Patterns: Great self promotion

This is something every software security services firm has embraced since the 1990s; we're lucky, because we have a series of professional conventions and research venues to demonstrate our work in.

It was one of the most frustrating things, coming from a security research/startup background and going to work at a relatively large network security software company like Arbor Networks, that we had no venue to "show off" that didn't involve pitching our actual product. One of the great things about leaving Arbor and starting up with my friends was that I got my name back; instead of writing white papers and designing product demos, I got to work on and talk about stuff I was doing for love, not money.

I like the idea in the end of the software, "Every designer on the planet has a portfolio of their designs, but how many have a portfolio of their minds?". Rarely you see a designer or an enterprnuer talking about what is in there mind. Portfolio of mind does not mean you have to spell out the idea verbatim, but you present a map of the path you are planning to tread. Having tried this technique of presenting what is going in my mind to potential customers, I can say when 'mind portfolio' is mixed with 'brand portfolio', you do get more customers. In my experience of running startups, customers do prefer startups that can think over startups trying to simply sell stuff.

The caveat is, you should be capable of presenting the mind portfolio without appearing to be a smart donkey. Spelling out your mind portfolio during a general chit chat with potential customer over a cup of tea, is what I do.