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Learn linguistic tips and web copy tricks to get findable, stay optimized, and say what you mean. Plain language is the practice of replacing fancy words, seven commas deep, with the language of your audience. Straightforward words express ideas more clearly than verbose marketese or industry jargon: trousers might seem great to the marketing team, but the 2 AM shopper is browsing for pants. Lauren Colton, our speaker, is the Information Architect & Editor at Gravity Works Design & Development. She is a grammar nerd who loves talking about the importance of words, and a geek focused on how people interact with technology to find and use information.
This month, A2 New Tech is pleased to host Roger Ehrenberg, celebrated New York angel investor, UM alum, and founder and Managing Partner of IA Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on big data investments.
In her second blog installment, TechTown President and CEO Leslie Smith retraces her steps to Washington, D.C., where she was invited to attend a White House roundtable discussion on job creation in Detroit. Directions, please“Excuse me, sir, I need directions to the White House. Can you help me?” said the young, fair-haired girl from the steps of her home near Gratiot and Outer Drive. “You see, I’d like to do whatever I can to create positive change in the world around me, and I have some great ideas for the folks in D.C., if I could just find my way.” “Well, young lady,” said the older gentleman, ”I have a few suggestions for you. First, work hard in school to earn good grades. Second, be an engaged citizen. Participate in the world around you. Become someone people count on and respect. “Next, be the first person in your family to make your way through a college degree. Then, work really hard. Be bold. Take risks. Set no limits, only goals. See where life takes you. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Follow through. Be faithful and creative. Learn from every decision, the good ones and the bad. Be grateful for everyone you meet along the way. They will all give you something. “If you do these things, you’ll find your way to the White House.” Security Gates“Photo ID, please.” “Here it is.” “Mrs. Smith, what brings you here today?” “Well, I’m here to talk about reimagining Detroit. To set the stage for an innovative, engaged, economically vibrant city, like the one my grandfather spoke of so many years ago. I’m here to ask for support from our government to pave the path for small company creation in Detroit. I’m here to suggest funding streams which make their way into the hands of entrepreneurs as and when they need them. I’m here to find ways for Detroit’s small businesses to get more government contracts and learn how we can better support returning veterans as they transition back into new realities at home. “I’m here because I set out to come here 40 years ago and finally found my way. I’m here to celebrate my voice and my freedom and my commitment to this glorious democracy in spite of its imperfection.” “Oh. Okay, that way, please. Just head up those stairs through the big, heavy doors. They’re waiting for you.” A Round “Table”“Hello. Here for the roundtable? Yes, come this way. You see, we’ve had more people than we expected today, so there’s no room for a roundtable. Instead, let’s sit in a large cluster and contemplate the future of Detroit and how each of us can play a role in its resurgence and restoration to greatness. “Over the next five hours, we’ll find out there’s good news and bad. We’re on the upswing, but our work is not over. We have to keep churning out thriving small businesses to recover fully. We need public transit that works; we need banks lending money and small businesses winning more government and private contracts. “We need to continue to find ways to engage our underserved fellow Americans and create programming to build confident, independent, economically empowered citizens. We need more innovation and less red tape, a better trained workforce and more opportunities where they can deploy their skills. “What we need are qualified, passionate partners to move an agenda of diversity, empowerment and independence. That’s why you’re all here. “What do you say, Mrs. Smith?” “As for me and the family at TechTown, you can count us in.” Oh, and thank you, Grandpa, for helping me find my way to the White House. I think things are going to work out just fine. It’s important to understand how social media fits into your overall strategy and goals as a professional or business owner, and it’s really helpful to do this in a group environment where you can talk through your plans and get feedback from others who are struggling with the same issues. When it’s a group that’s facilitated by people with expertise to get your accounts configured properly, understand the tools well enough to help you define an appropriate strategy, it’s even better
Testing is a critical part of having a successful eCommerce website. Michael Allinger will provide an overview of how to implement a successful testing program, focusing primarily on site optimization with A/B testing techniques.
