The final day of our trip to Silicon Valley wrapped up with one of the more eventful and interesting days of the entire trip. Our first session of the day was held at the Palo Alto Research Center. At PARC we met with a man by the name of, Ed Chi. Ed is the area manager and a senior research scientist in PARC's Augmented Social Cognition Group. He studies Web 2.0 and social computing. Ed also received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in 6.5 years from the University of Minnesota where he maintained above a 4.0 every year. You could say he’s a smart guy.
PARC was very interesting place to visit and it was a great opportunity to go to the place where many technological breakthroughs have taken place. Things like laser printing, Ethernet cable, and Blu lasers (technology behind Blu-Ray discs) were all discovered at PARC. We also got a tour of some of the different areas of their campus and learned a bit about the architecture of the building.
Our next stop after lunch was one of the biggest on the trip, Facebook. I'm sure most of you know, but Facebook is a online social media site that allows users to create profiles, share photos, add friends, and many other things on top of that. Facebook, as most other companies in the valley was a very laid back environment. Everyone has desks located in one common room, there are no cubicles. It was not uncommon to see people even skateboarding around the office area! The people that we talked with were all very intelligent and were able to answer all our questions that we had.
Our final stop of our trip was to meet a man named Robert Scoble. Robert runs a company called Fast Company, is a technology evangelist and has established himself as one of the leading bloggers on the Internet. Check out his blog, Scobleizer, here. Robert was able to share a few stories with us about his experiences, but overall it was a quick meeting.
Our final day in the valley was a lot of fun. I hope to do a full summary and reflection sometime soon.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Young Entrepreneurs and Experienced Analysts
With only two days left in Silicon Valley we were left with only a few appointments still to attend. Wednesday brought two separate activities. The first was a meeting with a man named Ani Vallabhaneni . Ani is an entrepreneur in the Silicon Valley that is currently on his third business and has also worked with a former Luther grad, which is how we got connected with the meeting. It was great talking to Ani and learn about what it was like to be an early stage entrepreneur in California. The one thing that stuck out to me in talking to Ani was his attitude was the same as all of the other long-time, successful entrepreneurs. It has been great to see that entrepreneurial spirit in both starting and long-time entrepreneurs.
On a side note, our meeting with Ani was held at a Turkish restaurant. As you would probably guess, I have never had Turkish food. We had many different types of appetizers and my main dish was some kind of grilled chicken wrap type thing. It was surprisingly good. The foreign food in this area is yet to disappoint me.
Following our meeting with Ani, it was off to Forrester Research to meet with Jeremiah Owyang. Jeremiah is social media analyst. What he basically does is help large companies decide how they can take advantage of social media in order to make their business more effective and efficient. It was really fun and interesting to listen to a person that is basically a professional in using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools. I gained many valuable tips on how to be better perceived online, like purchasing my own domain, jakevaith.com.
Wednesday night also brought an opportunity for Wes and I to attend an O.A.R. concert in downtown San Fransisco. The concert was held at a place called the Warfield right in downtown. We were able to take the CalTrain into town and it was a great concert. O.A.R. has always been the one band I have wanted to see in concert and I finally did. Front row even! Overall, it was another great day.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
On a side note, our meeting with Ani was held at a Turkish restaurant. As you would probably guess, I have never had Turkish food. We had many different types of appetizers and my main dish was some kind of grilled chicken wrap type thing. It was surprisingly good. The foreign food in this area is yet to disappoint me.
Following our meeting with Ani, it was off to Forrester Research to meet with Jeremiah Owyang. Jeremiah is social media analyst. What he basically does is help large companies decide how they can take advantage of social media in order to make their business more effective and efficient. It was really fun and interesting to listen to a person that is basically a professional in using Facebook, Twitter, and other social media tools. I gained many valuable tips on how to be better perceived online, like purchasing my own domain, jakevaith.com.
