Boston MeetUp

Wednesday evening I attended Manufacturing 101: Making Your Product. For Real!

There were about forty entrepreneurs in attendance at The Grommet in Somerville. The Grommet Mission Statement:

We launch undiscovered products and help them succeed; we call them Grommets. Grommets aren’t just things. Grommets are products with a purpose invented by people with stories. Buy differently.

I need to research this organization in greater detail. The high level overview that we received was very intriguing and they are part of a movement that is exciting.

The event was organized by Aaron and is the third meeting of this type that he has organized. The meeting pulled in a diverse group of people each with a vision for a new and unique product. The goal of this group is to help entrepreneurs who are making tangible products. There were some hackers, and we all need hackers as part of our project at some point. Nothing wrong with hackers, but this group focused on tangible consumer products.

One guy has an idea for a robot type toy/social media product, several people were working on or had launched different food products. Several clothing and jewelry designers. No one was doing what I am doing, which is great. Sometimes one is the happiest number that you’ve ever heard.

I had some great conversations with several people. Some of my ideas were further developed and tweaked as we spoke. Some people gave me new ideas for process or product. These creative folks are a lot like runners, willing to give advice and insight and happy to receive advice and insight. It’s all about learning and growth. It’s all good. I think I was able to help a few people with a few ideas. Who knows. It is a great feeling to think that you helped someone.

I was able to put my frames into people’s hands, watch their eyes and listen to their voices.

I got to present my pitch at least a dozen times. The pitch needs some work, but the whole project is constantly in development and evolving.

There are Boston MeetUp groups for just about every interest. You should check them out and see if there is a MeetUp of interest to you.

My Take Away

This can be done. There is more to be done. I need to focus more of my “free” time on this project. After my June 15 marathon, I think I need to cut back on my running to half marathons only for the rest of the year. I need my Sundays to get in the zone and go deep.

There is also a vast support network out there of like-minded individuals. All of whom have similar struggles, are brimming with ideas and creativity and are excited to be part of this Makers Movement. Great things are on the way.

Oh, and here is the link to my project.

It’s after 10PM and I’ve been up since 5:30. I hope this makes sense.

Innovate well my friends

Andy

© anagelin 2014