Southwestphalia's first Fuckup Night: Courage to fail!
Falling down, standing up, straightening the crown, continuing - that was the clear message to the 100 or so guests at the first Fuckup Night in South Westphalia. Three entrepreneurs in Iserlohn told of their big business failures.
Instead of a roaring party, the first Fuckup Night of South Westphalia took place last Thursday in the student club B7 on the Campus Seilersee. DJ Florian Tresp provided the colourful mixed audience with atmospheric techno beats, the students of the UE served mulled wine and the presenters Torben Feil and Frank Höhne led with a lot of humour through the exciting evening.
In the center three entrepreneurs were located, who flew all vocationally already at least once fully on the muzzle. As different personalities as they were on the small stage in the dim bunker of the university, they all have one thing in common: They fell deeply, but they climbed the career ladder again afterwards. In fifteen lively minutes each, they performed their biggest business failures. One with a lot of wit, the other full of emotions and the last with a huge portion of self-confidence.
Funny and emotional businessails in fifteen minutes
The start is made by a young entrepreneur from Iserlohn. He once studied at the Seilersee campus himself, and a few guests still know him from their time together. He tells his story with all its ups and downs in a carefree and entertaining way, often you can hear a loud laugh in the audience.
The emotional performance of his successor is completely different, there is silence in the audience. The over 60-year-old middle-class man from Werdohl has lost everything and has nevertheless resurrected. With his words that as a Christian he forgives all people, he touches the guests and reaps respect and warm words from all sides.
The last speaker comes on stage self-confidently. He knows how to sell himself well. Today's Amazon coach reports on the great rise and deep fall of his company. But the former entrepreneur has not only judged his crown, he has also become emperor: he now earns twice as much as before.
Networking and exciting conversations at a late hour
After the lectures, the guests strengthen themselves at the tasty buffet in order to start well strengthened into many informative and entertaining conversations. A little networking here, a selfie there and a cool drink there. The music is turned louder. Only late the successful Fuckup Night at the Campus Seilersee ends.
Old money against new thinking
On one side there are the long-established family businesses in suits and ties, on the other the young start-ups in T-shirts and sneakers. They embody two completely different worlds, but they are vital to each other. The intersection: old money against new thinking.
Especially in Germany, young start-ups with innovative ideas often lack the money to realize their dreams. While in the USA, for example, around 0.35 percent of the gross domestic product flows into venture capital, the figure in Germany is just 0.03 percent. If more family businesses invested in venture capital, they would solve the financing problem of imaginative start-ups. And they would benefit themselves: From the know-how of young companies for their own digitalisation, which they would otherwise probably oversleep. It’s a win-win situation.
Events such as Hackathons or the Founders Hack help to bring companies and start-ups together. One example: In July last year, twelve teams spent 48 hours at the Founders Hack developing solutions for six industrial problems of large companies. The greenCYCLE team won with its innovative idea to introduce a platform for the rental and sale of older large household appliances. The team not only received 5,000 euros in prize money, but also mentoring sessions at the Founders Foundation. On the other hand, Miele benefits from the young start-up’s solution to its problem.
German small and medium-sized businesses have to follow suit
In a joint study with the Federation of German Industries (BDI), Deutsche Bank found that almost half of the largest family businesses in Germany already cooperate with start-ups. Their goal is to develop new technologies and master their own digital transformation.
Only if family businesses and start-ups work together can German SMEs overcome the hurdles of digitalisation and be sustainably strengthened.
Photo: Tiko
"Be original, find your communicative USP!"
Bad marketing is often one reason why 90 percent of all Startup´s fail. Prof. Dr. Jens Mueller, marketing lecturer at the UE Iserlohn, calls us not only the golden rules for successful Startup marketing, but also the deadliest trap.
A good business idea is great, but by no means everything to make a startup big. Successful marketing is the be-all and end-all to make the product known. When should a startup start thinking about marketing?
Prof. Dr. Jens Müller: From the very first second! Especially at the beginning, the customer’s point of view is incredibly important and in marketing you always see through the customer’s eyes. I can invent a product, which I think is great. But if it doesn’t meet with approval on the market, I can also push it right back into the bin. The market is the decisive prerequisite for the product’s success.
What is most important? What are the golden rules for successful start-up marketing?
Prof. Dr. Jens Müller: Be original, find your communicative USP – your unique selling point! Based on this, think from the consumer’s point of view: Who needs my product? Who is my target group? Which channels do I use to reach my target group?
