Polina "Just Do It"

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“You never know” or the diary of Startup Weekend

There are many ways to learn things. One way is attending lectures and seminars. Another way is self- learning with a book. Also, you can learn by practice...But none of them is like Startup Weekend. This post is dedicated to this amazing hackaton and its learning outcomes.

A Long Way to Great Idea

After the pitches I choose the idea about the technical solution for queue management. The problem represented by the team was that people often leave the place if there is a huge queue. The team leader Marcus suggested the technical solution for tracking the queue. Though none of us had known how many times the idea change...

Saturday started with intensive brainstorming and competitor research. We had lots of problems on the way. First of all, we could not come to a single technical solution which would allow tracing people who leave the queue. Video camera? Sensors? Anything else (better ask my fellow engineer guys, I’m a business lady)? Second, we found out that the idea already exists. A firm called the Walkbase analyses the flow of the people. We felt desperate and concerned:

@ HUB13 

Then we decided to do the customer validation. We searched for telephone operators...and guess what? There were no queues!

We came back, and spoke to one of the coaches...and new idea arose...what if we do not reduce the lines but make people more comfortable in there? While standing in line you can make a lot of acquaintances...Ta-doh! Here comes another solution named Lindr. The name is a derivative from “Tinder” and “line”. It works in the same way as Tinder (swipe left or right), but is more sensitive for location. However, even here we hit the wall, as Antti said. It was highly unclear how we make money.

Then another idea popped out in the end of the day. People go to parties a lot on Friday and Saturday. And , to get faster into the club, they might bribe the doorman. Our app with “unusual” name “Fastline” gives people opportunity to make a mobile payment while standing in line. The payment will not only provide the entry, but will also give a guarantee to the bar that the customer is able to pay. Of course, our idea has a lot of flaws: for example, it is illegal in Finland to buy alcohol via mobile (oops!).

So, what have I learnt during the weekend?

1.       You never know...

This is what we first experienced. The idea of queue analytics seemed so attractive and so relevant...But, as it always happens, you are never the first one to think about it. So, be ready to change between ideas...because you never know which one fails and which one works.

2.       Be flexible

This is not only about giving up something that potentially doesn’t work...it is also giving concessions. No matter how much you were into one point, if the rest of the team disagrees, do not get stuck and move on. As the wise proverb says: “Don’t spit against the wind”

3.       Team is everything

Maybe you’ll see those people, maybe not, but try to get as much as possible from working with those people. As I worked in entirely male team I was trying to keep the balance between “lady-boss” and the “silent little girl”. What I would advise is to contribute to your team as much as you can. The efforts of everyone create positive synergy, so don’t be afraid!

4.       Learning is the first, winning is the second

In every competition the main goal is definitely to win. And it is good, because that is the only way to push your boundaries. However, that is not the only goal of Startup Weekend. The main thing here is learning. You learn about your idea by researching the market and validating with customers. You learn how to work with people from very diverse backgrounds. You learn how to focus your energy in 54 hours. And the most important thing you learn is to think outside the box. Yes, you will learn how to design logos, even if you are not a designer. Yes, you will learn how to use a new program. One of the coaches said: “some teams win and drop off, some do not win, but turn into a successful startup”. Winning s not as important as learning

5.       Network!

Otherwise, what the hell are you doing here? When else will you see so many professionals willing to assist you? When will you meet that many awesome people? It is your chance on the way to success! Take it!

It was the weekend of awesomeness. Spoiler: we dropped off the idea. But: we got excited about Lindr, so stay tuned! Maybe we’ll make you a pick-up line ;)