After a year like no other, it’s time to get together and talk story with a Maui TechOhana. Presented by Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB), the regular networking event was disrupted in 2020 without the ability to meet in-person due to COVID-19.
MEDB was quick to adopt virtual meetings with its Maui Business Assistance series of webinar presentations aimed at helping Maui County small businesses navigate resources and programs to survive the economic downturn.
Timed to reflect on the year that has passed, and to look ahead to 2021, the December 9 Maui TechOhana will feature guest speaker Doug Nelson, Founder, President & CEO of Kinection, speaking on the topic “We’re All Startups Again.”
“Whether you call it the “Post-COVID landscape,” the “big reset,” or the “new normal,” it’s clear that we need to adapt our businesses in order to survive and thrive,” says Nelson. “Our markets, our channels, and even our customers have changed, and will likely continue to for the foreseeable future.”
Nelson will discuss the questions startups face daily: How can we adapt our products and services so that we meet our customers where they are and continue to provide value? How can we find new customers to serve? How can we take advantage of new opportunities that didn’t exist last year?
“This talk will cover some practical techniques from the startup world that can help professionals and businesses to (re)connect with customers, (re)imagine themselves, and (re)discover product – market fit,” added Nelson. “We’ll look at some local examples and you’ll consider how you can apply the techniques to your situation. Because when markets, channels, customers and products are in flux, we’re all startups again.”
Doug Nelson is an educator, entrepreneur, and startup coach who has made Maui home since 2007. His company Kinection designs experiential learning solutions for corporate, nonprofit, and government clients. Having lived and worked in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, he can argue with taxi drivers in Cantonese and embarrass himself in business meetings in Japanese.
Doug recently returned to reside back on Maui full-time. He is currently partnering with business leaders – striving to make sense of the “new normal” and discover innovations that deliver value by bringing people, teams, and communities together.
“MEDB continues to be a leader in providing local entrepreneurs and small business owners with valuable resources and practical ideas aimed at success.” said Frank De Rego, Jr., Director of Business Development Projects for MEDB. “We welcome Doug’s return to Maui and thank him for taking the time to share with us his wealth of experience as an entrepreneur, business coach and mentor.”
Maui TechOhana meetings provide an informal networking opportunity open to anyone interested in Maui County’s technology industry. The virtual meeting will take advantage of breakout rooms to encourage networking and discussion amongst the participants.
Maui TechOhana is on December 9, 5:00pm – 6:30pm online via Zoom. Registration is necessary and places are limited. Details and RSVP at www.mauitechohana.com.