What I can recommend to everyone: Let us help you, get informed and look for incubators! So institutions that will help you start your own business. These can be coaches or associations, also the state offers great projects.
And what should founders absolutely avoid?
Prof. Dr. Jens Müller: Hybris! Hybris is an extreme form of self-overestimation. In marketing it refers to product infatuation. If I assume that my product is a self-runner, then I cannot establish a connection to the target group. I have to get away from the product and think about customer benefits.
Take the knitting needle example: A startup wants to conquer the market with a self-heating knitting needle. None of the founders can knit, but everyone agrees: The knitting needle is a self-runner. Now the mistake – knitting fans don’t want warm needles, the need is not there. However, the motivated founders do not take this view into account at all. They put a lot of work into a project that will ultimately fail because of their tunnel vision.
TO THE PERSON:
Prof. Dr. Jens Müller
Lecturer for Media and Communication at the University of Applied Sciences Europe (UE)
Corporate Development ZDF
New Work or also The Revolution of Work
Digitalisation and globalisation are transforming not only our way of life, but also our way of working. This does not only mean the use of digital devices. Temporal, spatial and organizational structures are also changing.
A clear division of labour, strict hierarchies and fixed time structures contrast with self-determined action and the potential development of the individual – we are in the midst of a transformation from an industrial to a knowledge society. The triggers are digitalisation and globalisation. They enable us to implement flexible ideas instead of just following classical structures. At the centre of this change is the term New Work, the trend is on everyone’s lips, media are reporting more and more about New Work, more and more companies are orienting themselves towards the new flexible ways of working. But what does New Work actually mean? Since when has New Work shaped our working world and, above all, in what way?
Nothing makes people less free than work
It all began in the mid-1970s with the American social philosopher Frithjof Bergmann. He was concerned with freedom and found that nothing makes people less free than work. With New Work, he developed a counter-model to capitalism. From then on, work should fill people with meaning. Only today – 40 years later – is his theory heard. Flexible methods replace the outdated working model.
The concept of modern working methods
New Work describes the concept of modern working methods in our digitalized and globalized world. The focus is on the central values of independence, freedom and participation in a community. The individual acts self-determined and unfolds all his potential. For example, globalization makes it possible to work internationally, and digitalization enables us to work independently of time and place. Not only are employees increasingly making use of the possibilities offered by the home office or coworking spaces worldwide, the structures in the company are also changing. For example, work is carried out on a project-by-project basis rather than within departments in order to use and promote the individual’s talent. Teamwork replaces the classic hierarchy.
But not all that glitters is gold: the concept is not applicable in every industry. After all, craftsmen can’t start tearing down walls in the middle of the night and nurses are tied to hospitals. New Work is aimed primarily at service, information and creative workers.
New Work also requires a high degree of self-discipline and a sense of responsibility. You have to face new challenges in order to achieve goals in a team. Because everyone now bears responsibility.
The revolution in work at a glance
The everyday working life of many industries is being completely revamped: The prerequisite for this is a high-quality technical infrastructure, without WLan, for example, nothing works. Flexible spaces replace dreary office buildings, we can choose when we work and no longer have to sit at our desk at 8 o’clock sharp. Our boss has nothing against it, he appreciates us as full-fledged colleagues, no more as a mere work resource. In this way we can contribute our ideas and work together as a team. But be careful: self-discipline is the be-all and end-all for a healthy work-life balance, adaptability is a prerequisite and constructive exchange within the team is also important for new work.
Illustration: Kolo, Frank Höhne
Coworking: Smells like Teamspirit
Coworking – the “shared workplace”. Especially freelancers and Startup´s benefit from the flexible workstation solution and work together in large offices. They learn from each other, exchange ideas and save a lot of money.
A few freelancers sit together in a colourful joint office, two founders discuss their current successes at the coffee machine and the project team of a renowned family company develops a new campaign in the meeting room. In the evening, everyone ends the constructive working day with a beer and a delicious piece of barbecue meat on the terrace. Welcome to the world of coworking!
Who can you meet at the Coworking Space?
The innovative office concept makes it possible to work far away from the dreary office building. Spaces are aimed primarily at freelancers, start-ups and digital nomads who cannot or do not want to afford their own space. In Coworking Spaces they can rent a desk or even entire rooms for a certain period of time without obligation. In addition to the cost factor, the expansion of their own network also speaks for office sharing. Inquisitive minds can profit from the know-how of others, learn from each other and, if necessary, even realize projects together.
