Share & Add this Goal

    Is this Story Inappropriate?

Win $50k in VenCorps Best of Boston
Career & Finance: Self-Employment

Why were you inspired to do this?

Winning $50,000 would help My Life List continue to execute! We have made so much progess in the last year but we needed more funding to keep going. We want to continue to improve the site, to help our members reach their major life goals, and to let more people know that My Life List exists as a resource and supportive community. This all takes capital.

What were 3 things you did to make this happen?

A PLAN. We hadn't intended to be in this competition, since just coming out of MassChallenge. It's time-consuming to compete against other companies on the merit of our business model. It also redirected us in the short term from the work of building the business. But we set a solid strategy and went for it.

PUBLICITY. We needed to get the word out about our participation.

VOTES. As entrepreneurs, we're used to begging. But when we asked for help, it was overwhelming and so wonderful to realize how much we got. More than 300 people shared their time and effort to vote for My Life List.

How did you feel once you had accomplished this?

It was amazing, heart-stopping, the drama was palpable as Mayor Tom Menino stood at the podium and said, "And the winner of the VenCorps Welcome Home Challenge is ... My Life List!" We were stunned and then quickly thrilled as CEO Bill Starr made his way to the front of the room to collect the very large "Happy Gilmore" check made out to the company. He gave a tremendous speech that no doubt will get plenty of media and venture attention. Then we went and celebrated at a favorite restaurant in town!

Additional notes and tips:

A huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to every person who voted and every person who continues to support the work of My Life List. We appreciate it and will work hard to continue to help you share what matters.

 


3/17/2011 10:22:58 PM

Mate - I have to say I got the chills when watching you get handed that check, honestly so happy for MLL and all involved. Good to see menino still has his fastball!!!!

3/17/2011 2:20:08 PM

Great speech Bill & congrats on the award! Here's to some great momentum & more great achievements ahead:)

3/14/2011 8:31:37 PM

That's so awesome! I'm stoked for you guys. So many startups fail during those early difficult years. You guys are getting over that hump. Can't wait to see where things will go from here! - Austin "The Freedom Skater"

3/14/2011 4:44:31 PM

How wonderful! I'm doing the victory dance right now! Can you see me? I'm still doing it. I am so happy for you both! You both deserved this. Hopefully this will be the first victory of many!

3/14/2011 7:57:33 AM

Love the video clip - M. did a fantastic job capturing the moment. I'm with Carrie-Ann.

3/13/2011 8:30:47 AM

Oh you did it, how grand!! Congrats!

3/11/2011 8:38:04 AM

Life is too short to play it cool- so i'm going to just say that when I saw the news I let out a scream...and then some tears of joy just trickled out! Yup. There were tears! You both earned this and you SO deserve it! You're working so hard (and smart) with MLL and it shows. Thank you for doing something so amazing in the world... Huge congratulations!! :-)

3/11/2011 5:24:42 AM

Hi all, Thanks so much for your well-wishes. Looking forward to some exciting enhancements to the MLL Platform and introduction of new partners.

3/10/2011 6:08:05 PM

Congratulations guys! well done, that's made my day too! So pleased for you!

3/10/2011 5:51:43 PM

Congratulations!!! I'm so happy to hear this incredible news. I was trying to be the first but Scott beat me here, lol. Great job.

3/10/2011 5:43:10 PM

I knew you could do it Bill! You and your team hit one out of the park and I look forward to being involved as you enter the next phase of the MLL journey.

Why do you want to do this?

To win $50,000 would help My Life List continue to execute! We have made so much progess in the last year but we need funding to keep going. We want to continue to improve the site, to help our members reach their major life goals, and to let more people know that My Life List exists as a resource and supportive community. This all takes capital.

What three things will you need to make this happen?

A PLAN. We hadn't intended to be in this competition, since just coming out of MassChallenge. It's time-consuming to compete against other companies on the merit of our business model. It can also distract us from the work of building the business. So we have to have a solid strategy and organization.

PUBLICITY. We need to get the word out about our participation. It's a very short-term challenge and we need as much momentum as possible. The competition winner is chosen by public support, whatever company drives the most votes wins. There are only 10 companies, but they're tough and savvy. We believe we can mobilize our network and win!

VOTES. As entrepreneurs, we're used to begging. Will you please vote? See below for directions.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

Not enough votes! If everyone in our network would take the five minutes to cast their vote of support, we would win. Which means everyone on the site wins! That wish list of functions you all want ... we are going to make it happen. Vote for MY LIFE LIST!

2/10/2011 9:45:44 AM

Go to http://www.vencorps.com/Page/ViewIdeas

Click the “register” button on the top right-hand side of the page.

Sign up. Click “Rate Startups.”

Scroll down and click on My Life List.

Scroll to the bottom of the MLL profile page to the “Post New Review” box.

Rate our company then hit “Post Review”

2/13/2011 7:05:51 PM

The process is a little challenging so if anyone is trying to vote for My Life List and needs to ask questions, email shelagh@mylifelist.org or bill@mylifelist.org

Thank you for all your support. We are working hard to improve the site so you can continue to focus on your major life goals!

2/10/2011 9:35:21 AM

Go to http://www.vencorps.com/Page/ViewIdeas Click the “register” button on the top right-hand side of the page. Sign up. Cick “Rate Startups” Scroll down and click on My Life List. Scroll to the bottom of the MLL profile page to the “Post New Review” box. Rate our company then hit “Post Review”

Website: www.vencorps.com/Page/ViewIdeas

Top 5 Experiences

View all in Career & Finance

Recent Stories