The Brain Trust aims to engage experienced and emerging entrepreneurs within a collaboration framework designed to maximize the success rate of new and growing businesses. It provides entrepreneurs the support they need in their journey. This program was created by entrepreneurs to the benefit of entrepreneurs.

1. BRAIN TRUST
Kick-Off Meetup
M a r c h 3 1 , 2 0 1 5

2. B R A I N T R U S T
HAPPENING TONIGHT
1. Brain Trust Overview
2. Q & A
3. Initial Meetups Setup

3. B R A I N T R U S T
A BIG THANK YOU

4. B R A I N T R U S T
INTERCONNECTED NETWORK
The Brain Trust aims to engage
experienced and emerging
entrepreneurs within a
collaboration framework
designed to maximize the success
rate of new and growing
businesses. It provides
entrepreneurs the support they
need in their journey. This program
was created by entrepreneurs to
the benefit of entrepreneurs.

5. BRAIN TRUST
Missing from the N. Alabama landscape:
"Rubber meets the road" answers to
entrepreneurial questions.
Advice which fills in critical gaps.
Support which goes beyond the academic
basics.
You need a safe trustworthy place to
discuss ideas and hash out challenges.
You want help to avoid repeating mistakes
others have made.
You want an opportunity to give back and
feel appreciated.
WHY THE BRAIN TRUST?

6. B R A I N T R U S T
HOW WE CONNECT
Getting involved means attending
activities and meet peers face to face.
Activities are designed to sharpen skills
while having fun:
• Focus group meetups
• One-on-one coaching and mentoring
• Training & Orientation
• On demand problem solving
• Other gatherings like pitch sessions,
happy hours, boot camps, celebrations,
and competitions
You join and get involved.
Members only!

7. OUR VISION
A startup community that
represents our diverse
make-up.
At its core: a network of
successful entrepreneurs
that give back.
Engaging
Launching
Accelerating
Connecting
Educating

8. FROM IDEA TO STARTUP
Entrepreneur Startup
ONLINE
CO.STARTERS
BRAIN TRUST
SLINGSHOT
O N B O A R D I N G G R O W T H
Engage
Learn
Master
Mentor
EVENTS
Connect
The Brain Trust program provides a starting place for those who
are not sure where to begin and for those that have graduated
from our acceleration programs.

9. BRAIN TRUST
WHO BENEFITS?
Entrepreneur
• You want to start a business.
• You are starting a business.
• You have a business now and need help.
• You have a business now and need to
take it to the next level.
• You want to go big and need some major
resources.
• Find your path.
• Discover the answers to the questions you do not know
to ask.
• Shake loose of your detractors.
Does this Describe You?

10. BRAIN TRUST
WHO BENEFITS?
Mentor
You have experience as a successful business
owner and want to give back.
Coach or Advisor
You have specialized knowledge and want to
contribute while making others aware of your
expertise.
Investor
You have made your money and want to invest
wisely. You have no stomach for mindless
speculation and want access to solid
opportunities with full transparency.
Does this Describe You?

11. BRAIN TRUST
WHO BENEFITS?
Facilitator
You love to help others succeed and enjoy
accommodating connections.
Volunteer
You are excited and just want to be part of the
genesis of this movement.
Sponsor
You are a product or service provider and need
to reach an exciting group of influencers who
will be shaping the areas future.
Does this Describe You?

12. BRAIN TRUST
HOW THE BRAIN
TRUST WORKS
1. Join Brain Trust Meetup Group
2. Agree to the Code of Conduct
3. Agree to the liability release
4. Get engaged
5. If you need help - contact Alan Derrick
How meetups are run:
• Round table format with a facilitator to keep us on track.
• Multiple people in the same boat.
• Mentors, advisors, and coaches with seasoned
experience or specialized skills.
Getting Started

13. BRAIN TRUST
ON-LINE
Rocket Hatch
http://braintrust.rockethatch.org
Meetup
http://meetup.com/braintrust
• News distribution
• Calendar of events
• Communication between members
• File and image hosting
• Member profiles
Linkedin
http://linkedin.com
• Resumes

14. B R A I N T R U S T
GET PLUGGED IN
Meetup.com is our portal
and platform where we
exchange real time
information.
Linkedin works in concert
with Meetup and acts as
our on-line resume so
others can know you.

15. B R A I N T R U S T
PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT
All Brain Trust participants are united behind these principles:
• The purpose of the Brain Trust is to foster success for the
entrepreneur.
• All activities are conducted in a transparent and ethical
manner.
• We participate and contribute in an unbiased, positive, and
constructive way.
• We recognize and support the uniqueness of individual needs
while encouraging cross fertilization of minds.
• We treat all information with the utmost of confidentiality.
• We reveal and avoid situations involving conflicts of interest,
real or perceived.
• Above all else, we do not get in the way of the entrepreneur.

16. BRAIN TRUST
WHAT IS
EXPECTED OF YOU
Active participation
• Typically 2 hours every other week.
• Some of you will want to do much more.
• Participation level is up to you.
• The more you put in, the more you get out.
Orientation
• How to play nice, etiquette, etc.
• How to get what you want from the program.
• Code of Conduct.
• Sign off - At your own risk!

17. B R A I N T R U S T
KARMA AS CURRENCY
Everyone is a recruiter.
• We are lean. You are
our advertising
medium.
• Bring two people
you know.

18. B R A I N T R U S T
DUES AND EXPENSES
• We think that it will be $50/
year.
• Cut in 1/2 at $25 this year as
we ramp up.
• Collected annually. You will
be billed later. Try before
you pay.
• In addition, some activities
are pay as you go.
• Other activities are covered
by sponsors.

19. B R A I N T R U S T
WHEN
We want your suggestions.
Morning, Lunch, Afternoon,
or Evening. What time of
day is best?
Sun, Mon, Tues, Weds,
Thurs, Fri, or Sat. What days
are best for you?
Other

20. BRAIN TRUST
WHERE
Confirmed venues
• Design Lab
• Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Commerce
Any other suggestions?
• Audience suggestions
Where do meetups and other
activities take place?

21. BRAIN TRUST
LET’S SET UP
SOME MEETINGS
S O M E I D E A S
• Entrepreneurs in the
Startup Phase.
• Entrepreneurs in
Business.
• Entrepreneurial
Spirits Who Need
Direction.
• Advisory
Committee.
• Mentors, Advisors,
Coaches, Investors
S U G G E S T E D AT T H E E V E N T
• Small Team
Leadership.
• Product
Development &
Manufacturing.
• Artist + Community.
• Food.
• Gaming & Cartoons.

22. www.rockethatch.org