My thoughts on “Youth and the News” circa 2006

In early 2006 I was kindly asked by the Canadian Media Research Consortium to give the opening talk at their Youth and the News conference. At the time I was editor at Dose. 

My talk went down about as comfortably as an, um… enema with the mostly older crowd of publishers, news directors and other execs (I had some support from the students). Anyway, obviously a heck of a lot has changed in media and technology since April 2006 but it’s fun to look back. I hope you get something out of the slides, even if it’s just a laugh. 

What a startup can get out of the Mesh conference

I’m sitting here this afternoon reflecting on the Mesh conference, which was finishing up this time last week. I had an unbelievably good time and got a lot out of the 2 days (and nights). In particular, our startup benefited a lot from Mesh.

If you are running a startup yourself, here is a short guide to what you can get out of Mesh next year:

1. Knowledge
This is an obvious one. Pick your sessions carefully and you’ll walk away with some valuable startup tips. In particular, look out for any workshops relating to the basics of setting up a business – funding, legal issues etc.

2. Contacts
Another obvious one. Mesh might be the biggest opportunity of the year for Canadian tech startups to find your next adviser, lawyer, partner, employee, landlord, client etc. Make sure you share cards/details and remember to be nice and email your new friends in the days following the event to say hi.

3. Energy and excitement
I find Mesh like a shot of adrenalin. I have so many inspiring conversations that I leave the conference FULL of passion for my business and for my life. This kind of excitement can fuel you for months.

4. Feedback
Mesh is full of smart and experienced tech minds. This is a great environment to quietly, and respectfully, pull someone aside and ask if they would like to see your prototype product. A quick demo is almost sure to get some constructive feedback that will help you improve whatever you are working on.

5. Media and promotion
Hundreds of blog posts are written before, during and following Mesh. Many people are genuinely interested in writing about new startups. If you seek these people out you might be lucky enough to grace the pages of some very well read blogs. There is also 15 Minutes of Fame – a great initiative to showcase Canadian startups.

6. Friends
Definitely the most important thing I got out of Mesh. I met some wonderful, smart, generous people this year, as I did last year. When you are getting a project off the ground having good friends is invaluable. Be friendly, approach people and make sure you buy a few rounds at the bar!

See you next year!

Photo: Rob Hyndman (Mathew Ingram talks with Michael Arrington at Mesh).