January Char's Perspective
Gina Bertoletti
Moore Norman Technology Center

Audience Development, Product-Market Fit, and Strategy: A Roadmap to Success

The January OVF Power lunch will focus on Audience Development, Product-Market Fit, and Strategy. Whether starting a new business or re-tooling a mature business, creating a successful venture requires more than a great idea in today's business environment. It requires a deep understanding of your audience, a product that solves a real problem, and a strategy that aligns both.

Audience Development: The Foundation of Your Business

Audience development is the process of identifying, and engaging, the right audience. It is the foundational step in building a business, as your audience is the lifeblood of your success.

Utilizing tools like surveys, focus groups, and social media insights will help you gather data. In turn, you can personalize experiences, content, and communication that resonate with them.

Product-Market Fit: Aligning Your Offering with Market Needs

Product-market fit occurs when your product or service meets the needs of your target market in a way that makes it indispensable. Achieving this is critical because it means you're providing value customers can’t easily find elsewhere.

Does your offering solve their problem effectively? The key is listening to your customers and staying flexible. As the market evolves, so should your product.

Strategy: Turning Vision Into Action

The next step is creating a strategy to scale and sustain growth. A well-thought-out strategy aligns your business goals with your audience’s needs and market conditions.

Consider factors such as competitive differentiation, marketing channels, partnerships, and pricing models when developing your strategy. Regularly assess and refine your approach based on performance metrics, customer feedback, and industry trends. A successful strategy is adaptive!

Audience development, product-market fit, and strategy are not isolated stages—they are interconnected elements that will fluctuate. By understanding and engaging your audience, refining your product to meet their needs, and executing a solid strategy, you’ll be well-positioned to thrive in today’s competitive market.

I hope you will join us for this important presentation from Past OVF Chair Kyle Golding.

ATTEND

Don’t Just Check the Box:
Marketing Strategies That Work from Kyle Golding

by Dennis Spielman

The Oklahoma Venture Forum (OVF) is starting 2025 with an engaging and informative presentation by experienced entrepreneur and marketing strategist Kyle Golding. During the January Power Lunch, Golding will share valuable insights and practical advice to help both new and established businesses succeed. The event will feature a keynote presentation followed by a Q&A session, offering plenty of opportunities for learning and interaction.

Golding's entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15 when he started his first business in the music industry. Over the years, he has built a dynamic career spanning creative design, corporate leadership, nonprofit work, and strategic consulting. Most notably, Golding co-founded Golden Group, a marketing and strategy firm with offices in Oklahoma City and Philadelphia, serving clients in 15 states. Earlier this year, he transitioned into education as the Director of Corporate Relations at Oklahoma City University's Meinders School of Business.

Drawing on his extensive experience mentoring startups and consulting for established businesses, Golding has identified five common mistakes that hinder businesses at all stages. He plans to delve deep into these pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of going beyond surface-level strategies and truly understanding audience identification and engagement. His goal is to push participants out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to move past simply meeting basic requirements and instead focus on more targeted, in-depth efforts to attract and retain specific clients. 

"I think you've probably heard this type of advice before, but not as specific as we're going to have the conversation here," Golding said. "I'm going to give very specific actionable advice that everyone could take advantage of, whether it's someone who is a startup or even maybe an idea phase and hadn't even started their business yet, could take advantage of this all the way through companies that are performing extremely well. I don't think anyone out there will say that they're performing at a hundred percent of their capacity. And I often find really well-performing companies are still making these same mistakes, so beginners and high performers are kind of making the same mistakes. And so what we're going to cover both ends of the gamut at the same time, again, with really specific actionable advice that every single person in the room could take back to their business to improve it."

As an OVF member for over eight years, Golding also highlighted the organization's unique collaborative environment. He emphasized that at OVF, everyone in the room is a decision-maker who is open to learning and helping others. This inclusivity of the OVF community will make you feel welcomed and valued, regardless of your business background or experience.

"There could be four CPAs standing there, or four lawyers or four CEOs in the same industry, all understanding that they were learning from each other and benefiting each other and they're not competing with each other," Golding said. "And everyone had an open mind and was looking to help each other and benefit each other for the good of the city and the state, which rising tide that lifts all boats. You don't find that that often in business. But OVF really attracts and retains that type of person. So it's not just about coming to a meeting, hearing a presenter, but really getting to meet people, extend your network, be collaborative, and then be able to go back and ask someone for a favor or ask someone to hire you or to do business with you." 