Renowned companies such as American Express or Volkswagen are also increasingly discovering the performance-enhancing concept for themselves. Above all, they carry out project work in flexible workplaces in order to develop creative ideas and concepts.
From California to the wide world
Globalization and digitization enable us to work anywhere, anytime today. So we don’t have to go to a dark office anymore, we can just as easily work with our laptop in Mexico or the Maldives. Also, more and more start-ups are springing up, there are many new business ideas. So a new concept was needed: coworking. There have long been rooms where creative minds sat together in rooms to create great things. The first official full-time coworking space, however, which also used the name coworking, was founded in Silicon Valley in 2006, “The Hat Factory”. The trend quickly spread from America to the whole world. With the betahaus in Berlin, the German coworking scene officially started in 2009. The modern working concept is booming in Berlin, but there are also more and more spaces nationwide – in big cities, but also in smaller regions.
Photo: Venveo
"Digitze or Die - How to attract young professionals to rural areas?
What are the advantages of digitisation? What impact does digitisation have on the labour market? In concrete terms: How can digitisation stop the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the South Westphalia region? International and national politicians as well as regional economic experts discussed these questions at the Iserlohn Economic Conference “Campus Symposium” at the beginning of September. Among those present were the former President of the EU Commission José Manuel Barroso and Minister of State Dorothee Bär.
Digitalisation can no longer be stopped. But compared to other countries, Germany is lagging behind in terms of digital progress. If Germany took advantage of the opportunities offered by digitisation, it would have many advantages: Above all, the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the regions could be stopped. The Internet makes it possible to exchange information with stakeholders from any location and to work from anywhere.
The German regions are still strong, especially characterized by a high level of small and medium-sized enterprises. The South Westphalia region alone is home to over 150 world market leaders and is one of the three strongest industrial regions in Germany. And “just because we are now a strong industrial nation doesn’t mean that we can’t even become a successful digital nation,” Bär is convinced. But there is still a long way to go.
Digitization makes it possible to work from any location
“I have the impression that we have got stuck in the Prussian authoritarian state,” says NRW Digital Minister Pinkwart, deploring the digital development in Germany, “NRW has a thorn in its flesh when it comes to digital start-ups. But that is about to change, the state of NRW wants to develop a digital strategy together with the citizens. In addition to infrastructure, education and health, the focus will be on small and medium-sized businesses. “We have something that other countries do not have. We have an outstanding middle class that no other country in the world can boast of. We have to strengthen them and make them fit,” Bär proudly announces. In order to make even better use of the opportunities offered by digitisation for the regions, we need to join forces and build networks. It is no longer necessary to move to the capital cities. Digitisation makes it possible to work from anywhere. “The future will not take place in Berlin or Hamburg”, says Bär, “but in Iserlohn”.
Networking is the be-all and end-all for young professionals in the digital world
In an interview with the Iserlohner Kreis-Anzeiger, Kim Höhne, founder of the first Coworking Space in Iserlohn, provides concrete ideas on how the shortage of skilled workers in South Westphalia can be remedied. First of all, the needs of the target group had to be addressed, the needs of the young digital professionals. In addition to soft location factors, companies can also contribute a lot: “It’s not just about working for a hot brand, but also about the corporate culture that prevails with these brands. What this means is an open work culture where flat hierarchies prevail, where responsibility can be assumed and where networks can be built. “Especially those who want to and can help decisively with the digitization appreciate the flexible working.
One approach to networking young people and creating flexible work opportunities is coworking. “It’s about building a community that attracts others who follow these approaches and are at home in the digital world. The Coworking Space in Iserlohn is a first step into a digital and networked South Westphalia.
Photo: Frank Höhne
Working in a digital world: coworking vs. home office?
New Work is the keyword – our working world is characterized by digitalization and globalization and demands flexible structures. In addition, the countless possibilities of the digital world are making more and more Startup´s shoot up. The concept of fixed offices has long been outdated. Coworking spaces and the home office are enjoying great popularity.
Digital transformation brings with it many changes, including at the workplace. First and foremost, location-independent working via the Internet or embroidery. So I can also work for my German employer based in Iserlohn, Hawaii. Or from my kitchen table. Coworking Spaces and Home Office make it possible. But the new workplace solutions are not only suitable for companies, they are primarily aimed at freelancers, digital nomads and Startup´s.
Coworking – office Sharing for kommunikative heads
The innovative office concept invites you to rent desks or even rooms for a certain period of time. Freelancers, digital nomads and small start-ups often rent desks flexibly and cost-effectively, companies mostly rooms for creative workshops with whiteboards and writable walls. The advantages are mainly the low cost factor, the flexibility and networking with other freelancers or founders. Young entrepreneurs in particular benefit from their mutual expertise. The community is in the foreground.
