The first SLP Ideation Session

Parker Treacy’s idea, ‘The Startup Leadership Program Ideation Session’ saw the light of day on Sunday, November 23, 2008 as a small group of Fellows met at First Help Financial’s (Parker’s company) offices in Needham.

The first ideation session was attended by Parker, Bala, Seth, Craig P., Amar, Ken and Tarangini. Also joining us was Parker’s friend and colleague Bridget. The session went very well as the group came up with some very exciting ideas.

Craig P. shared some interesting brainstorming methodologies such as the “Lotus flower” pattern. We discussed 3 business ideas- ranging from home delivery of healthcare (covering drugs/ services/ diagnostics/ therapeutics) to the viability of an online bio-fuel clearing house! [Both topics that most of us knew little about- but the collective ignorance forced us to approach the ideas from a fresh perspective and ask basic but pertinent questions.]

As this session was so exhilarating, we have decided we definitely need to have more of these. In fact, we may make this a weekly feature. Parker is up for organizing the next session next Sunday, November 30, but he is happy to postpone it to the following Sunday if there is not enough interest this weekend because of Thanksgiving. Please email Parker with your interest.

Parker has also come up with a very brief homework assignment for next time that will help us understand each other’s goals better. He asks that participants in the session please be prepared to give a 3-5 minute overview on the following questions.

1. What are your passions?
1. This can be illustrated through what you do in your free time, what publications you find particularly interesting, etc.
2. What are your strengths?
3. What are you weaknesses?
4. What are your personal goals for the ideation group?

Answers need not be limited solely to business. This will help our group to understand what makes each individual tick, to understand the source(s) of your ideas and creative drive.

I hope many more of you will come to the next ideation session. Having attended one, I can tell you, it is a fun thing to do and you can learn so much and isn’t that what this program is all about?