Maybe we'll do business some day

Scoble, Le Meur, Facebook, Ning, SocialText, Yahoo!, etc., etc.. The week isn't half over and already the Paddy's Valley rolodex reads like a who's who of Silicon Valley. I'm sure there are those who might still think "So what? Why go to the expense and effort of spending a week in California pursuing all this 'extra curricular' activity?"

Conor O'Neill answers that eloquently - "Rather than getting 'oh no, more foreigners looking for a tour', everyone seems to be welcoming [PaddysValley] with sincere open arms. We've a lot to learn over here [in Ireland] about doing business like that. Having a common aim of 'maybe we can do business some day' makes conversations so much more interesting there. I hope all the PVers are in the same mind-set now."

Startup entrepreneurs should read that a few times. We like to think of ourselves as great socializers in this country, and we are, but not in the same way as the entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. As regards doing business we're much more inclined to cost social capital in terms of immediate payoff. "Why bother with OpenCoffee, Barcamps and Podcamps if I don't have a new customer or business partner next week?". But in California social capital is a long term investment and one made without expectation of payoff.

It's a lot like blogging really. I didn't start this blog to 'win business', I just pursued it as an outlet for sharing opinions and making connections. And the ROI has been immense. If you're new to my ramblings, welcome! And please feel free to share your thoughts and background. Who knows.... maybe we'll do business some day.

Comments

[Alan O'Rourke]

You really couldn't ask for a better reception over here. And even though the guys know they can do no business with most of us at the moment they still sit down with you, openly share their experiences and suggest more relevant contacts in our particular areas. I am really liking it here.

[James Corbett]

That's terrific Alan, it sounds like a really great trip. Conor really nailed it with his comment on Jaiku.

[joe thomas]

So why didnt you go then? Unless you where at deaths door there is no reason not to go, surely the benefits far outweigh the fact that you feel a bit rough.

[Eoghan McCabe]

James, the opportunities here are unreal! Just last night I was having a beer with Biz Stone form Twitter talking about their plans and telling him about mine. The folks around here are so open and friendly and welcoming. It's the only place to be in this business.