We explored such questions such as:
What are your major takeaways from the survey results and dod anything surprise you?
What are the practical impacts and implications of the survey results?
How can the community use these results going forward?
Which metrics do you think are the best indications of how close we are to normal? Economically? Community-wise?
In your view, what’s the new normal going to look like? For local government? For businesses? For people? Taxes?
Recording of May 6th Chance Meetings: Government Support For
Businesses In A Shifting Landscape
It's anything but business as usual. As we navigate these uncertain times, Silicon Couloir invites you to a virtual panel discussion on how Wyoming, Idaho, and local county agencies and representatives are helping to support entrepreneurs and small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn about initiatives designed to provide direct funding, education, and guidance to the business community. Please note that due to a technical difficulty, this video starts 15 min, into the meeting- our apologies.
Panelist includes:
Michael Yin, Wyoming House Representative
Natalia Macker, Teton County Commissioner
Mark Newcomb, Teton County Commissioner
Sarah Hamlin, Wyoming Small Business Development Center
Elaina Zempel, Wyoming Business Council
Brian McDermott, Teton Regional Economic Coalition
Cindy Riegel, Teton Valley County Commissioner
We discussed questions such as:
How has your agency pivoted to address the COVID-19 crisis?
What are the biggest changes you are focusing on now rather than on Jan 1st?
How is your agency helping entrepreneurs and small businesses pivot to different strategies?
What sorts of tools are you using for scenario analysis as communities consider reopening?
What programs do you want businesses and entrepreneurs to be aware of right now?
Silicon Couloir Presents Our First 60 Second Connect Video!
Silicon Couloir is proud to share our first 60 Second Connect video with you. We aim to bring you good news about businesses in our community as well as our weekly "Business Byte" — a useful tip or strategy designed to assist in these difficult times. We hope you enjoy it and share it with your friends.
RECORDING OF CFJH COVID-19 RESPONSE WORKSHOP HOSTED BY GARY TRAUNER:
FINANCIAL PLANNING AND OPERATIONAL TOOLS FOR NONPROFITS
On Thursday, April 9th Silicon Couloir Executive Director Gary Trauner hosted a workshop with the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole to provide guidance on financial planning and operational tools for nonprofits. Topics included:
Strategic planning in times of crisis
Refocusing on your organization’s core mission and competencies
Leadership and communication in times of crisis
Managing staff remotely
Accessing outside sources of financial help
RECORDING OF APRIL 6TH CHANCE MEETINGS: CRISIS RESOURCES FOR
ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESSES
On Monday, April 6th Silicon Couloir Executive Director Gary Trauner and The Lion's Pride Founder Bill Watkins (former board chair of Silicon Couloir) discussed resources available to local businesses reeling from recent events. It was a meeting full of valuable information on how to navigate the current crisis. If you missed it, please take the time to watch the recording linked here. Click here to view recording.