A few additional nuggets

More nuggets from the BIF-3 conference.  After the three speakers spoke individually, they got on a little panel and shared a few insights.

Dave Balter: We found that it was not the extra stuff that really drove the bzzagents, but personal contact and getting recognized by the corporation.

Dan Heath: My brother looked into what kind of story made it into Chicken Soup for the Soul or People Magazine. There are three basically:
Connection Plot - people meeting with others
Challenge Plot - people overcoming a challenge
MacGuyver Plot - innovation coming from somewhere
There are lots of other kinds of stories, but these three stories have the power to inspire.

Paul English: To raise money you must really believe 100% in your business.  I like the co-founders model, where each party talks about an aspect that really works for them.  If you don't think the joke is funny, you can't tell it well.  So don't try to do the other person's schtick.

Bill: How do you walk the walk, and not just talk the talk? 

Dave: Our advisory board was no longer really working, so we disbanded it.

Dan Heath: Tells a funny story about a FedEx worker whose truck broke down and convinced the Airborne Express person to drive her around to finish up her last few deliveries.  On the flip side the "We'll leave the light on for you" hotel isn't that friendly in real life, they're just cheap.

Paul English: When people see you are really passionate about an idea, it's easier to galvanize them around it.

Bill: Two minute start-up advice?

Dan: ideas aren't enough, you'll need to get everyone on board.

Paul: have fun

Dave: it's a wild goose chase to find the top or elite person for staffing - just find anyone willing to be passionate.