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    Show and Tell

    Mar
    27th
    Categories: Entrepreneurship
    Author: Scott Burkett
    Publication Date: 27 March, 2007 (17:31)
    Tags: , ,

    I don’t care much for the product, but then again, what do I know about anything? For all I know, it could be the next Google. The thought of having to listen to ads on my cell phone everytime I want to make a call is enough to make me want to go back to tin cans and a wire, but …

    I will say this, though. This young CEO (Aydin Mirzaee) has developed a great way of getting his message out. Is it is presentation style? No. Don’t get me wrong, he’s smooth, energetic, well put together, and polished, but that isn’t the point.

    What he is doing is the grown-up version of “Show and Tell” - instead of just telling you about his product or idea, he is showing you how it works. What does this tell me? (A) what the idea is *really* all about, and (b) that he can execute (since he’s showing you the prototype). Both are very important in these early stages. Very impactful. Good job, Aydin.

    I also like the viral video nature of his pitch. Idea + Prototype + Pitch + YouTube = reach

    Also, note the comment at the end (during the credits) about “willing to relocate.” Nice touch. bOK Systems is a startup in Canada, and he realizes the importance of potentially moving to a more vibrant technology/startup/venture community.

    EDIT: The original video was pulled. See my followup post here.

    Just click the video to play it:

    Cheers.

    « Atlanta’s Sprawl and the Entrepreneurial Process
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    Comments

    Comment from Michael Blake
    Time: March 28, 2007, 7:55 am

    I guess it’s a nice try but to me it reeks of desperation. First, I’m from the school that says the last thing a sophisticated investor wants to put money into is a deal that’s been broadcast. Second, his intellectual property protection had better be rock solid or he just gave away his IP on YouTube.

    This might also violate SEC law, any disclaimers notwithstanding.

    Networking, networking, networking. That’s how you find seed capital. With a whisper, not a megaphone.

    Now that I’ve crapped all over this, watch him raise $10 MM.

    Comment from Scott Burkett
    Time: March 28, 2007, 9:26 am

    You bring up some good points, Mike. However, I think it is important to keep in mind where this guy lives. Canada is not necessarily known for its dynamic venture capital environment. The guy probably has no choice but to extend beyond his borders.

    From my perspective, an investor will put money into anything that will bring a return - broadcast or not. Granted, most broadcast deals are stale, or made by desperate entrepreneurs, but that isn’t always the case.

    I think his approach is very refreshing and unique.

    Cheers.
    Scott

    Comment from Paul Freet
    Time: March 30, 2007, 8:21 am

    ‘This video is no longer available’

    Is it just me or is this happening all the time now on YouTube. One of the reasons they have had great success is the ability to embed videos on your blog or site. But, if this is happening regularly, who will trust it.

    Of course, the more interesting questions is, why was THIS particular video pulled?

    Comment from Scott Burkett
    Time: March 30, 2007, 3:04 pm

    Sadly, it looks like the video was pulled by the user (in this case, Aydin, the CEO).

    Perhaps he has met his dream investor. Or perhaps is rethought his approach. Who knows?

    Cheers.
    Scott

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