Wednesday night also brought an opportunity for Wes and I to attend an O.A.R. concert in downtown San Fransisco. The concert was held at a place called the Warfield right in downtown. We were able to take the CalTrain into town and it was a great concert. O.A.R. has always been the one band I have wanted to see in concert and I finally did. Front row even! Overall, it was another great day.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
VCs and TVs
Sorry about the delay in posting as of late. I have been busy with things around here in the Valley and haven't had the chance to finish blogging about Tuesday yet. As I said in my last post on Tuesday we had the opportunity to visit two great companies, Hummer-Winblad, a venture capital firm, and Revision 3, an Internet TV start up.
Our visit to Hummer-Winblad was a great opportunity to learn a lot about the venture capital world from one of the best in the business, Ann Winblad. Ann is actually yet another Minnesota native, born in Red Wing and graduated from the University of St. Thomas. Now in Silicon Valley, her company helps to fund software start ups across the nation. Ann was able to share many do' and don'ts, tips and all around advice of starting businesses in the Valley. Her knowledge of the industry and life in Silicon Valley as compared to Minnesota was some of the best information we have gotten thus far on the trip. After meeting with Ann for about an hour and a half, it was time for lunch and off to Revision 3.
Personally, Revision 3 has not been a site that I have visited often. Check out their site here. They create shows for distribution strictly online. They cover topics in technology ranging from computer tips to hardware reviews and many more items. It was really cool to get to see how Internet TV shows are produced and the equipment that it takes to get everything done. Also with our Revision 3 visit, we also got to meet with Dave Mathews, an evangelist for Boxee software.
Boxee is an application that is still early in development (Alpha stage) that allows users to download their software and watch TV shows from all major networks and channels in the US. You can think of it as free TV on your computer. Boxee has already received awards for innovation and uniqueness in the industry. This software could have a very large impact on the way we watch TV in the future. Dave was also able to answer many questions regarding his software and other projects that he has worked on in the past. He was a very fun, laid back guy that was really easy to talk to making this visit one of the better on the visit.
At the end of the day Tuesday shaped up to be one of the more enjoyable days up to now on the trip. We learned a ton about venture capital and starting businesses in the Silicon Valley area and also a lot about the possible future of TV shows. Just two days left here in the Valley. It has really gone fast. On Wednesday we will be having lunch with two new entrepreneurs and also going to Forrester Research. Check back soon!
Don't forget to be checking out our pics on the group Flickr site. Right here!
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Our visit to Hummer-Winblad was a great opportunity to learn a lot about the venture capital world from one of the best in the business, Ann Winblad. Ann is actually yet another Minnesota native, born in Red Wing and graduated from the University of St. Thomas. Now in Silicon Valley, her company helps to fund software start ups across the nation. Ann was able to share many do' and don'ts, tips and all around advice of starting businesses in the Valley. Her knowledge of the industry and life in Silicon Valley as compared to Minnesota was some of the best information we have gotten thus far on the trip. After meeting with Ann for about an hour and a half, it was time for lunch and off to Revision 3.
Personally, Revision 3 has not been a site that I have visited often. Check out their site here. They create shows for distribution strictly online. They cover topics in technology ranging from computer tips to hardware reviews and many more items. It was really cool to get to see how Internet TV shows are produced and the equipment that it takes to get everything done. Also with our Revision 3 visit, we also got to meet with Dave Mathews, an evangelist for Boxee software.
Boxee is an application that is still early in development (Alpha stage) that allows users to download their software and watch TV shows from all major networks and channels in the US. You can think of it as free TV on your computer. Boxee has already received awards for innovation and uniqueness in the industry. This software could have a very large impact on the way we watch TV in the future. Dave was also able to answer many questions regarding his software and other projects that he has worked on in the past. He was a very fun, laid back guy that was really easy to talk to making this visit one of the better on the visit.
At the end of the day Tuesday shaped up to be one of the more enjoyable days up to now on the trip. We learned a ton about venture capital and starting businesses in the Silicon Valley area and also a lot about the possible future of TV shows. Just two days left here in the Valley. It has really gone fast. On Wednesday we will be having lunch with two new entrepreneurs and also going to Forrester Research. Check back soon!
Don't forget to be checking out our pics on the group Flickr site. Right here!
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Inauguration Day: A Non-Silicon Valley Topic
Today, Tuesday the 20th brought one of the more interesting days for the Luther College crew here in Silicon Valley. On our schedule for today was Hummer-Winblad, a venture capitalist firm, and Revision 3, an Internet TV company. Today was another eventful day, not only for this group, but the entire nation. It was the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States.