Don't miss your chance to hear from Kyle Golding at the January Power Lunch on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 11:30 am. at the Metro Technology Center Economic Development Building (1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City). Whether you're a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, his insights will inspire and elevate your business strategies. Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma's vibrant business community.

Golding emphasized that his talk would be different from typical OVF and members can also look forward to an engaging Q&A session.

"A lot of our presenters are very gentle with the audience, and I'm going to be very challenging," Golding said. "Whether you agree, disagree, or have questions, I encourage you to join the conversation. I'd like to interact as much as possible with everyone in the room in January.”

ATTEND

Zehra Mahid is the CEO of GIS, a Coaching and Mentorship Firm dedicated to empowering executives, professionals, high achieving students and political figures as they pursue career advancements, academic endeavors, and opportunities to give back to their communities in significant ways.

Zehra’s Mentorships and Coaching are based on 27 years of experience as a very successful Corporate Attorney for companies ranging from start-ups to Fortune 75’s. She’s worked closely with Senior Leadership and understands how much the “who” behind the “why” impacts business growth.

She’s coached high achieving U.S. and international students who’ve been accepted into and entered elite academic institutions, highly selective graduate training programs, top companies, law firms and philanthropies.

She’s worked as an English teacher and Speech & Debate instructor and is widely recognized in her community as a highly gifted educator who has changed lives and directly impacted the future.

Zehra is the mother of 4 daughters and stepmother to her husband David's two adult children. She is a professional committed to building principle-based leaders who will change the world by becoming CEO’s, public figures, political leaders, innovators, creators and philanthropists.

Register to attend December 2024 OVF Power Lunch

The importance of Ecosystem Builders in Oklahoma

Ecosystem builders are at the heart of Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial spirit. These builders connect startups, small businesses, investors, local government, and academic institutions to create a community where innovation and entrepreneurship can thrive. They also bring community leaders together, addressing shared challenges and promoting initiatives that strengthen the overall economy. Being a part of this vibrant group in Oklahoma creates a supportive network that empowers local businesses, and positions the state as a competitive place for entrepreneurs.

Oklahoma Venture Forum will hold a Share the Love event which spotlights our Ecosystem builders. If you are dedicated to fostering a thriving business landscape, I encourage you to sign up to participate and allow us to celebrate the work you are doing!

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you are our next gathering.

Register to attend December 2024 OVF Power Lunch

Unlocking Investment Insights: Wisdom from Scott McClain, Tom Evans,
and Jay Wallace

by Dennis Spielman

A trio of seasoned investors, each with a unique journey and perspective, is set to share invaluable advice at the upcoming Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch. The panel features Scott McClain of Hobby Lobby’s HL Investments, Tom Evans of Encompass Financial Services, and Jay Wallace, an angel investor with a diverse tech background. Their collective expertise will provide a comprehensive exploration of strategies for seeking investments, the art of investing, and the evolving venture landscape in Oklahoma.

Scott McClain, a seasoned investor, has shaped his career by working with entrepreneurial giants like Sonic and Hobby Lobby. At Sonic, he saw firsthand how granting ownership stakes to managers drove success. Later, at Hobby Lobby, McClain’s focus turned to private equity and venture capital, aligning with experts to foster company growth. His extensive experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings makes him a valuable resource for aspiring investors.

“As an investor, the easiest thing to do is give somebody money,” Scott McClain said. “Being a good investor is being able to provide more than just money, but to provide additional resources to help somebody along in their journey.”

Scott McClain emphasized that honesty is a cornerstone for business success, particularly in relationships with investors. By fostering transparency and trust, entrepreneurs build stronger relationships and increase their chances of long-term success.

“We need to invest with people who are going to tell us the truth, no matter how much it hurts,” McClain said. He explained that open communication allows investors to step in and provide help when challenges arise, potentially saving a struggling business. “We’ve made a number of investments that we could have helped had we known things weren’t going well early on, but people waited too late to tell us, and then the business is lost.”

