I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to Pay It Forward. What’s funny, though, is that I’ve never seen the movie itself, so I went and added it to my Netflix queue — I expect that it’ll be a sappy two hours, but sometimes that’s just what I need. But I digress…
Anyway, for the last several years, I’ve been trying to spend a little bit of time each week helping younger (or less experienced) entrepreneurs avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made, or at least be aware of the avalanche heading their way, as they start their own business. Last week, I gave a talk at Seattle’s TechStars For a Day that became pretty emotional for me — the topic was “What a Business Person Does in a Startup“, but it turned into a bit of a heartfelt talk about why it’s so fantastic working in a startup, or in your own business. Yes, tears were involved. I’m not sure why, really — yes, the emotions got cranked up, but it could also have been impacted by several days of non-stop cross-country travel!
In the end, it’s about giving it your all to create something new and wonderful. And surrounding yourself with a great team, and participating in their growth as well. And making mistakes. And, hopefully, being able to participate in the success of the next wave of explorers. I’ve found it very meaningful and enjoyable to give back, where I can, and I can’t wait to have more time, someday, to do even more.
For now, I’m just trying to encourage experienced entrepreneurs to take a little bit of time each week to try to help somebody out — it could be a quick conversation over coffee, an on-campus speech, or just attending an extra event every few weeks, to make yourself available to someone who has an eager question. And, reminding those I’m helping now (when they say thank you, and make me feel so great), that in a few months, or years, that I expect them to do the same.
Of course, I’m just Paying It Forward from folks who helped me along the way when my ideas were in nascent stages (and took my coffee, lunch and other brain-picking requests); folks like Andy Sack, Bill Bryant, David Geller, Daryn Nakhuda, Todd Sawicki, Dave McClure, and many, many more (not to mention all the crazy angels who ponied up cash… those people are the TRUE psychos of the Pay It Forward Universe 🙂 )
Paying it Forward — it really does feel good to help your friends and community.
Dave's speech at TechStars for a day was awesome. And your passion, skill, and tears made your presentation even better. Thanks for coming….and for paying it forward.
Dave – thank you for your constant encouragement and willingness to go the extra mile to help. We all have benefit from you and can't wait to figure out a way to pay it back – while we continue paying it forward.
Any footage from your speech? Would love to see it. Great post
Flattery will get you everywhere, Manny 😉
p.s. 5 days until I tell Microsoft about your evil plans… oops!
Oh, I hope not — Andy and Kayla could bribe me to have it destroyed —
they'd be able to afford Maker's Mark thru the 2015 TechStars Seattle alumni
reunion!
Dave, thank you very much for taking the time to help us. Your speech on Friday was moving, and seing your emotions come out wasn't unexpected. I hope more people would put as much time and effort in upbringing the next generation of entrepreneurs as you do.
Thanks Dave for everything you do – this post is just a reflection of the (awesome) kind of entrepreneur you are.
I can personally speak to how awesome Dave is at paying it forward. Thanks to all the help and advice he has provided it has really inspired me to really try to be proactive in helping anyone in the community and making sure that paying it forward is a priority :). Also definitely a great speech at TS Seattle!
Your Pay-It-Forward account at the Entrepreneur's Federal Credit Union is very full, that's awesome. May your personal battery never run too low.
Dave: I wanted to say thanks again for your insights and great speech! Arean van Veelen (my cofounder and CTO) and I we're reminiscing about how much we could related to all your stories on our drive home. We've worked together for over 5yrs, pulled many all nighters, slept on air mattresses (not together of course!) and did whatever it took to move the business forward. Having great mentors really helps to put things in perspective via shared stores and helps to grow great companies.
"It takes a village to raise a child and a network to grow a company."
Pay it forward!