In order to catch the inauguration before our meeting at Hummer-Winblad, we left the hotel at 7:15 so we would have plenty of time to get into downtown San Fransisco. Upon arrival at Hummer-Winblad we all gathered in a small conference room with the only TV around the office area along with many employees as well. I think I speak for the entire group when I say it was really a powerful moment for all of us. Personally, as I sat there listening to President Obama speak, it was also a time for some personal reflection of my own...
What can I do to help in our society? Not only my country, but my friends, my family, my fellow students, mentors, and neighbors. In listening to President Obama speak, not only today, but throughout his campaign, it has truly made me feel proud to be an American for one of the first times in my life. I hope that others will also be inspired to do their small part in re-building this fine nation, one step at a time, as that is what it will take, effort from everybody, in every community, all across this nation.
So get out there people, do your part! Whether it be motivating people to find jobs in your community, creating jobs by becoming a more entrepreneurial person, educating both young and old alike, or even becoming a more "green" person to help our environment. Every little bit helps. Of course there is a lot more that we can all do, but we all need to start somewhere.
Sorry about about this slight tangent of a post, but I hope you all have also taken time to think about what you can personally do to help this cause. It will take all of our collaborative efforts in order to succeed. So think about it! Now of course, I'm not an expert my any means. But I just wanted to share my thoughts with everyone. I'll be back to the Silicon Valley experiences next time.
And if you missed the speech. See part 1 here, and part 2 here.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Monday, January 19, 2009
Hiking in the Foothills and Steve Larson
Week two in Silicon Valley started with a low key Monday. We had the chance to sleep in and once I got up Brad, Wes, Daniel, and I went for a hike in the foothills of Palo Alto. We had the chance to see some great views of the Bay and the Ocean at the same time. It was a nice way to start-off my Monday.
We came back to the hotel around 3:00 so I decided to go for another run, swim and nap by the pool before our meeting with Steve Larson at 5:30 at the hotel. Our meeting with Steve was very informal as we all gathered outside around the pool area and had another great Q and A session. Steve worked for many companies (including our professors start up, Net Perceptions) hiring and working as interim-CEOs on multiple occasions. Much of our conversations revolved around interviewing and preparing to enter the job market. Some of the key things he shared with us were techniques for resumes and interviewing, overall how to make good impressions with people.
For those of you out there looking for a specific piece of advice, Steve shared one very interesting tip with us that I feel everyone should remember. Next time your interviewing for a position, ask two things: What did the person that had this position before do well? What did that person not do well? Being able to elaborate on both of these questions is a great way for anybody to make yourself look good in an interview. So next time your in an interview, remember this tip and hopefully it will help you make a good, lasting impression.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sunday in the Valley
Sunday in the Valley came and it was finally a time for me to sleep in and relax. I didn't get up until about 11:30. I laid around for a bit watching NFL Countdown and decided to start on my much needed laundry. As my laundry was going I was able to go for a good run in the fitness center here at the hotel. After my laundry was done and once the Cards beat the Eagles, I decided to hop in the pool for a couple laps, followed by a much needed nap by the pool.
The night ended with more football and then Wes, Brad, Elliot, and I took about a mile and a half walk to a nice hometown Italian restaurant. We had a great meal and returned to the hotel. I threw in a movie, Wes made it halfway through, I finished it and hit the hay. It was a nice low-key day, and Monday should be similar.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
The night ended with more football and then Wes, Brad, Elliot, and I took about a mile and a half walk to a nice hometown Italian restaurant. We had a great meal and returned to the hotel. I threw in a movie, Wes made it halfway through, I finished it and hit the hay. It was a nice low-key day, and Monday should be similar.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Tourist Day in San Fran
Yesterday was Saturday and it finally gave us a chance to get away from our weekly schedule and go into town and do whatever we wanted. We were leaving for San Fran at 10:30 am so I got up around 9 or so and got a run in. We grabbed a quick breakfast at the hotel and we were off.
