My name is Sam Gold, and I’m the newest intern here at Dashfire. I’ll be a junior down at Libertyville High School next year. From a very young age I’ve been entrepreneurial in nature, and the opportunity to work with everyone at Dashfire was one I couldn’t pass up. I’m thrilled to get started in the Chicago tech scene, and this internship is the perfect way to get involved.
Although I’m just starting out today, I’ve known Dashfire and Rick Desai for almost a year now. In my free time I run a subscription commerce site for foodies, and Dashfire developed Yumvelope 2.0 (http://yumvelope.com) In the past I’ve done online selling, app development, and now Yumvelope which has been online for over a year now. The opportunity to work with entrepreneurs from all backgrounds and types of businesses will undoubtedly prove invaluable as I continue in business.
I’m not the writing type so that’s all for now, but look out for me next time you’re in the office; I’d love to chat!
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but three days before I started my internship with Dashfire, the movie The Internship was released. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson land internships at Google after losing their jobs as watch salesmen; hilarity ensues. Hilarity might be a strong word (I’d give the movie a B: funny but not hysterical). I left the theater wondering what the next ten weeks would hold. Would the other interns and I be forced to compete for full-time positions by playing Quidditch? Thankfully that’s not the case, although I did learn there were discussions of a Hunger Games style intern competition. I probably wouldn’t be here writing this post if that happened, considering my hand-to-hand combat skills are more than rusty.
Like Vaughn and Wilson’s characters, I didn’t see myself working in the heart of Chicago’s tech scene. I didn’t see myself working as a watch salesperson either. In high school, I packed my course schedule with extra math and science classes because that’s what I was good at. It probably didn’t help that since birth, someone has been telling me that those fields are lacking a strong female presence, and if I wanted any hope in ever finding a job, I’d pursue a math or science related career. Meanwhile, I spent most of my free time in inherently creative extracurriculars like orchestra and yearbook, which I viewed as hobbies and not viable career paths.
With these ideas engrained in my mind and an unhealthy obsession with both Grey’s Anatomy and Rudy, I decided to go to University of Notre Dame to become a doctor. Horrified at the mere idea of taking General Chemistry Principles, I promptly realized the medical field wasn’t for me. Two years later (and after many appointments with Bridget at the Career Center), I’m double majoring in graphic design and applied mathematics.
I thought I wanted to cure cancer and be the first Asian-American Surgeon General. My past self would probably be horrified to find out that I’m spending the summer reading tech blogs and wireframing instead of administering polio shots in Haiti or shadowing a doctor at Northwestern Memorial. I want to help make someone’s idea into the next big thing and that’s what we’re doing at Dashfire. I’d also like to meet recent boy band phenomenon One Direction and if this internship can pave the way towards that goal too, then this summer is shaping up to be the best one yet.
Seems like a simple question. But as an early stage entrepreneur when asked this question in reference to my company “I have absolutely no idea” is the only answer can give with any confidence.
Why? Because “It’s going really, really well” is a lie and anything I say through tears is too dramatic.
There was a day in early November when my site traffic doubled because my mother-in-law and her two sisters figured out what my site was called. That night, I was asked “How are things going?”
“My uniques have doubled in the past 24 hours” I answered through tears.
Here’s the thing though, I have come to realize that I am not alone “having lunch with some VCs later this week” is meeting friend Victor Carter at Chick-Fil-a “been talking to some Angels” is just praying and “we’re launching our product next week” means throwing a laptop out the window.
But in a similar vein, “start-up fail crazy me go” from an over caffeinated entrepreneur wearing their shirt backward is someone whose team you may want to join.
But I have absolutely no idea what’s going on.
– Tom Doar
On Tuesday, I was watching the Blackhawks game at Pippen’s Tavern (great spot). A guy came to our table and said, “Hey guys, I work for Pabst, and I’d like to buy you a beer!” It was awesome, and even more awesome when we realized that he was buying the entire bar a beer. I tweeted a photo, along with “Guy from @PabstBlueRibbon just bought the entire bar a beer!”
