Week 8 Shutdown for Detroit Startup Week

Detroit Startup week begins this week. I may have been a little overzealous because I signed up for 22 webinars. With 112 to choose from in a span of five days, it was difficult to choose just five.

Whatever happens regarding retail sales must take a backseat. I have automated some of the promotion to offset my inability to be more active this week. This information is important for moving forward in all areas of entrepreneurship, but specifically my business. I am doing writeups on the five sessions listed above and listing takeaways and how I think it will benefit Livid Lash, Inc and the Livid Lash Pro app. 

I am glad Backstage Capital has a strong presence in Detroit Startup Week. Although I haven’t been able to connect with Monica Wheat on a personal basis, I am able to meet her in the comfort of my living room in the Backstage Capital Webinar. And I will have a better idea of founder Arlan Hamilton and the rest of the team and what they may be seeking in funding candidates. I even asked a few questions in the chat. They weren’t immediately answered, but all the webinar experts provided their information to ask specific questions to be answered at a later time. I plan to reach out immediately in hopes that I will be able to get this information. Even if I don’t get an immediate response, I’ll be persistent because coming across these direct contacts is rare and the livelihood of my knowledge base and business depends on me reaching out and making connections. 

The coolest part about Detroit Startup Week is the fact that they send you recording of the sessions, so I plan to revisit the five I focused on and the other 17 I signed up for. The typical setup was in person, but the COVID crisis has been a blessing in the way that these sessions don’t have to be attended in person!

I briefly met with Jeff and shared with him that I only met with a few providers and haven’t been able to update the Lean Canvas. We will meet next Wednesday to discuss the direction and future of the Lean Canvas. 

I also have been keeping an eye on the COVID numbers. And what do you know... they are shooting up. Florida, Texas and California are preparing to shut down again and the Governor Whitmer will NOT be moving into Phase Five as planned. I will be observing the news closely to see how Livid Lash products will need to be promoted as it applies to the PPE we have in stock and the DIY products that have slowed up in sales. I also secured an EIDL loan from SBA. It was a small amount, but it will help when Livid Lash completely reopens.

Progress during prior week

• Monitor sales and automated promotion

• Supplied service providers and offered discounts for calendars

• Attended Startup Week webinars

• Wrote briefs on Startup Week webinars

• Met with Jeff of Tech Town and gained direction on how we will move forward with the Lean Canvas

Plans for the coming week

• Ask questions during Check-in with Dr. Stoltman, regarding concluding the Capstone

• Work on the Reflection Paper

• Work on the Lean Canvas

• Reach out to contacts from Detroit Startup Week

• Observe COVID trends and execute business plans accordingly

Questions/Issues/Concerns/Observations I want to make sure that I have properly completed the deliverables for the Capstone, so I will ask Dr. Stoltman questions about wrapping everything up. I know that what I learned in this is course is paramount for entrepreneurship, especially entrepreneurship in Detroit. The COVID numbers are spiking again so I will postpone any plans associated with reopening until I can figure out how I should move forward.