WIEF 2015, Forbes 30 Under 30 2015, IBM SmartCamp and 1M/1M

Here are few things that made me happy today. Sharing because happiness increases when you share. Plus, if anybody finds this information useful, that will bring me some good Karma.

2015 Wharton India Economic Forum’s (WIEF) Startup Competition

As a part of its endeavour to recognize emerging and established startups creating positive impact in the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, the 19th Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) is hosting the prestigious Startup Competition for the second year in a row to promote entrepreneurship in India. 

This will be held at Philadelphia on Feb 20-21, 2015.

This is a great platform for Indian startups and entrepreneurs. Take the call and apply. More information here.

Forbes India 30 Under 30 nomination for 2014 is still open

They released first 30 Under 30 list early this year. The list for 2014 will be published early next year. The nomination / application process is open till Dec 20, at least – they might extend the date. So, hurry.

IBM SmartCamp Entrepreneurs get $250 credit for 1M/1M

In an effort to continue supporting the energy and enthusiasm of entrepreneurs involved with SmartCamp in India, IBM is partnering with the One Million by One Million (1M/1M) global virtual incubator to help entrepreneurs get high quality mentoring and other kinds of support.

As a follow-up to SmartCamp, IBM is offering a 25% discount to the $1000 a year 1M/1M program. Know more.

How to be Successful by Sri Sri

I did watch parts of it earlier; today watched the entire video in one-go. Very inspiring video. A must watch for all entrepreneurs. On another note, our Dearest Tagore is present in the conversation too :)

AdWords Tips for Startups - Ad Copy Testing for Offline Marketing

AdWords is an amazing program. However, hardly any advertiser explores AdWords to the fullest. It is a great platform that not only helps to reach out to your customers, but offers great insight. Planned AdWords campaigns can be of immense help when it comes to decide several key factors about your offline marketing. However, you must have the zeal to explore it that way.

Here is a case.

You are going to put up an expensive banner at a prominent location in the city. It is expensive but you have managed the fund somehow. But you cannot afford any mistake because taking a second chance is expensive. As a small business owner or startup, you just want to make the most out of it.

Why don’t you take the help of AdWords? Run a small campaign targeting the same audience. Create 2 ad copies with 2 headline variations and see which one gets higher clicks – you will get a hint!

Facebook-WhatsApp Acquisition – The User Perspective

Facebook is acquiring the Silicon Valley based mobile messaging startup WhatsApp for $19 billion - News of the Day! You can read more on this:

• Facebook to buy mobile messaging app WhatsApp for $16 billion (The Washington Post)
• Facebook to buy WhatsApp for $19 billion in deal shocker (Reuters)
• Facebook to buy messaging app WhatsApp for $19bn (BBC)

But what are the WhatsApp users thinking? Here is a screenshot of the comments posted on The Washington Post.

CNBC reported that "Facebook acquiring WhatsApp sends twitter employees into frenzy."

What is your take about the deal?

1. Will Mark Zuckerbug be able to focus on growth and product? 
2. Is there any chance that WhatsApp users will leave the platform and move to its competitors for the sake of privacy? 

Indian 10th Grade Student Invents Computer System

"An Indian tenth grade student launched a "ReVo Book" an ultra-slim virus-protected microchip-run computer system, a move that can transform traditional computing devices. Teenaged Afreed Islam from Guwahati's Little Flower School is the new kid on the block, his 'ReVo Book' is embedded with a microchip and a hybrid operating system. The design of the computer system has been developed by a German based firm which took up the project after knowing about Islam's innovation. He has already applied for a copyright for the 'ReVo Book' and is expecting to secure it soon."

Source: ANINews

The story is really inspiring. If parents, teachers and society come out of typical job-after-graduation mentality and encourage students to become entrepreneurs, we will definitely get a brighter economy tomorrow.