Later that night, we bumped into each other as we were leaving the bar. I thanked him for the beer, let him know that I had tweeted him, and said that hopefully he would get a promotion or something. He laughed, shook my hand, and introduced himself. “I’m Kevin, Vice President of Pabst.” The guy standing next to him also introduced himself: “John, President.” I was entrepreneur-struck.
We started talking, and they asked me my story. It was one of those elevator pitch moments, which is totally nerve racking. I told them I was graduating from DePaul in June, that I’m currently an intern at a couple startup companies, and I’m looking for a job in community management/customer experience in NYC. John then asked me what my dream job would be, and I told him that I’d like to run social media for Pabst. I’d like to create and manage campaigns, generate content, engage with users, and create a strategy so customer-focused that when someone tweets at @PabstBlueRibbon like I just did, they would have already been responded to.
“See.. This is what I was talking about,” John said to Kevin. “We don’t need to have all of our social media people in LA, they can be anywhere.” I got Kevin’s contact information and sent him an email the next day. Who knows if I’ll hear back from him, but Tuesday night was the perfect example of why you should get an internship: TO LEARN.
The past year of working in startups has taught me a ton about social media and the importance of creating a strong online presence. If a company does something remarkable, make a remark about them! Always promote brands who deserve being promoted. It means more to them than you think.
Attending events, networking, sitting in on Dashfire meetings, being introduced to CEO’s, founders and aspiring entrepreneurs has helped me grow as a professional. I’ve developed strong communication skills. Because of this, I was able to approach Kevin and tell him about my tweet with ease, which lead into a meaningful conversation, and getting the VP of Pabst’s business card.
Bottom line: Take every opportunity to speak with someone, online and offline. Don’t pass something up because you don’t think it will be important. Don’t be too lazy for a phone call. Don’t be too awkward to say Hello. Even if it’s a quick chat at an event, a brief phone call, a cup of coffee, a run-in at a bar, whatever.. building and maintaining relationships is something all entrepreneurs, job seekers, and people in general should do.
Stuck on what to get mom this Sunday? I was too, until I found out about this..
In developing countries, 800 women die each day from pregnancy and childbirth because they can’t afford skilled medical care and a safe environment. Fortunately, this can be easily prevented.
Kangu.org, an innovative new crowdfunding site, has identified local non-profit hospitals and clinics in developing countries that offer the life-saving medical care that mama’s and their newborns need.
Casey Santiago created Kangu after having a safe delivery and healthy baby. “I couldn’t shake what I knew: that more than a quarter of a million women die each year because they lack access to the prenatal care and childbirth services that I had just received.”
For as little as $10, you’ll be able help a pregnant woman in need by giving her and her newborn access to clean, well-lit facilities and a caring, skilled staff. “This amount may seem low to some of us,” Casey says “but it is prohibitive to the over 2 billion women who shelter, feed and clothe their family on less than $2 a day.”
Through Kangu, you can search for stories and photos of these expecting mothers, choose a recipient, and contribute to healthy delivery and post-natal care. In turn, Kangu will send the recipient a Mother’s Day card with your message, letting her know of your gift and the mom-to-be will be funded in her honor.
After the fact, Kangu will send you updates on the mama you funded and her baby, and you can connect with other who have funded the same mama.
The Dashfire/Farshore team has created a team to fund Padma, a 20 year old woman from Nepal. Padma is a first-time mother-to-be who’s extremely excited and happy about her first pregnancy. Padma plans to deliver at Bayalpata Hospital, and will travel via jeep or ambulance there. Her baby is due on September 2nd.
Here’s the progress Kangu has made thus far. Forget flowers and candle, #givemotherhood!
It’s that time of year! What will you be doing this summer? Don’t be silly – get an internship! If you’re looking for an awesome learning experience, great mentors, and a fun work environment, check out these awesome startups:
Dashfire invests in early stage startups via software development and business acceleration. They have over 30 portfolio companies, including Bucketfeet, Bloomboard, EverTrue, TableSAVVY, LoClean, and TheSpish. Dashfire is located in the heart of the Chicago startup scene; with space at 1871 and an office at 750 Orleans.
Dashfire looking 1 summer intern; compensation to be determined.