For those considering becoming investors, Scott McClain advises patience and aligning with experienced partners who can provide guidance.

“Don’t get in a hurry. Take your time and try to align yourself with people who really know what they’re doing and are really good at what they do,” McClain said. He stressed that successful investing is not about rushing into opportunities but building relationships with individuals with a proven track record of execution and expertise. “You’re much better off finding great people who are uniquely gifted in particular areas and helping them do what they’re successful in doing.”

Tom Evans, founder of Encompass Financial Services, has dedicated his career to helping businesses understand and grow their value.

“I always laugh and tell people I have the greatest job that was ever created,” Tom Evans said. “I love what I do, and every day, I wake up excited to do it again.”

Evans’ career began during his college years when he ran a furniture store with his wife. This early experience taught him valuable lessons about debits, credits, and the dynamics of business. Today, his firm works with companies of all sizes, determining valuations for partnerships, mergers, and other strategic decisions.

Tom Evans encourages aspiring investors to approach the process with a focus on collaboration and strategic clarity. By aligning with experienced professionals and honing in on businesses with clear value propositions, investors can position themselves for success while contributing to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

“There are so many avenues now—through groups like I2E, Hurricane Ventures, and Cortado. You don’t have to do it alone,” Tom Evans said. He pointed out that the barriers to entry have lowered significantly, allowing new investors to join groups or funds that pool resources and expertise. “You can get in at low thresholds and be part of a group—it’s way easier today than in the past.”

For those seeking investments, Tom Evans urges entrepreneurs to present their case succinctly. A concise and compelling pitch not only respects the investor’s time but also demonstrates the entrepreneur’s understanding of their own business and goals.

“Get to the story, cut to the chase, and tell me what you do and how it’s going to be profitable,” Evans said. He advised avoiding overly detailed presentations or reading lengthy documents, instead encouraging founders to outline their business model and profitability potential clearly. “Be clear on your exit strategy—how are you going to get out and make it tight.”

Jay Wallace’s career spans roles at major tech firms like Nike and DoorDash, as well as active participation in startup ecosystems. After two liquidity events, Wallace transitioned into angel investing, focusing on early-stage ventures where founder-product fit is key.

“I look for grit—a combination of passion and perseverance,” Jay Wallace said. “Some of the most successful startups out there aren’t the same business they were when they started. Founders who can pivot and persevere through challenges are the ones who succeed.”

Jay Wallace offered practical advice for those looking to become angel investors, emphasizing the importance of leveraging both capital and personal expertise.

“What I bring is capital and skills, and I’m combining those to try to get a return and help the community,” Wallace said. He encouraged aspiring investors to evaluate whether they can add operational value to the ventures they invest in, beyond just providing funding. “Am I valuable to this founder? If I can’t add value—whether through expertise, mentorship, or connections—I’m just as good as a check from anybody, and that’s not great.”

Wallace also advised taking small, calculated steps initially, learning from each investment, and gradually increasing the scale as confidence and experience grow, saying, “You make small investments and learn along the way.”

Wallace is particularly passionate about growing Oklahoma’s ecosystem. Many graduates are encouraged to move to places like Austin for better opportunities, and he believes this trend must change to build a thriving local ecosystem.

“We need to stop shipping talent outside of Oklahoma City,” Wallace said. “If we’re not taking chances early on and investing here first, we’re never going to grow our ecosystem.”

The panel discussion promises to be a deep dive into the nuances of investing, offering actionable insights for both entrepreneurs and aspiring investors. By attending, you’ll gain practical advice that you can immediately apply to your investment strategies, empowering you to make informed decisions and take your ventures to the next level.

“We understand how hard it is to get a business started,” McClain said. “But we’ve also seen the incredible rewards that come from building something impactful. We want to share our story so others can learn from our mistakes.”

“Overwhelmingly, people want you to succeed,” Evans said. “Find someone who can give you good, solid advice—and don’t be afraid to ask.”

For Wallace, the event is not just a discussion but a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.

“The right people are here—we just need to bring them together,” Wallace said. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and connect. Together, we can build something amazing in Oklahoma.”

The Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, and is open to members and guests in person and online. It will be held at Metro Tech EDC Room 123, 1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City.

“By coming to this panel, you’ll walk away with tools, strategies, and connections to help you succeed in the ever-evolving investment landscape,” Wallace said.

