2012 resolution for new entrepreneurs


2012.  A brand-spanking new year.  This moment - this one, right now - is an unbelievable high.  Who does not adore a white clean Read more

entrepreneurship for non-techies part I


It is that time of year again.  I am not talking about sparkling city lights or the truly special family moments that Read more

should women start companies?


I fundamentally agree.  Women and girls should not be "told" to do start-ups.  It's like telling all dogs to herd sheep, Read more

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2012 resolution for new entrepreneurs

Posted on January 1, 2012 by dominique gagnon in my creation | Leave a comment

iStock 000000167960XSmall 300x225 2012 resolution for new entrepreneurs2012.  A brand-spanking new year.  This moment – this one, right now – is an unbelievable high.  Who does not adore a white clean untouched page and infinite possibilities?  I took time yesterday entirely to myself (quite self-indulgently and selfishly) to reflect on what has transpired for me in 2011 and gleefully draw the first sketch of this fresh new year.   2011 was a (personally) pretty remarkable year: corporate life left in the dust, over 15 cities visited, 7 potential launch cities analyzed, 90+ ideas examined, 2 prototypes developed, and too many ideas to count mercilessly murdered.  When I look back, I am grateful to those wiser and more experienced than myself who took time to give me the benefit of their experience as I work toward incorporating my first company.  Three pieces of advice in particular stood out, and are strongly shaping now how I plan to paint 2012.  Three “gifts” from three wise men (and women!)? It feels like an auspicious beginning. Read more

entrepreneurship for non-techies part I

Posted on December 25, 2011 by dominique gagnon in world of creators | Leave a comment

Disneyland Holidays 300x199 entrepreneurship for non techies part IIt is that time of year again.  I am not talking about sparkling city lights or the truly special family moments that only result from excessive over-indulging.  No, I am referencing the massive release of college and graduate students upon us.  Exams are over.  Winter break “free time” is here.  Like a comforting holiday ritual, the eager of the lot use the joyous season to find “that job”.  I have oh-so fond memories of once being in their tough shoes; nowadays, this tradition has converted into a brief insane moment of popularity as students reach out to me to talk about my “non-traditional” career path.  In a post-Steve Jobs era, can innovation and entrepreneurship still be considered non-traditional?

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should women start companies?

Posted on December 18, 2011 by dominique gagnon in world of creators | 2 Comments

Job You Love 300x199 should women start companies?I fundamentally agree.  Women and girls should not be “told” to do start-ups.  It’s like telling all dogs to herd sheep, all men to go into the army, and all ducks to waddle only in a straight line.  Does this counter-argument feel ridiculous to you?  It does to me.  I should not have to state the obvious.  But if I need to say it, I will….not everyone should pursue the exact same profession and most women should not found companies.  There, I said it. Read more

harvard’s new innovation lab: better late than never

Posted on November 18, 2011 by dominique gagnon in world of creators | Leave a comment
IMG 0637 300x248 harvards new innovation lab: better late than never

When I landed in Boston this weekend in a breathless rush for a last-minute quick trip, I stumbled upon a pleasant (and puzzling) surprise.  A brand-new commanding building perched on the corner of Harvard Business School’s campus, with a modern exterior bleeding a bit of Crimson to strong effect. The Harvard Innovation Lab (or I-Lab) opened its doors this week, with the formal mayor-in-attendance ribbon cutting occurring today.  Yet prior to this week, I had no idea of its existence.  I was not alone.  A few phone calls to other classmates, all young alum, revealed we were all in the dark. Read more

marrying a business: choosing the “right” idea

Posted on November 13, 2011 by dominique gagnon in my creation | Leave a comment

536762 thumbnail 300x227 marrying a business: choosing the right idea

You spend more hours per day at work than with your spouse or family.  For an entrepreneur, the scale tips even further in favor of time with work.  I applaud any entrepreneur who dives hungry, out of necessity or joyful ignorance, into the first business idea she encounters and runs full-tilt ahead, burning the midnight oil for years to come with no thought of “what might have been”. For the rest of us, the process of dancing around ideas and selecting one feels strangely like an odd version of the dating game…where the stakes are even higher.

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