Entrepreneurs: Get involved with your local TEDx!

Can I tell you why TEDx is awesome for entrepreneurs?  This weekend changed my life and I want to share it with you.

​Recently, I was invited to attend TEDxBeaconStreet in Boston as an "Adventure Catalyst,"  which means I'm one of almost 100 people involved with organizing a TEDx in my local community.  The goal of our attendance was to learn more about building community through 'adventures' with speakers and the TEDx attendees.

John Werner is one of the many awesome team members behind organizing this.  He is an international visionary and knows how to execute. Friday before the public conference started, John took us on a private tour of MIT, a VIP tour of Fenway Park, and break-out sessions with experts to help us become stronger, smarter organizers.  We quickly learned that adventures are clearly the best way to build our local communities.  I had only known my fellow Adventure Catalysts 24 hours at that point, but we had so much in common and had already experienced so much together.  When it comes to building community, TEDx Adventures work.  Plus, John led by example, rather than teaching us from an awful powerpoint presentation.  Thanks John!

After the public conference started the following day, I realized the entrepreneurial spirit really runs high in the TEDx tribe.  I also learned many stories of how it helped many fellow organizers on their entrepreneurial journeys.  Many of the speakers who we are all so closely connected with are successful entrepreneurs sharing their idea.  I already knew I wanted to urge entrepreneurs across the world to get involved or consider starting a TEDx in their community and it will fast-forward you to success.

To top off the first day of the conference, John invited all the adventure catalysts to philanthropist Bobby Sager's penthouse.  Do you even know who Bobby Sager is?  I googled it for you.  As if that wasn't enough, John's team organized us to see Marathon Sports (founded by Colin Peddie) which is a shoe store, that pivoted into a hub for marathon runners.  Anyone in the public can use their lockers, go for a run, and take a shower.  Smart.

Anyway, all I can stress to you is that as an aspiring entrepreneur, you must get involved with your local TEDx.  Join TEDxMileHigh as a volunteer if you're in Denver with  me.  Apply for a TEDx license to open one if your community if there is not one already.  Network to speak about your idea if it's an idea worth sharing.  Just do it.  

PS want to see my favorite TED Talk?  Check out Simon Sinek on "Start With Why."