Believe in your startup

This is most likely the most valuable #LibertyLesson that I can share with you.
I know it’s hard and can be lonely but trust me if you know you can accomplish something then go for it!

Being an inventor or visionary can be lonely, mainly because people seem to be wired to only believe what they see. When you manifest it and build a product you will be met with a ton of supporters. Think of it as the stock market. Once you have a product and it is out there and doing great people are ready to hand over their fortune and life savings at your IPO, they just want to be involved. But until that point people honestly just may not believe enough in you or your product.

There is always a small demographic of folks who get extremely wealthy on new products. It is because they take risk and believe in a product. That’s it. Many will say it is because they have a disposable income and it’s a ‘rich get richer’ society but I don’t see it that way. To me they have a vision and are not counting pennies. Their vision is very simple. They want their money to work for them. They do not want to work for money. So they take risk many average joes just don’t take.

This point brings me back to you. Take the leap and believe in yourself. The leap is also very simple. You have to believe in yourself when no one else believes in you. If you do not believe in then you who will?

How to Take the first step to increase your confidence and cement an unshakable belief in yourself?

The #LibertyLesson is
Surround yourself with partners not employees.

Partners vs. Employees

Partners – listen, strategize, contribute, build you up, and most importantly ACT!
Employees – wait for you to take action, wait for you to give them direction, wait for you to give them more direction, and leave all of the heavy lifting to you.

As a result of surrounding yourself with employees you become a manager not a visionary.
Surround yourself with partners and leaders and you become an innovator.

Find your confident partners and believe!

#StartupLife for the #Millennial and #Transitional
#LibertyMadison is
#ThatTechGirl the
#Oprah of #SiliconValley

Want to take your startup to the next level?

libertymadison.com/simplybook.me

December 16, 2014

How to speak StartUp

As someone who lives the #StartupLife and brings it to millennials across the country I can +1 EVERYTHING Tech Crunch said in this article. This is by far the funniest thing I have ever read on Techcrunch

My favorite:

“Cash Flow Positive”
“I work in PR”
“The Space”
“We’re a design-centric organization”
“Growth Hacking”
“We are growing 500% week -over-week”

I literally almost dropped my phone while reading “Cash Flow Positive”

I absolutely hear ALL of these comments and lingo at tech talks, tech events, conferences, pizza shops, MUNI, BART, CalTrain, and the bathroom in Silicon Valley. It is everywhere.

And I am openly saying as #ThatTechGirl, we live in a bubble and have lost touch with reality and I love it!

CarpeDiem the #Founder!

Read the rest of the article at
How To Speak Startup: http://tcrn.ch/1yTmBwr #CRUSHINGIT

December 15, 2014March 16, 2015

5 Growth Hacking Job Tips for #Millennials

Growth Hacking Job Tips from #ThatTechGirl Liberty Madison

As, #ThatTechGirl, I have been to enough startup events, conferences, meetups, hackathons, and dev boot camps, to know one thing- Always present yourself in the most desirable light as possible,in every area of your life.

Funding a startup is 90% presenting an image of confidence and the “I’m moving forward without you,if you want on board hurry up”. That is how you have to approach job search. You are not begging or desperate. You possess a skill THEY need. You are in demand remember that!

This is a quick easy guide to get you thinking in the right direction.

From this point forward we will not call it a job search it is now “client match”.

You need to first decide what type of client you are looking to partner with to enhance your career.
Who will fit your needs and fulfill your talents and skill set?
Remember it is no longer an employers market, it is not even an employee market. It is a collaboration market.
By the year 2020 40% of the workforce will realize they are a startup and work as a separate entity. They will fill outsourcing needs, work as a consultant, or launch a startup. They will perform the same functions for a larger corporations but experience freedom.
Start now, control and run your life as a startup (which you should already be doing). You may not be the founder of you (your parents did that) but you are the CEO of you. So run it as such. Your time is valuable, it is seriously all you have so guard it.

This is your simple #startupLife guide to job searches.