If you decide in favour of coworking, you always have to take the route into account: Is it worth it or is the next coworking space too far away? Especially in the rural regions of Germany, the concept is by no means as established as in large cities. Another disadvantage is the peace and quiet: If you haven’t booked your own room, you always have to reckon with the volume that is inevitable for many people in a heap. In this case you also don’t have any storage space. If a customer logs on, you cannot present your company on your own space.
Home office is cosy, but requires a lot of self-discipline.
Getting up, sitting at your desk in pajamas and chatting with your family in between – sounds awesome at first, but can also be very unproductive. In any case, the comfort and closeness to the family speaks for the home office. If you sit alone in your study, you can concentrate fully on projects. And you save time: you don’t have to travel to work in rush-hour traffic. Above all Startup´s have no costs.
On the other hand, the distraction factor is high. As nice as it is to have your loved ones around at all times, they can also keep you extremely away from work. And not only the family, but also small things, one reaches fast for the vacuum cleaner, removes this and that or lies down again five minutes in the bed. A lot of self-discipline is required here. The work-life balance can easily be lost. In addition, there is no professional exchange with colleagues. If a customer comes to visit, the environment is not exactly neutral.
Everyone has to find their ideal working environment.
The fact is, the ideal signpost doesn’t exist. Whether employee, Startup´s or Freelancer – everyone must decide for itself, where it can work best. Do I prefer the proximity to the family or nevertheless rather the technical exchange with colleagues or other founders? Do I have enough self-discipline or am I easily distracted?
Photo: Maria Fernanda Gonzalez
"I live my dream day after day!"
The Englishwoman Abby currently lives with her three cats and five dogs in Lombok, Indonesia. Her next destination is Ecuador, all of America is still on her bucket list. As a digital nomad this is no problem for her, because for her online business she only needs her laptop and a good internet connection.
What was the decisive moment that moved you to a life as a digital nomad?
I lived in Australia for two years. When I got back home, I knew that a normal office job was not for me and being employed was certainly not. On the way I fortunately met the founders of Bucketlist Bombshells. There you learn online how to start a service-oriented online business and how to work from anywhere. Already after a few courses I started my life as a digital nomad.
What does your everyday life look like since then?
I live together with my animals and my boyfriend. In the morning it is quite hectic, depending on the waves we surf, sometimes we jog along the coast and see epic sunrises, sometimes we are just lazy. But in any case we are all hungry for Nasi Campur, a typical Indonesian dish. I have no routine, but I love it! After shopping at the market, I meditate, write a few lines and write down thoughts about current jobs. Sometimes I watch videos of my favourite coaches or listen to podcasts. I don’t start working until the afternoon. I have an online business, my tasks change all the time, because I develop my skills and gain new experiences. For example, I build websites or landing pages. I also do social media marketing for my clients. In the evening I go for a big walk with my dogs along the sea and meet other walkers.
As a digital nomad, all you need to work is a laptop and a stable Internet connection. So you can work at the beach bar, in the hotel bed or in coworking spaces. Where can you usually be found?
I usually work with other digital nomads in cafés. It’s like a coworking space, there isn’t one in Lombok. I can’t concentrate well at home, so I don’t work in the home office.
Do your customers have problems with your lifestyle?
No, not at all. Why should they care as long as I do excellent work? Once I even met a customer in Bali, we visited the island together and talked about the work.
What are the problems?
Sometimes I have internet problems. Especially here in Indonesia there is sometimes a power cut all day long. On those days I have to make sure that I work in a café with a good generator. On other days I just want to lie down on the beach, go surfing or chill out with the others. I live in a tourist town where there is a lot going on and I want to participate in the activities. On these days it is especially hard for me to motivate myself. It’s a big challenge to have your own business.
Nevertheless, you love your job as a digital nomad. What makes him so special?
I live my dream day after day. For a long time I wanted to live on the beach, that has finally become reality. It’s even better that I made my dream come true by helping other entrepreneurs achieve their goals. I would not say that my life is special. It’s just the life of a girl pursuing her dreams.
There are many people who pursue the same dream as you. What tips do you have for them?
Just go for it! Do what you think is right, understand your life as a journey and accept mistakes. Don’t feel bad if you don’t make immediate progress, but learn from your mistakes and become even stronger!
Photo: mooshny