Guest Speaker: Erik Hanberg

Author and Entrepreneur

 

     The internet has granted a rare opportunity to those who are both creative and self-driven. Mr. Hanberg is one such individual whose use of the internet has granted him the ability to start up a few small companies as well as become a self published author by being able to connect with the world at large. In his speech, by elaborating on his successes Mr. Hanberg made clear the fact that the internet has provided more potential than ever before.

     He started his elaboration with his creation of the Horatio by which he has staged several well-reviewed plays, musicals, and cabarets. Eric pointed out that through his ability to network and create interest in the public via the internet, the Horatio has been successful. Eric has also created two other start up businesses Exit133.com and Suite133 which both provide web-space and workspace for freelance web developers. Currently Erik and his wife, Mary, run Side X Side Creative, a boutique marketing firm for businesses and nonprofits. They bring their complementary skills to each project and help clients get the attention they deserve (Erik's ability to network as well as being a consultant and Mary's gift of graphic design). where the Horatio got a fair amount of support due to Erik's use of the internet, the demand in which others need a space to work (on the internet) and get noticed wouldn't be possible if not for the internet; however Erik was able to capitalize on this opportunity.

     In addition to Erik's entrepreneurial success, the Internet has provided Eric a platform to be a self-publishing author. He then discussed the concept of "disintermediation" in which one removes the intermediary form the equation (usually a publishing or marketing group) by being a self promoting machine and because web space is so cheap, this can allow one to save on a lot of the overhead costs. The important thing to remember is that one needs to balance time working and promoting ones product or else it will go unnoticed (what Erik called the Cave and the Stream analogy: time in the Cave = work / time in the Stream = self-promotion). The cons of being self-promoted is that it may be difficult to get the time of day from the public with out having a reputation, but as one becomes successful, the long term benefits can be greater.