1. STOP looking for a job

Looking for a job is so time consuming and to be honest who really wants another job?
I am confident if you are reading this you are a leader in your field or on your way to being one. The #startuplife is not for those looking for a job. It is for those looking to create opportunity and create their position. Stop spending hours upon hours sending out resumes online. Create a deck of your skill sets and start pitching

2. Work on your online presence not your resume

Many people do not really like to read. Yea I know. Let alone hundreds of resumes. We live in the information Age, it is at our fingertips. If you send me a resume first thing I am going to do is go to your linkedin profile to check you out. So skip all the resume stuff and be sure your linkedin is a narrative of your working history. Tell a story. Show personality.
Do NOT just copy and paste. Seriously there’s a science to linkedin, follow it. In addition to linked in be sure to position yourself as leader on Twitter. Depending on your industry you may want to brand on Pinterest, Tumblr, Facebook, Instagram. etc. Your digital presence IS your resume. You cannot apply to be Social Manager and only have 130 followers. It’s the same line as “Never trust a skinny chef”. It may not be true but it is the way the world thinks. If you are a little hesitant about such a public life, I suggest get over it. If you cannot get over I suggest creating two accounts for each platform. A private (used for you for friends etc) and a public. But you need a public profile.

3. Stop attending networking mixers

Stop attending mixers where everyone there is looking for jobs!
No one is hiring. You will have better luck attending topic specific events and meetups and offer your clearly defined service and or product.

4. Clearly define your skillset

To clearly define does NOT mean to limit yourself, it simply means define it and be able to clearly communicate it. Answer the question as though it is a mission statement not a job function.
What problem can you solve or what can you teach(products/education/knowledge).
Commerce works in two simple ways. What can you do for me and what can I do for you. You need to figure out what you can do to help the other person(company)and that my friend is your “job”
Realize the age of one profession is dead. The year of the “Doctor for Life”, ” Teacher for Life”, and “Accountant for Life” are long gone. There is no gold watch or corner office. There’s only you and your willingness to growth hack your way to a lifestyle where you are satisfied. I personally do not know anyone who ONLY does ONE thing. It could be the Silicon Valley in me but everyone does multiple things, it’s called being a visionary rather than goal oriented. Here in the Valley if you perform one function you are stopping your growth and limiting your options. I am sure other parts of the country may look at it as fickle but that is why they are at a 9-5 job and people in the valley are notorious for innovation and changing industries.
Tim Ferriss is an published author, blogger, growth hacker, radio host, chef, body builder, public speaker, investor, tech and startup enthusiast, and thought leader. Diversity builds wealth and a fulfilled life.
Create different decks and various resumes.

5. Present yourself as a startup or consultant not an out of work job seeker

Follow the previous steps and go forward! You are now a consultant/startup with a defined skill set so go and PITCH to companies who need you to solve their issues.

Want more growth hacking tips? Follow me on Twitter and Instagram
Share your tips! Tweet me at @libertymadison I would love to hear how you landed a new client.

#ThatTechGirl is #LibertyMadison
#StartupLife for the #Millennial and #Transitional

#ThatTechGirl is the Oprah of #SiliconValley

November 13, 2014November 13, 2014

Ah Ha moment on the BART

I running down the Civic Center BART stairs dashing toward the machine to buy a ticket to board BART around 940pm on 11.11.14
I am about to receive a life lesson.

As I am leaving SF Music Tech I was invited by startup founder Eduard Korijn to join him and his co founder in their Uber for a ride to BART. It was on their way so I said yes. I jump in and we are off! Laughing and talking with our Uber driver about how he wished he could drive for lyft in addition to Uber and how his clients prefer Uber because lyft drivers talk too much. As we hit Market street I point out the Twitter building and yell out “Hey So Cal wave at the Twitter building!” They are amazed and start waving! We continue to Uber down the road and arrive at Civic Center Bart. I say my thank yous and good byes and I am off!

I begin my dash down the stairs to the BART. I do not want to sit another 20 minutes for the next BART, so I am in a race against time.
As I approach the dispenser a street person comes up to me saying the conventional SF Bay Area Bart pitch! It is Shark Tank every time you get enter the station!

Spot #ThatTechGirl on Bart around San Francisco

A man approaches me saying “I will give you this $10 ticket for $4!”

I instantly flash back to my BART orientation.
I always recall my training from my first BART commercial. The chairman of BART,told me to NEVER buy street tickets because they don’t work. So I have never bought a street ticket.

As I am franticly digging in my backpack looking for change, the strap decides so break and my bag starts to hit the ground but I make a quick football like move and catch it! Thanking the Gods nothing I owned hit the floor of CIVIC CENTER BART.

“Come on girl by this ticket, ill give you $10 for $3”

I reply “Sorry man, I would help you out but as you can see, I’m digging in my bag for change”.

