#learnitlive

5 Stress-eating snacks you won’t be able to put down (and you don’t have to!) 

Frozen grapes dipped in coolwhip

Popcorn drizzled in olive oil and a pinch of salt

Celery sticks lined with natural peanut butter

Crunch rice cakes with banana slices

Carrots dipped in hummus

8 Things in the Healthbox/Learn It Live office we couldn't live without! 

Healthbox, a group of health tech startups, is made up of smart, fast-paced thinkers. We run on ideas and coffee. 

Our Keurig. Oh the pods are so fun! 

...and our espresso machine, where there is a line around 3pm.

Our golf-themed zen garden really relaxes us. Sure, why not.

We need our ideation board, or we may burst...

Mega lava lamp? Yeah...

10 foot cactus and little plants. Green is good! 

Surprisingly comfortable inspiration..... pillows! 

What inspires, motivates, and keeps you happy in your office space?

We connect your employees with live virtual wellness classes in topics such as nutrition, yoga, meditation, stress reduction and more! 

Last week, I had the unique opportunity to attend a meeting on technology innovation and entrepreneurship at the White House hosted by Business Forward. I engaged in discussions with a variety of senior White House advisors and met with Congressman Jared Polis, founder of Techstars, and a representative from Colorado.

I was impressed by how our government officials understand the challenges the governmental system faces when it comes to innovation, and I was pleased to observe that they are proactively pushing for positive change.

Here are a few specific takeaways:

1.    Politicians actually want feedback from tech startups.

I have always thought that requesting feedback was a sort of lip service to what politicians think we (the people) want to hear. However, presenters at this meeting gave me the genuine sense that our representatives do want to hear candid feedback from entrepreneurs and small businesses to help develop and advance policy initiatives.

This reminded me of the “Lean Startup” methodology, which emphasizes the importance of feedback and validation before launching a new product or service - putting entrepreneurs one step closer to creating something consumers actually want. 

2.    Startups, speak up! It’s in your and their best interests.

Congressmen, governors and other local officials want to brag about all of the innovative, amazing work coming from entrepreneurs in their state, district or community. Not only will you get a public mention, but your feedback also helps your representative look good. It gives them something positive to talk about and it gives them validation.

The relationship is positively reciprocal; so let them know what you are up to!

3.    Get creative when looking for government services or financing for your startup.

The U.S. government is truly massive, meaning there are various avenues to access government-funded resources for entrepreneurs. Many of the tried methods can be very competitive and take a long time, such as applying for an SBIR grant via the SBA.  However, new programs are being launched (many under the radar) that support tech entrepreneurship. To identify and navigate these opportunities, speak with your local representatives (see #1 and #2)!

As the founder of Learn It Live, I know: there is no silver bullet for succeeding at starting a tech company. The journey is a complex web of connections, occurrences, and hard work. The event at the White House taught me that taking advantage of the government’s great resources, speaking up, and expanding your network outside of your comfort zone can be important steps on the road to a tech startup’s success.

A beautiful poster of Ghandi-isms to inspire you today. 

It's not too late to access "Turning Negative Emotions into Positive Energy" LIVE and FREE in our virtual wellness center.

Spring is a great time to bust out that blender and try some new smoothie recipes!

What kind of smoothies do you like?

Check these out! 

Green Smoothie

Carrot Mango Smoothie

Kale Banana Smoothie

Chocolate Beet Berry Smoothie