Risks and Rewards Round Out 2017

Season’s greetings y’all!

Now that Thanksgiving is in the rear view mirror, we’re pausing to reflect on this busy year.

2017 has been a year of exploration and trying new things at PSG. We’ve been looking at break-the-mold opportunities and stretching our comfort zones.

For example, I attended my first trade show as a vendor this fall, sharing a booth with my colleague patent attorney Andrew Eisenberg at the Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show. We weren’t sure what to expect, but we jumped in with both feet. We met some interesting business folks and shared our thoughts about the advantages and types of patent research. We even handed out some prizes.

Have you been taking risks this year? Some organizations find taking risks very difficult, even when the payoff can be worth the work. What’s holding you back? I wrote about balancing the appropriate level of research for your level of risk recently and you might find some helpful tips here.

– Steve Pearson

IEEE Engineer of the Year

As Vice Chairman of the Austin Chapters of the Power & Energy, Power Electronics, Industrial Applications and Industrial Electronics Societies, I was delighted to be honored with this year’s Outstanding Engineer Award. The inscription reads: “A dedicated Past Chair of (PI)² whose continued activity and dedication in various Chapter offices and activities have helped this Chapter maintain its viability and vitality.”

Thanksgiving is Over, but Food is Still on Our Minds

Last time, we told you about another new area for PSG with Alliance Partners Anne Boysen and Tuck Kamin – the food industry. I’m pleased to report that we are now working with our first client in this vertical. I hope to be able to make a formal announcement soon about this innovative and award-winning company.

In other food news, I spoke at a PeopleFund’s Innovation Week conference on “Founding and Funding a Food Business.” Austin’s PeopleFund provides small business loans and other help to those who might not otherwise have access. The presentation was part of a group effort with Jan Triplett’s Profit Mover team.

Feeling Thankful for Satisfied Clients

I am always happy when I can help a client learn valuable business insights. For example, I was able to show Dan Abelow, CEO and Founder of Expandiverse Technology, the rapid, worldwide growth of citations of his IP — 5.3 citations made to his patent per week in 2017! Thank you, Dan, for these comments on my LinkedIn page: “(Steve’s) depth uncovered Bill Gates citing my new IP in eight of his recent patents. Steve adds insights that bring IP to life, and make it possible to present an accurate picture.” We appreciate your recommendation.

Looking Ahead to GreenTech

Mark your calendars for the 2018 GreenTech – Smart City national conference. It’s in Austin April 4-6, 2018, and I am on the organizing committee. The conference provides a forum with government, industry, researchers and startups to collaborate and innovate on future ideas and technological solutions to move toward smart green cities.

This national conference is currently seeking speakers and I would appreciate your recommendations. Call me for more details.

Alliance Partners Stay Busy

• Futurist and trend scout Anne Boysen is back from Oslo where she presented three stories from the future at the Norwegian Audience Development annual conference. She also spoke about how Gen Z might interact with the arts in 10 years.
• Oldways, a film written and produced by branding and marketing expert Tuck Kamin, continues to get hits for the group dedicated to inspiring good health through cultural food traditions.
• PSG Founder Steve Pearson met lots of budding entrepreneurs as a volunteer mentor at the 3 Day Startup at Texas State University in San Marcos. The group supports new student-run companies through learning by doing.

If you are in interested in having Steve or another partner speak at your gathering, please let us know.

More Risky Business

Talk about leaving his comfort zone — Steve tagged along with his son Chris, an upcoming game programmer, at the Austin Game Conference. Let’s just say that son taught dad a thing or two!

Contact Steve at the Pearson Strategy Group

We’d be glad to discuss your needs and our capabilities at any time, at no risk to you. We will never share your contact information or call you unless you request us to do so.​

Call 1-512-466-1450 or email innovate@pearsonstrategy.com

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