Funding Sources; Securities Compliance "How do I get someone to fund my company?
 Are you a new entrepreneur with an idea for a business? Are you ready to test the feasibility of your business idea? Then Operation JumpStart: First Step may be for you. Operation JumpStart: First Step is an intensive multi-day workshop that helps you learn the business basics to test your business idea. At the end of this workshop you will have a feasibility plan that will tell you if your business idea is a “go” or “no go.” TechTown is offering an Operation JumpStart: First Step workshop series on Saturdays starting April 14, 2012. The ten-session workshop will run from April 14 through June 16 (April 14, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; June 2, 9, 16, 23). Each session will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The workshop is valued at up to $750 but is available to you for $80. Note: Although Operation JumpStart: First Step meets for 3 hours per week, you must be able to commit to an additional 6 to 9 hours of your own time to complete take-home assignments. 10-Week Learning Agenda
Ready to apply? If you are interested in enrolling in Operation JumpStart: First Step, you must submit an application and payment by Monday, April 6. Space is limited, and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Download the application by clicking here. Once you have completed the application, submit it to TechTown Workshop Coordinator Sha’Kara Mack by email at shakara@techtownwsu.org, by fax to (313) 875-4619, or by mail to 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI 48202. Please also submit your payment along with your application. TechTown accepts checks and money orders made payable to TechTown by mail; alternately, you may call Sha’Kara at (313) 879-4486 to pay via credit card. Questions? Please contact Sha’Kara at shakara@techtownwsu.org or (313) 879-4486.  Sponsored by Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC In this free lunch session, attorneys from Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC will teach you about business law topics by telling the story of a company and the legal issues that it has faced. Event materials will be e-mailed to registered participants. Date: Tuesday, March 27, 2012 Time: 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Location: TechTown, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit, MI 48202 RSVP: rsimkins@bsdd.com or (313) 965-9725 (limited seating available) Cost: This event is FREE and includes lunch Presenters include the following Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker attorneys: Elizabeth Carrie is a Member of the firm and works with business owners and their team of advisors in tax and non-tax related planning for businesses and their owners throughout the stages of the business life-cycle. She practices in the areas of taxation, corporate, partnership and limited liability company law, and estate planning and administration. Kevin Kalczynski is a Member of the firm and represents plaintiffs and defendants in business tort and breach of contract matters. He also handles legal malpractice actions, director and officer liability claims, supplier disputes, lease disputes, trade secrets, non-compete agreements, construction and lender liability litigation. Kevin has successfully argued matters in the Michigan court of appeals. Kevin has been recognized as a “rising star” by Michigan Superlawyers. Josh Moss is a Member of the firm and he handles litigation in federal, state, appellate and bankruptcy courts, as well as disputes before arbitration panels and administrative law judges. Josh has extensive experience in handling contract disputes, patent infringement, trademark infringement, unfair competition, fraud, antitrust, real estate, reinsurance and breach of fiduciary duty. Josh was recently named a Michigan Super Lawyer. Laura Ragold is a Member of the firm and advises clients on all aspects of commercial real estate, including sale and acquisition, financing, development, workouts, and landlord/tenant transactions for commercial properties. Laura also represents developers in a variety of public and administrative hearings with regard to real estate licensure, land divisions and annexation. Rebecca Simkins is a Member of the firm and practices labor and employment law, representing management. Rebecca handles litigation in state, federal, and administrative courts and agencies. She also advises employers on a day-to-day basis on various employment situations, and drafts and reviews employment contracts, policy manuals and other employment-related contracts and documents. Rebecca is a TechTown mentor. Rebecca was recently selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of the 25 Leaders in the Law for 2012. Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC is in its fifth decade of providing imaginative legal services to metropolitan Detroit and a national and international clientele. The firm’s clients range from emerging startups to the largest corporations, from families to municipal and state government. |
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