FoundersForge

Want to meet founders and entrepreneurs doing big things in the tri-cities? Join us over at Johnson City Brewing (Downtown JC Location) tomorrow from 5:30-7PM for networking and drinks! RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/e-ba3PGh

We are excited to announce that FoundersForge has been accepted into Village Capital's Resource III Program for ESO's. This program was created by Village Capital to help support diverse founders, organizations, and ecosystems across the Southeast. We look forward to expanding our impact as an organization and helping more startups in the Appalachian region!??

What makes a good community? Technically, the definition of a community is: A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. However, we believe in a shorter phrase that sums up what really makes a good community: a group of people who consistently show up for each other. Our goal at FoundersForge is to provide that source of community for founders and startups. Our community supports each other, shares experiences, and we give valuable feedback and advice. It doesn’t matter what stage you are in or where your startup journey is leading you—we want to help support you in every way possible. If you want to be a part of a founder community and connect with others doing big things, join us for a networking session on November 21st! Link here: https://lnkd.in/e-ba3PGh

We’re super excited to partner up with?Spark Plaza?and announce a free co-working day on National Entrepreneurship Day, Tuesday, Nov. 19th. Meet us over at?Spark Plaza?, check out their new meeting space, and meet the FoundersForge team! RSVP is required, link below?? https://lnkd.in/eizjNsCG

If you attended this year’s Startup Mountain Summit, you likely remember Asia Orangio 's session on Day 1. A standout moment from her talk focused on the importance of conducting effective customer interviews, and she even conducted an interview live on stage. However, as entrepreneurs, we often overlook the importance of getting REAL feedback from REAL customers. It’s so easy to go into pitch mode when we talk about our product or service, and in an interview setting, this can derail the conversation, preventing us from truly understanding the customer’s needs. Instead of learning valuable insights, we end up seeking validation, which limits our ability to gather honest feedback. Here is your reminder: 1.) Family feedback is not validation 2.) Friends are not validation 3.) Your dog is not validation (unless you have a dogfood startup lol) 4.) FoundersForge is not validation So, what feedback *actually matters? 1.) Your customer The most valuable feedback you can receive is from the people who will actually use your product or service. You’ve gotta ask the right questions without going into “pitch mode.” Here are some examples inspired by the book The Mom Test: Bad question: “Would you buy this if we built it?” Good question: “How are you currently solving this problem? What have you tried in the past?” or Bad Question “I’m building an app to help people find yoga classes. What do you think?” Good Question: “How do you currently find yoga classes?” The goal of customer conversations is not to validate that your idea is good, but to learn whether there’s a real need or problem worth solving. It’s about getting honest feedback, even if it means discovering your idea isn't viable. If you want to learn more, check out this video: https://lnkd.in/eh6wZ7PX

We’re excited to share that Hypepotamus, a leading publication covering innovation and entrepreneurs across the Southeast, has featured the Startup Mountain Summit in a recent article ?? The piece includes highlights from the event and also champions our region’s growing role in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. One quote from the article especially hit home for us: "By blending homegrown talent with outside expertise, events like the Startup Mountain Summit are helping Johnson City carve out its place on the entrepreneurial map, proving that the region is a fertile ground for startups and innovation." You can read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e6Jzv8ye

Hey everyone?? We are still looking for Startup Mountain Summit feedback! If you attended this year's Summit, we want to include your ideas and suggestions into future events. In exchange, you'll get exclusive access to tickets, information, and more?? Link to feedback form: https://lnkd.in/er4VQzPy

A couple shots from the welcome party and day 2 of the Summit! What was your favorite moment? Tell us below ?? #startupmtn #foundersforge #startup #founder #startupconference

If you attended this year's Startup Mountain Summit, we would LOVE to hear about your experience?? Take the 5 minute survey and get exclusive access to tickets when they drop. Survey: https://tr.ee/FW_c8qABsY

We’re so happy to have a Startup Mountain Summit hall of famer’ back on the stage this year. Asia Orangio always brings good energy and great insights?? Keep doing big things Asia!