Register to attend December 11, 2024 OVF Power Lunch

Oliver Shafaat
Sci-Lume Labs

Oliver Shafaat is the founder and CEO of Sci-Lume Labs™, where he conceived of and leads the development of Bylon™ polymer, fibers, and yarns. He received his PhD from Caltech, working at the crossroads of chemistry, biochemistry and biology. After, he moved to Japan and worked for a biotech where he discovered his love for fibers, while also noting that the significant demand for sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers by the apparel industry was not being satisfied. He decided to leverage his chemical expertise to bring truly sustainable, drop-in replacement fibers to the apparel market. Sci-Lume Labs develops Bylon, the truly circular apparel fiber without compromise. Bylon is made using highly efficient chemistries to transform agricultural waste into its renewable feedstock. Bylon is a thermoplastic polymer that can drop into existing synthetic fiber manufacturing facilities. At end-of-life, Bylon is 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Finally, Bylon offers familiar performance versatility and seamless integration into conventional downstream yarn and textile processing. By selectively combining the best of natural and synthetic fiber properties into a single product, Bylon is uniquely capable of achieving the large-scale adoption needed to enable a circular apparel future. With Bylon, apparel brands and manufacturers can now meet their sustainability targets without compromising on cost or performance.

Register to attend November 2024 Power Pitch Lunch

Gina Bertoletti
Moore Norman Technology Center

Talen Shortages and small business.

Small businesses have always been challenged with persuading employees to work for them. Large businesses create strong competition with bigger benefits/pay packages, perks, and established cultures that entice talent to apply.

In addition to these longstanding challenges, small businesses now face exaggerated employment issues such as employee turnover, elevated wages, and loss of critical workforce.  I assert that small businesses who put innovation at the helm, may have an edge after all!

Be creative in recruitment efforts.

• Allow remote work when it makes sense to do so. Doing this allows you to expand your talent pool from out of state allowing a broader range of talent to apply.
• Allow for flexible work schedules to accommodate family needs. Allow the employees to choose how they want to be paid for O.T . either cash or comp time.
• Broaden the selection process to include those who have been justice involved.
• JP Morgan hires approximately 10% of their hires from this category.
• Consider recruiting veterans or employees with disabilities.

The Oklahoma Rehabilitation services is a great place to start. WWW.okdrs.gov.

• Consider an employee referral program that rewards with cash.
• Post open positions on the following Central Oklahoma Social Media sites: Facebook & LinkedIn
• OKC Jobs Hiring—25K followers
• OKC Area Jobs—22K followers
• OKC Jobs—76K followers
• OKC/Edmond Jobs—23K followers
• Find a Job in OKC—17K followers
• Central OK Area Jobs—9.5K followers

Thank you for your commitment to OVF.  We look forward to connecting to you!

Register to attend November 2024 Power Pitch Lunch

Rustin Cavel | Coast

The fabric of finance is radically changing, and consumers need new tools to navigate the nuances of managing new asset classes. Coast connects the worlds of DeFi and TradFi enabling consumers to integrate digital assets (cryptocurrencies, NFTs, etc.) into a comprehensive financial plan. 

Rustin Cavel has been working in startups for over six years.  He graduated from the University of Texas with a Finance degree, is a self-taught application developer, and has been working full time in the blockchain industry for over 2 years.

He is passionate about helping people improve their financial well-being and leveraging technology to do so at scale. As blockchain technology continues to be adopted worldwide, he believes we've reached an inflection point that will change the way people interact and transact digitally. He and his co-founder at Coast seek to empower consumers to navigate the nuances of personal finance in a modern era of finance.

 https://www.getcoast.io 

Marten Hillen | Weaver Labs

Marten Hillen is a water sector leader with 15 years of global experience across Europe, Asia, and North America. Marten has a Civil Engineering Masters from Delft University of Technology (NL) and a MBA from Oklahoma State University (US). In his previous role he was responsible for marketing a proprietary wastewater treatment technology across the Americas. 

