As many of you know, about a year ago I embarked on a new mission: To help entrepreneurs improve their odds of success. I joined CincyTech, a public+private seed-stage investment group; and soon after I developed the Minimum Viable Concept Test to meet startups’ need for quick, cost-effective customer feedback along with consulting help in interpreting results and planning next steps. So far in 2012 we have MVC tested over 50 startup ideas with companies from Cincinnati to Sydney and New York to New Delhi.  Quantitative customer research for startups is still new, but the many founders who learn about the process are eager to put their ideas to the test. Now, I have an opportunity to teach these skills at the largest annual gathering of global digital innovators: the SXSW interactive event in Spring ’13. But I need 120 seconds of your help to get there... This year there were 3200 proposals submitted, which is a new record. It’s a tough gig to get, but public voting accounts for 30% of the decision-making process.  That’s why I would greatly appreciate your help with the following:

• Click this link to head over to my proposal
• You may have to register (to prevent vote fraud), which will take 60 seconds or less
• Click the thumbs up to vote for my panel
• If you have an extra 60 seconds, please leave a short comment of support, perhaps how you have heard me speak in the past, or how you used MVC Test results and lessons to improve your startup.  Comments really help get the attention of key decision-makers!
• Click the sharing links with as many social media accounts as you feel comfortable
• That's it...120 seconds and you're back to whatever

Please act now--voting ends on Friday, August 31st at midnight. Thank you, dear friends, for your past support and the time to vote for my panel.  Together we have a chance to nudge forward the odds of startup success. And in case you're wondering what you're voting for...here's a description of my proposed session: Learn Before Launch with a Minimum Viable Concept "The most important hypothesis for startups to test is whether or not people will actually use, like and share a new product or service. Most entrepreneurs test this by launching a Minimum Viable Product as soon as possible. But the MVP can still take significant time and money to develop, and the early adopters who trickle in don’t always represent the needs of a larger mass market. But startups can learn even earlier and cheaper by developing a Minimum Viable Concept and testing it with potential users. In this session, award-winning entrepreneur, author and investor, Bob Gilbreath, will teach founders this methodology adapted from the world’s most innovative companies. By testing a Minimum Viable Concept you'll bring early consumer feedback into the development process to improve your odds of success. Learn how to avoid the traps of traditional market research, pivot before you have to, and better convince investors of market potential." Questions Answered in this Presentation:

• I think I've got a great idea, but I'm not sure whether the vast market of potential users will like it. How can I learn before I launch?
• Everyone says that startup founders should interview prospective customers to gain insight before launch, but what are the right questions to ask?
• Investors tell me that they are not sure if people really want or need my startup idea. How can I find the data I need to convince them?
• I have multiple features and functions that I could offer in my new product. Is there a research tool I can use to help drive these decisions and set priorities?
• There are multiple target audiences that I could focus on for my new startup idea. Is there a good way for me to narrow that choice?

Thanks again and I hope to see you @SXSWi 2013 +Bob Gilbreath