He is hovering over me and yet I was not really nervous. My only thought was ‘Are you going to miss this BART because you don’t want to open your wallet in front of this man, you are seriously going to dig around for change instead of just pulling out your wallet and grabbing your card or cash’.

And the answer was yes because that is exactly what I was doing.

So I continue to dig around my broken backpack.

“Hey girl since you are so cute and I’ll let you have it for $2, come on baby just give me $2 for this $10 ticket.

I reply “Hey man I would but don’t you see me digging around for change, I would help you out but I can’t even get to my change, and you see my backpack just broke, I swear I would help you out but I’m looking for change myself. I am hoping this satisfies him and encourages him to leave me alone.

All the while I am focused on not pulling out my wallet.

Still hovering over me and cornering me, he leans in and says
“You look like you are struggling and you need help”.
I look up and he is reaching into his pocket and adding coin after coin to my BART ticket. He looks at me and says “Where are you headed is this enough to get you home do you need more?”

I am speechless.

This person was just asking me to buy a hot ticket and I was afraid to open my wallet for fear of I don’t know what, and he turns around and saves my evening by giving me enough change to catch my BART and dash for the train in a nick of time!

AH HA MOMENT> calm down liberty-

I ran down the escalator and jumped it 2 seconds before the doors closes and proclaimed to my entire train “I made it”!!!!!!!!

They all smiled and many laughed. I told them my AH HA moment and asked them to pass it on.
DO NOT judge people and do not be shocked my kindness, its in our DNA.

Follow my segment
‘Spot #ThatTechGirl on BART!
Win a prize and get featured on my site and show!

See you around the Bay!
Bart and you’re there!

October 19, 2014

I love my Estranged Friend

A spoken word for the estranged friend I love:

Just because we no longer speak does not mean I hate you or think any less of you. It simply means we no longer speak. It does not mean our time together is undervalued or overshadowed by what drove us a part. It simply means we no longer speak.
Just because I do not call you when someone lights up my day does not mean I wish ill on you. Just because you are not the first to know my thoughts or experience my pain does not mean anything more than our time has come.

I do not hate you, in fact I love you the most. I do not wish any pain on you, I truly in my heart wish you have the best life you can imagine. I wish only joy for you.

I hope you find peace because losing a life long bond of friendship and family is devastating. We will need peace.

My love for you exceeds this earth!

Insight :

(Feel free to share this link with family member who you truly love but for some reason your communication has broken down. Try to mend misunderstandings and try your best to bridge the gap. If there is any situation that cannot be worked out currently, let them know you love them and wish them well. An excellent comfort to estranged family members. A great comfort to mothers who are not speaking to daughters, daughters who are not speaking to fathers, siblings who are not speaking to parents. Parents who feel abandoned or kids who feel misunderstood. Family is the core of life and if that is not strong,it weakens everything. Please make every effort to unite your family while all members are alive, you will never regret saying ‘I love you or I am sorry’)

My intention for this post is to highlight a major problem and wrap it in love instead of a grudge if its not resolved as of this moment

Love you all

Go forward in peace
liberty-

July 28, 2014July 28, 2014

First They Laugh, Then They Follow

As a millennial, transitional, startup, entrepreneur, or solopreneur you must guide a vision and honor your goal all while remaining agile.

New ideas and concepts typically do not resonate with those who lack vision

If someone laughs at your dream don’t take it personally. If you can’t sleep at night because it is in your heart and a part of your soul. Then go forth with it.
Ask yourself a few simple questions

1. Is this possible?
2. Has another human accomplished this?
3. Am I a human?
4. Do I have the skills? If not… Do I know where to locate the skills?
5. Do I want to give 100%?

If so, then move with the nature of your song. Do not fight your greatness because it wasn’t “planned” well enough so that others can get on board. Take your blue print and go! Start and they will follow. You NEVER have to know all of the answers.

Just remember my words
“First they laugh, then they follow” Liberty Madison

July 18, 2014July 18, 2014

Before you launch your website

Many professionals over look simple things. Being perfect has nothing to do with experience its has everything to do with absolutely nothing. Perfect is a myth. However being better is achievable.

Many millennials and transitionals in the startup world often assume their peers and or competition have the upper hand. I don’t know why we tend to think EVERYONE else is superior but its simply untrue. We all have areas that we can improve on. I wanted to share an example.

