Checking in from basecamp at Boulder Startup Week 2016!

Other than the promise of free t shirts, why is a 15-year old company like ReadyTalk interested in Startup activities?

We recognize we have a lot to learn. Alexa Clay described it perfectly in her book The Misfit Economy. We can all benefit from watching those who have perfectly the art of the hustle. Those who need to identify and seize on opportunities to survive. ReadyTalk is still a “small” business, but we have job security. We have a profitable product, although those of us in the innovation space recognize that’s a blessing and a curse, right?

It’s refreshing to attend Startup events, to tap into the energy and urgency of those who are trying to rapidly “fail or scale” because they don’t have the choice to be complacent. To get a glimpse into how other aspiring and thriving companies are making things happen.

Of course, it’s not all inspiration. As the manager of our new innovation department, I’m here on biz-ness. I’m here to chat with some folks who are solving similar problems as we are, to see if there are any opportunities for us to work together.

I know the idea of “innovation by acquisition” can evoke a strong reaction in some people, but if you step back from ‘product innovation’ and think about business or corporate innovation, it’s a valid option. And a potentially lucrative one: there was an entire afternoon dedicated to the corporate-startup relationship at the Front End of Innovation conference last week in Boston. We visited an accelerator and listened to startups and brands alike talk about how they partnered, for mutual benefit.

I feel good knowing I’m not representing some giant conglomerate here to take advantage of the eager and hungry. Corporate partnerships can sometimes be very one-sided, and that’s not who we are.

We have a lot to offer potential partners, if we find some groups with shared interests and values. ReadyTalk has always focused on people and relationships over sheer profits. That’s why we have a network of very loyal, passionate customers. Partnerships can greatly expand how we can offer value to our customers (by introducing them to exciting new offerings beyond what we are building ourselves), and provide a fledgling startup with the resources it may need to really get established.

So I’m here! If you are, shoot me at tweet at @afhill and let’s connect!