Observations from SxSW Day 2
March 15th, 2009Today, I attended 4 sessions and the SxSW Web Awards:
Neocartography: Mapping Design and Usability Evolved
- 60% of online maps use Google
- 80% of males use North up; 80% of females use turn by turn driving directions
- Online mapping is moving beyond what can be done on paper
- Mapping events in time is one of the next evolutions
How to Create a Great Company Culture
- Investors look at spreadsheets, culture is what is between the lines the ensures you make the numbers
- Paint the companies big picture to ensure everyone is inspired and knows the end game
- Culture is a family system; Parents – investors; Best Friend – Cofounder; Good Friends – Management Team; Kids – Employees
- Anyone who loses their passion no longer helps the team
- Establish clear accountability based on business and performance metrics
From Flickr and Beyond: Lessons in Community Management
- Editorial: One of the best panels so far, with community managers from flickr, YouTube, Etsy & Current TV
- Community is difficult at all levels
- 3 reasons to remove user contributions 1) legal; 2) User Experience; 3) Brand Management, Advertising, Social Responsibility
- Transparency and communication are critical; explain why content is removed
- All community rules grow out of “Don’t be a jerk”
Pitfalls and Opportunities: How to Fund a Startup
- It is not about the idea. It is about the execution
- In a flat world, 10 other people have the same idea, who will execute fastest/best
- Avoid taking investor money until you absolutely need it
I’ll end with a congratulations to all of the nominees and winners of the 2009 SxSW Web Awards.
