StartupNation contest popular result

Voting ended a few days ago for StartupNation’s 2009 Elevator Pitch Competition, and Fwd:Vault had a pretty good showing! Here’s a final tally on the top 10…

1. CineCore – 1573
2. My Sales Finder – 1264
3. WorkingMomLifeline – 1225
4. PublicStuff.org – 1172
5. TBD – Michael Shipe – 879
6. Spider Climbing – 765
7. iSyndica USA Incorporated – 638
8. BidWilly – 628
9. Fwd:Vault – 525
10. EasyEvaluations – 505

That’s out of about 110 entries, so I’m very happy with Fwd:Vault’s showing! The outcome is a result of efforts made mostly by friends, family, and colleagues. So to everyone who voted for me: you have my sincerest thanks.

Now the professional voting begins: 6 expert investors representing over $1 billion in early stage investing. Not sure how I’ll do there, but honestly I don’t care. If this contest taught me anything, it’s the power of personal networks. My final standing is a result of simply reaching out. I used my email contact list, this blog, Facebook friends, and LinkedIn contacts to let people know I was entered, and asked them to vote. 27 years of friends, family, and professional contacts combined with the internet can go a very long way.

Make sure you focus enough attention on building your own personal networks. In today’s world they are invaluable for gaining help, support, and advice.