My friend Nora Oravecz a Hungarian blogger in Silicon Valley for the summer is trying to improve her English skills so she decided to seek out a public speaking class. She suggested I join her so I can polish my skills and meet other speakers. I was super excited! I asked her to forward the link so I can begin my research. After more than 15 minutes on the site my excitement began to wane. I could not find anyone actually giving a talk.

A common mistake that I do not want others to make.

This is a speaking class with packages ranging from $50 to $550 and not one bit of footage of anyone actually speaking or giving a talk was listed on the website? The class is reliable, reputable, and a great investment. However that was not conveyed with this slight over sight.
I am a bit stunned.

How do you expect to sell your service or brand without showing what your service or brand is?

The founder was not speaking. The staff was not speaking. I honestly would have accepted a 30 second snippet of a student speaking!
I would have felt more incline to enroll and engage.
But no such luck. It was a bunch of words. Which would have been great for a wordpress class. But not ideal for a class selling the ability to become a better public speaker.

#ThatTechGirl #TechTip

When launching your startup place a sample/reel/demo/or preview of your product or service ON your site. You can do this by creating a video, animation, or offer a beta test experience. Remember
“Showing is often better than telling”.

The Tweetable
Place a sample/reel/demo/or preview of your product or service ON your site Showing is often better than telling via @libertymadison

#ThatTechGirl is
Liberty Madison
Technology, Innovation, and Startups for the Millennial and Transitional

TWITTER @libertymadison

INSTAGRAM @libertymadison

July 13, 2014

Don’t keep score

A Sunday #startup tip!
Branding is important and so is ease of use on cross platform mobile devices.
So avoid the underscore!
It is not clean #ux #ui

When selecting social media accounts do NOT include an underscore.
The underscore is for windows 95 files. Please let it stay there! It isn’t a part of your brand or logo. Think bigger! You would never see Coke or Pepsi pulling this rookie move!!

Tag someone to help their branding!
Go to libertymadison.com for startup branding and consultation!

#ThatTechGirl #LibertyMadison is the #oprah of #SiliconValley! Follow her for everything about the #startuplife in #SiliconValley #womenintech #girlsbelike #entrepreneurlife #menatwork #founder

July 8, 2014

Should you seek to increase your wage?

#Tech #Tuesday tip for the #millennial #startup #entrepreneur

Wage, rates, and salary are often the goal of a worker. A person who may not achieve financial wealth. The Only thing that brings true wealth is Profit, not wages.

Wages are cool for those who do not want the responsibility of leadership. Which is 110% ok. However you must realize that you will be executing someone else’s dream, doing 99% of the work and earning a wage instead of sharing in the profits.
Stop trading your life for the “wage dream”

The picture is “Profits Over Wages” by #LibertyMadison
A #LibertyLesson for the #startuplife #motivation

A Tech Tuesday Tip for the millennial entrepreneur

June 30, 2014June 30, 2014

10 Reasons You Should Never Get A Job

10 reasons you should never get a job, I can think of more but the list of 10 will do for now.

Our culture has been condition to be workers. You go to school and train to be a small piece of a larger pie and never share in the overall reward. That’s acceptable and normal.

That is not ok.

I have never dreamed of a job. I have never seriously sought out a job. I have always created my own opportunities.

After reflecting on the message being sold to millennials and those alike I found myself switching from my conventional political party of “create more jobs, build more factories, give people a job, give people food” to a more “create your own destiny, don’t look for a job create and build a company, create opportunities for others, show people they are not dependent and they can do whatever they want, grow your own food, pull yourself up by your bootstraps, sustain your life” mindset. This was always my mind set however my political affiliation wasn’t in alignment.

Side Note- If you follow me I am not a political person, mainly because I would like to see results.
I am not a democrat or republican. I simply support Life. Everything else divides us.

We all originate from one common source and have one common set of goals.
Life, love, comfort, and happiness.
Those are the natural paths we follow. Everything else is theory that is taught to us to take us from this path. Don’t be that person!

Take control of your life and create the life you always wanted. The only one stopping you is you and the other folks telling you that you can’t. What they really mean is THEY can’t.

But like I say to those who support workers and never see beyond the time card
“To continue to build a culture of workers is great, I mean we need to hire someone to execute our startup dreams!”

http://www.spiritscienceandmetaphysics.com/10-reasons-you-should-never-get-a-job/

Let me know what you think!

Be yourself

Http://wwww.twitter.com/libertymadison
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