It took a little over an hour to take the 101 north all the way to the Fisherman's Wharf. We didn't have our night tour of Alcatraz till around 4, so we had some time to kill. Wes, Brad, and myself decided to find a bike rental shop and take the one hour ride to the Golden Gate Bridge. The ride was really fun. We got to see a lot of the coast and see all kinds of people out enjoying the beautiful weather. It seems that everyone pretty much has a dog, and most of the time they aren't even kept on leashes, its a really active area. It took us about 35 minutes to reach the Golden Gate 
Bridge and another 15 minutes or so to get across it. One side of the bridge is for bikers only and the other for walkers only, but the bridge is still very busy. It ended up being probably the best way to see the bridge and take in a little of the area.
Once we got back from from our bike ride all three of us decided it was time to get something to eat. We walked around the Wharf looking for something small to eat, but that wasn't easy to find. We ended up finding a place that specialized in crepes, so we decided
to stop there. I got a Hawaiian crepe (ham, cheese, and pineapple) and it was delicious. By that time it was time to meet up with the rest of the group and board the boat to head to Alcatraz.
The Alcatraz tour, as you would probably guess, was very interesting. The boat ride there takes only about 15 minutes and we then had about 3 hours on the island to explore and do as we wanted. I took an audio tour and listened to different park employees tell stories of the island it was really interesting. Highlights of Alcatraz for me where the views of both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge during the sunset and a fully lit up view of San Fransisco, seeing the demo of the closing and opening of the cell doors inside the prison, and getting to explore some of the dark hospital rooms. Make sure to check out the video I posted, and of course the photos on our group Flickr account here. They are all pretty amazing.
By the time we got back to the mainland it was once again time to get something to eat. We all wanted to get some good seafood so we walked around until we found something that looked liked it would work. I ended up getting fresh Halibut and even tried some of Wes' Mussels that he got. It was all very delicious just as expected. We ended the night back at the hotel with a few drinks and some more games of 500. I had a great time just being a tourist here and taking in some of the sites, it was a ton of fun.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I look forward to relaxing and watching some football.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
It took a little over an hour to take the 101 north all the way to the Fisherman's Wharf. We didn't have our night tour of Alcatraz till around 4, so we had some time to kill. Wes, Brad, and myself decided to find a bike rental shop and take the one hour ride to the Golden Gate Bridge. The ride was really fun. We got to see a lot of the coast and see all kinds of people out enjoying the beautiful weather. It seems that everyone pretty much has a dog, and most of the time they aren't even kept on leashes, its a really active area. It took us about 35 minutes to reach the Golden Gate 
Bridge and another 15 minutes or so to get across it. One side of the bridge is for bikers only and the other for walkers only, but the bridge is still very busy. It ended up being probably the best way to see the bridge and take in a little of the area.Once we got back from from our bike ride all three of us decided it was time to get something to eat. We walked around the Wharf looking for something small to eat, but that wasn't easy to find. We ended up finding a place that specialized in crepes, so we decided
to stop there. I got a Hawaiian crepe (ham, cheese, and pineapple) and it was delicious. By that time it was time to meet up with the rest of the group and board the boat to head to Alcatraz.The Alcatraz tour, as you would probably guess, was very interesting. The boat ride there takes only about 15 minutes and we then had about 3 hours on the island to explore and do as we wanted. I took an audio tour and listened to different park employees tell stories of the island it was really interesting. Highlights of Alcatraz for me where the views of both the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge during the sunset and a fully lit up view of San Fransisco, seeing the demo of the closing and opening of the cell doors inside the prison, and getting to explore some of the dark hospital rooms. Make sure to check out the video I posted, and of course the photos on our group Flickr account here. They are all pretty amazing.
By the time we got back to the mainland it was once again time to get something to eat. We all wanted to get some good seafood so we walked around until we found something that looked liked it would work. I ended up getting fresh Halibut and even tried some of Wes' Mussels that he got. It was all very delicious just as expected. We ended the night back at the hotel with a few drinks and some more games of 500. I had a great time just being a tourist here and taking in some of the sites, it was a ton of fun.
Tomorrow is Sunday and I look forward to relaxing and watching some football.
Until next time...
--
Jake Vaith
"Positive Attitude, Best Effort"
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