php|works 2008 just began this morning. The keynote on open source product management is off to a great start.
If you’d like to follow the fun, check out the BigBlueHat Twitter feed or search for the #works hashtag.
Every month the GSATC puts on a thing called Tech After 5. If you’re in the technology field (or service it as a lawyer, doctor, etc), it’s one of the best opportunities to do some free networking in the Upstate South Carolina area. And, as you can see in the photos below, they offer free food and intelligent conversation:
This morning FastTracSC sent out their periodic Connections newsletter that included a nice right up of BigBlueHat:
Benjamin Young admittedly hates computers, but in 2002 he launched BigBlueHat, a web design and information management company. Why? Because he wants to provide people with solutions for the same problems that annoy him about computers. This idea and BigBlueHat’s customer-centered mission to “make the web a better place” helped the firm to enjoy enough growth over the years that in 2006 Young decided to expand is own “freelance gig” by bringing on web developer Brad Garrett. Together, they provide web design and development services, as well as content management and project management systems, all of which can be customized to fit their different customers’ needs.
Hoping to grow his company even more, Young enrolled in a FastTrac GrowthVenture class in Greenville facilitated by Kim Williams in the fall of 2007, an experience he would gladly repeat. Looking back, Young said that his only regret is that he did not know about the program when he started the company. He explained, “I gained insight into business management essentials I’d overlooked, shared experiences with other small business owners, and learned from leading local entrepreneurs. In many ways, it changed the course my business took.” Find out more about the course BigBlueHat has taken and where it is going at www.bigbluehat.com.
I really did enjoy FastTrac, and would do it again. If you’re in South Carolina and are looking to start or grow your business, I recommend you check out the FastTrac programs. They’re worth every penny.
Innovation is what goes on under the BigBlueHat. Coming up with new, better ways to look at problems is the essence of our business. Keeping the innovation wheels turning can take more than coffee some days. That’s when you go outside your self to gather inspiration.
Generally, it’s best to look at what other successful innovators are doing. Sometimes, though, it’s good to look at less successful ventures like The 50 Worst Cars of All Time.
Personal Top 5 favorites include:
Inspired yet? No, check out the Microcar Museum. Innovation is just around the bend…no doubt.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11 September 2008
Contact Information:
Benjamin Young
108 Poplar Dr.
Greer, SC 29651
Tel: 864.232.9553
Website: http://www.bigbluehat.com/
Greenville, SC —Today, BigBlueHat is announcing the immediate availability of version 2 of our BlueInk Content Management System (CMS).
BlueInk is BigBlueHat’s flagship product. BlueInk gives ordinary people hassle-free, in-browser control over their web site’s content. Through a simple, innovative interface the site owner can edit and organize text, photos, contact information, and other components—all while viewing the site.
During the creation of BlueInk version 2, BigBlueHat received valuable feedback from several upstate businesses, entrepreneurs, and web technologists. BigBlueHat continues to use feedback gleaned from current and potential customers as it makes pivotal decisions about the future of its product.
BlueInk is available via BigBlueHat’s website as new template-based site, a web site conversion, or through the purchase of BigBlueHat’s design files to code service. BlueInk is sold on a software-as-a-service, so web site owners enjoy free upgrades to the software.
BigBlueHat is a web-manufacturing company that creates custom web sites and web-based software for clients around the world. Its chief product is the BlueInk CMS, a proprietary content management system that accommodates both the designer and the end user with an easy-to-use interface.