TWiST, Let’s Get Ready To Rumble
Yesterday’s, TWiST started off like any other TWiST but ended as one for the history books. In this episode you will get to hear from two “Ask Jason” callers, one “Shark Tank” pitch and then this is where things get good, incredibly good. You will get entertainment, a great cause and a smackdown ultimatum.
Things start off with a general overview of the Keiretsu Forum issue and Jason talk’s about why this is so disturbing (His open letters Part 1 & Part 2). He comments that he came from the bottom fought his way up with no real help and made himself what he is and feels for the people doing the same and doesn’t want anyone to take advantage of them.
From their things move on to familiar territory with two “Ask Jason” questions with Jason joking he may have to start charging for these calls. You will hear from Sam in NJ calling about how to get sponsorship advertising when you don’t big numbers. The next call is Robert from TX asking about build vs. buying a hosted solution for CMS. Things quickly move into the “Shark Tank” and we get to hear from Lucas in WI and his problem solving engine. That is where normalcy ends and we move into the smackdown.
The discussion about Angel Investor’s charging to pitch basing their argument on the free capital market and their overhead begins. First off we hear from “Mr. Bob” (failed Microsoft product, he wanted to remain anonymous) someone who actually pitched to the Keiretsu Forum five or six years ago. He goes on to talk about where he went, who he felt was present and his overall distaste for this business model. Next we hear from”Mr. Newton” (failed Apple platform) actually Jay Levy of Zelkova Ventures a NY based VC firm and his take on this practice. During this conversation Jason briefs an email from a former Keiretsu Forum employee and his experience. Lastly we hear from Steve Bell founder of StartupTrek and Keretsu Forum member. Mr. Bell starts off with a little bit of flattery with a back hand mixed in telling Jason he is surprised he didn’t do his homework before attacking the forum. I felt throughout this discussion Jason did a good job letting Mr. Bell speak until the end where you could tell he was fed up and laid down an ultimatum demanding that Keritsu forum stop charging their fee in 30 days and to publicly place on their website this change. He goes on to let Mr. Bell know that if they do not stop charging he will host a competitive event as close as possible to their events. Saying we will see which event entrepreneurs attend. Later he even get’s on his knees begging them to stop the practice, stating he will even join their group.
In summary this is an epic show for it’s entertainment value and cause. Is this show on the same level as the bonus episode with Dr. Mark Goulston? Yes, but in a different way in that show the conversation was thought provoking and compelling, this one sticks up for the little guy with a great cause. I purposely tried to write this a bit vague, I didn’t want to spoil this show for anyone, I took 4 pages of notes but seeing this one is believing. I am sure the 500+ live viewers will agree with my sentiment that this show is not one to miss. The entertainment value was off the charts.
