OK, I admit it. Tech entrepreneurs outside Silicon Valley often have a chip on their shoulder. There’s this pervasive idea that if you’re in the Valley you’re competing in the Major Leagues, otherwise you’re playing in the Minors. The majority of the press is about startups in Silicon Valley, the majority of the unicorns (companies valued over $1 billion) are in Silicon Valley, and the majority of the venture capital invested in the entire country is in Silicon Valley. What’s a tech entrepreneur to do?
Here are a few ideas on breaking the minor league of startups mentality:
- Spend more time talking about local success stories (e.g. recent exits and job creators)
- Focus energies on playing to the local strengths (e.g. quality of life, employee loyalty, cost of living, etc.)
- Engage with local entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurs’ Organization and Young Presidents’ Organization
- Organize events with doers and avoid the naysayers
In the end it’s all about attitude and outlook. Inevitably there’s going to be people who failed and believe it’s the community’s fault as well as negative people that look to bring the community down. Positive, optimistic entrepreneurs will keep pushing forward and work to make their startup successful as well as make the community more successful.
What else? What are some other thoughts on breaking the minor league of startups mentality?
David Cummings on Startups 
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