This week Think Co had the pleasure of hosting two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Paul Bragiel and Aaron Patzer. The house was full and the atmosphere was very relaxed –thanks to the amazing summer weather! Here are a few quotes and tips from the guys.

SHARE YOUR IDEAS

“If you don’t you are just stupid!” Through sharing you can meet people who are interested on the same subjects and get connections that you never even dreamt of.

BE PASSIONATE

Put your heart into whatever you are doing. Push the limits! Anything is possible!

TEAM UP

The TEAM matters even more than the actual ideas. Together people can lift the ideas into a totally new level. Build a team that really puts their heart into it, after all: “You don’t want to go to war with quitters!”

FIND A TECHNICAL PERSON (if you are not one yourself)

“If you don’t you are screwed!” (PSST! HelsinkiJS organizes monthly JavaScript meetups in case you want to develop your own skills)

SHARED EXPERIENCES

When you have found the great team make sure everything is not about work. Shared experiences outside the office make people really bond with each other. Build the trust and establish lifelong relationships.

MAKE YOURSELF A FOOL

It is part of the process. Pitch your idea until it becomes good. Get out there, loose the fear.  “Stop overanalyzing and just DO IT!”

FAIL AND LEARN

“90% of companies that actually succeed have had near death experiences!” Don’t be afraid of failure but take it as a learning experience. “Normally people quit too early rather than too late.”

GET CAPITAL AND MENTORS

Be open and link up. Possible sponsors and mentors appreciate honesty which builds the trust. Even when you get a ‘no’ for the fiftieth time in a row at least people know who you are – and eventually the ‘no’ might turn into a ‘yes’.

ONE COMMUNITY

“See Finland as a team: if one succeeds everyone benefits!”