The ideal candidate:
Responsibilities include:
Perks include:
Excited about Dashfire? Contact Rick for more information: rick@dashfire.com
TableSAVVY is a Dashfire portfolio company. TableSAVVY.com provides discounted, last-minute reservations at over 30 Chicago restaurants. TableSAVVY has office space at 1871, but makes frequent trips to Dashfire headquarters.
TableSAVVY is looking for 1-3 interns for a 10 week program, minimum of 10 hours/week.
The ideal candidate(s):
Responsibilities include:
The Perks:
Internship is unpaid, but intern will be eligible to be compensated for any transportation costs involved, and have the chance to explore any Full Time/Part Time opportunities at TableSAVVY after their internship.
Excited about TableSAVVY? Contact Jeremy for more information: Jeremy@tablesavvy.com
The Spish is a Dashfire portfolio company. The Spish is a content site, which focuses to humanize athletes and explain the games they play so novices can become fans. The Spish uses fandom, it’s website, and social media to bring the stories to its audience.
The Spish is looking for 2 summer interns, minimum of 10 hours a week.
The ideal candidate(s):
Responsibilities include:
The Perks:
Excited about The Spish? Contact Laura for more information: lmreardon@gmail.com
LoClean is a Dashfire portfolio company. LoClean provides on-demand, reliable housekeeping services to Chicago and Evanston with web and mobile platforms that allow users to search, book, and pay for a housekeeper in under 90 seconds.
LoClean is looking for 1-3 summer interns.
The ideal candidate(s):
*Bi-Lingual (Spanish, Polish, Russian, German) would be awesome, but not required!
Responsibilities include:
The Perks:
Excited about LoClean? Contact Jay for more information: info@LoClean.com
For tips on how to land these internships, read my post and feel free to contact me at alexxmiles@gmail.com if you have any questions.
LoClean pitched at Built In Chicago’s monthly launch last night! It was pouring outside, but, as usual, Rockit was packed with Chicago startup lovers.
For those of you who haven’t heard about LoClean, it’s a website that provides on-demand, reliable, background checked cleaning services to Chicago and Evanston. Whether you want a one-time clean or re-occurring housekeeper, LoClean will get the job done. In addition, LoClean offers refer-a-friend discounts of $10 credit, has excellent customer service, and are basically available whenever you need them via social media and/or email. Since LoClean’s launch on March 1st, they’ve cleaned hundreds of messy homes, apartments, and condos (including mine! twice!)
In addition to helping people like myself and Jay get top quality housekeeping when needed, LoClean helps independent housekeepers in Chicago find more work. Within the first month of launching, LoClean provided housekeepers with 10+ hours of additional work per week.
LoClean pitched at BIC to raise awareness, network, and seek mentorship on how to expand the business. If you want more info, contact info@loclean.com, or find them on Facebook or Twitter.
Thanks to BIC for another great event!
The search for the perfect job continues! This is one post of the series; where I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned, who I’ve talked to, and what I like until I (hopefully) get hired. Stay tuned.
Great customer service is the best way to acquire and retain customers. Bonobos is a men’s outfitter that demonstrates the definition of remarkable customer service.. which is one of the reasons I was so excited to visit their NYC office this winter. Rick, once again, connected me with an awesome person, Neerali Shah, who began working as a Bonobos customer experience rep out of college and has grown within the company since.
Bonobos calls their customer experience reps Ninjas, probably because they are the most kick-ass group of customer people out there. The company’s unique, innovative, ever-changing strategy is one that makes you never want to deal with any other customer service representative again. Through integrating over-the-phone, web, and online means, Bonobos’ Ninjas take the customer experience to the next level. By implementing an effective strategy that’s all about satisfying the customer, Bonobos is able to create long-lasting relationships and, in turn, lifetime customers.
In December, I visited Wakefield Media in NYC and found out about UNCUBED events from co-founder Chris Johnson. If you’re unfamiliar, UNCUBED hosts events across the world dedicated to bringing together tech communities. It’s part job fair (but much cooler), part networking event (with Chicago’s coolest startups companies), part speakers (including Harper Reed!), part art show, part party and all fun.
On April 4th UNCUBED came to the River East Art Center. I was able to network with some great companies. If you’re looking for a job in Chicago and missed UNCUBED, I suggest checking out the following companies: