#AccelerateBOS 101

A recap of our past few classes for those who want to take your idea or business to the next level, but don’t know where to begin.

#AccelerateBOS is in its 6th year with 100 businesses as official program graduates! 20+ of those businesses have gone to market. We wanted to share some of the resources that are available to YOU, for free, even if you are not in the classroom with us every other Saturday. (And for those of you who are eagerly anticipating the next round applications open Fall 2018!)

Our first group activity with #AccelerateBOS 2018!

STRENGTHS

Our first class we always begin with looking at our strengths. Why? These two quotes sum it up.

But how do you become more of who you already are?

Here are two techniques we use in the classroom. Think of the types of questions you ask yourself. We use a method called Appreciative Inquiry that focuses on the belief that the types of questions we ask determine the types of solutions we create. To get a little fluffy, “Our words create our worlds.”

For example, in the first #AccelerateBOS class we use what are called “Discovery” questions where partners break off and spend 20 minutes each interviewing each other.

1. Describe a “high moment” in your entrepreneurial life (or your career)-an initiative or time you were most alive, effective, engaged…the most memorable peak experience (so far) from your career? a.) Share the story: the most memorable parts of the initiative or time, including challenges, breakthroughs, innovations, and insights? b.) Reflect on: “root causes of success”…What were you doing? What were others doing? c.)How did your best qualities or signature strengths come alive in this experience?
2. When do people you work with in your business (i.e. clients, partners,employees, etc.) feel most engaged, effective and passionate? a.) When do people feel most passionate, engaged, and bring their best-along and together? What patterns and enablers do you notice? b.)What do you want to preserve no matter what else changes in your business?

Reporting back on the conversations was a highlight for everyone.

These are questions that you can do yourself and write out your answers in your journal. Remember to reframe approaching a situation from a place of lack or weakness, and think about a time when you came from a place of your strengths and being your best self.

There are two additional resources we use. The first being a FREE VIA Character Strengths survey that is scientifically validated. The second is a book called Character Strengths Matter; How to Live a Full Life.

Strengths and building on strengths is foundational to the #AccelerateBOS program. You can read what these activities look like in action here! Got any questions about strengths? Leave them in the comments below!

Look at all of our collective strengths!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Eastern Bank

Mass Growth Capital Corp.

LivePlan

Microsoft

The Boston Foundation