At Weaver Labs our vision is to create technologies and inspire innovations so that our environment and communities flourish. We aim to make water PFAS free. With our proprietary Flour Mop technology we provide a superior sorbent for efficient detection and advanced removal of long- and short chain PFAS contaminants. 

https://weaver-labs.com/ 

Chris Willis | Gogolean

Resilient, Agile and Sustainable All-In-One Cross-Sector, Industry, and Enterprise Supply Chain Management for Commercial Construction and Real Estate Management integrating Fleet Management, Third-Party Logistics and Warehousing and Insurance with Green Energy for the Industrial Future.

 Christopher B. Willis is the visionary founder and CEO of LeanEquip Systems, and its subsidiary, Gogolean Supply Chain Intelligence, a revolutionary B2B2C all-in-one business and industry iOS and Android mobile marketplace with cutting edge enterprise supply chain management technology for Commercial Construction and Real Estate Management stakeholders and partners for optimal results.

Under his leadership, the LeanEquip and Gogolean App development was bootstrapped financed by offshoring software development to the Philippines. A strategic pivot to Gogolean Supply Chain Ecosystem Intelligence was made based upon acquisition inquires of LeanEquip. Using the LeanEquip sourcing code, continuous improvements and integration were made for building the Gogolean Ecosystem platform, business execution and strategy.

Gogolean Supply Chain Intelligence is the ‘Construction Tech Review’ Magazine’s ‘Construction Tech App of 2023’ Cover Story:

Top Construction Mobile Apps Companies (constructiontechreview.com)

Gogolean, a LeanEquip Systems Company | Top Construction Mobile Apps Company-2023 (constructiontechreview.com)

Gogolean Supply Chain Intelligence, A LeanEquip Systems Company started as a haunch with no available data for supporting the idea of digital supply chain future. Recently, Gogolean Supply Chain Intelligence received a private equity inquiry from a Web3 family office/tech company but was not a fit as they acknowledged our initial offshore strategy was the best. Now digital supply chain transformation is essential given recent business, industry and supply chain issues as Gartner Research forecasts 80% B2B procurement will by digital by 2025 with marketplaces being the primary driver for servicing the customer.

For complete information, value-added video demos, blog registration, and investor relations, visit our website: https://gogolean.io.

Alex Baird | Beacon

Beacon is a B2B SaaS platform that helps businesses transform their best parking spaces into premium assets that generate new streams of revenue, support local nonprofits, and drive repeat visits from top customers. Our mission is to transform the humble parking space from a commodity into a convenience, from a convenience into an experience, and from an experience into a community. 

Alex Baird is the Founder and CEO of Beacon. Alex graduated from Norwich University in 2012 as a Second Lieutenant and served as a pilot in the United States Air Force flying the E-3 AWACS at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. He has deployed on combat operations to Iraq and Syria, most notably during the Russian Syrian Military Intervention of 2015.

After leaving the service, he used his long-time frustration with the crowded and disorganized parking at Tinker Air Force Base to found Beacon, a company on a mission to reshape the way we think about parking in the 21st century.

https://www.gobeacon.us

^{Founded in 2023, Patient Inform is a healthcare technology company dedicated to transforming the emergency room experience. With over 20 years of healthcare experience, our platform leverages advanced AI and machine learning to provide real-time updates and personalized communication, reducing patient anxiety and improving operational efficiency. We aim to put patients back at the center of care while enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery nationwide.}

^{Patient Inform offers a cutting-edge platform that integrates seamlessly with existing hospital systems, providing patients with real-time updates on wait times and treatment progress. Our solution is designed to enhance patient satisfaction, reduce wait times, and alleviate the operational burdens on healthcare staff. Through personalized communication and data-driven insights, Patient Inform ensures that patients are well-informed and engaged throughout their healthcare journey, leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.}

^{Patient Inform is committed to making healthcare more transparent, efficient, and patient-centered, ensuring that every patient receives the care and attention they deserve.}

^{Patient Inform is a comprehensive platform designed to enhance the patient experience in emergency rooms through real-time communication and operational efficiency. The platform integrates with existing hospital systems, utilizing advanced AI and machine learning to provide patients with real-time updates on wait times and care progress. This ensures that patients remain informed and engaged throughout their care journey, reducing anxiety and improving overall satisfaction. Additionally, healthcare providers benefit from streamlined processes and reduced administrative burdens, allowing them to focus more on patient care.}

 ^ATTEND

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