Justin Dawkins

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  Bored? Gomodo helps you quickly find something to do!

  Justin 8:32 pm on November 22, 2009 | 0 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: #asw3, atlanta seminars (2), Entrepreneurship, gomodo, gomodo.me, GPS, mobile, Technology (2), venture, web applications

  So it’s around 9pm on a Thursday evening and the movie 2012 just let out. The problem is you left the house with incomplete plans for the evening, so you ask yourself; “What should I do now?” This is a problem that plagues us all, and an even bigger problem for groups. Enter Gomodo!

  Gomodo is a location aware web application that helps you quickly find things to do near you. Essentially Gomodo gives you a list of events near you based on the GPS location of your mobile device. Simple right?

  Gomodo was designed and developed during Startup Weekend in Atlanta! The concept behind Gomodo came from one of our co-founders Jay Cuthrell, when he explained how he sometimes leaves the house without anything to do, but knows he wants to do something. After debating back and forth on how to solve the problem Jay, Clay and I decided to build what is now Gomodo. The team is a really solid group with a long history in the internet and startup space, so I’m confident that we can continue to mold Gomodo into something useful and fun!

  At the time of this post Gomodo is designed to work best on the iPhone (or iPod touch), with a very simple web version available for others. If you’re on a blackberry, don’t worry, we’re working on a solution for you too! The team is currently tossing around some additional ideas while expanding the search nationwide (sorry only available in the U.S…. for now) so give it a try and tell us what you think. If Gomodo helps you find something fun to do, tell them Gomodo sent you!

  -Enjoy

 

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  I dare you!

  Justin 8:00 am on November 3, 2009 | 1 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: Business, dare, Entrepreneurship

  This isn’t my style, and to be honest I haven’t put much thought into this post but I think it’s time to see who is willing to take steps outside of the comfort zone and do something that is; often times stressful, completely uncomfortable, built on passion and faith, and filled with risk. I dare YOU to start a business.

  Now you may be saying; “Justin that’s easier said than done,” or “I’m not the entrepreneur type.” Well starting a business is easier said that done but everyone has a bit of entrepreneurship in them so to me this dare isn’t a stretch. No, I’m not daring you just because I can. I’m doing this out of love of business and due to the fact that we’re not getting any younger. Now I’m not saying we can’t take similar business risk when we’re older, it just becomes more difficult. So if you’re ever going to do it, why not now? Besides do you think the punch-clock promise is going to set you on the path of true wealth? It is possible but the odds are against you.

  Still not sure how to start one or what to start? Well I would say search your soul and find a way to share your passion with the World. Don’t worry about your limitations and don’t worry about how you’re going to get it off the ground. Focus on the business concept, polish it, think about it some more and just when you are the most apprehensive go after your first sale, put yourself out there and see what happens.

  I can understand your hesitation and believe me, I too was apprehensive but the rewards far outweigh the negative consequences associated with owning a business. After all if it fails you can always go back to doing what you were doing before. For those without a job and looking hard, why not devote a hour or two to your new business. It can’t hurt and you simply never know.

  Again this is a dare made in love and I’ll end it with a quote from girlfriends aunt. It sums up the attitude of many entrepreneurs in one short statement.

  The day I went in business for myself, is the day I stopped getting fired.

  Peace, Love, and Happiness,
  Justin

  P.S. If you come up with something please share it with me. I’d love to hear about it!

 
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  The first step to rediscovering yourself!

  Justin 3:24 am on October 25, 2009 | 2 Permalink | Reply
  Tags: dreaming, Entrepreneurship, Passion, self-discovery, startup

  Recently I’ve been approached by a few close friends requesting advice and insight into how to tap into their passions and strike while the irons hot! It is clear to them, and many others, that now is a perfect time to; start a new business, develop a concept, write a book or simply learn new things. Though the search for success in such troubling times seems to be a trending issue, I’ve simplified this pattern down to one things. People are simply searching for themselves and through finding themselves hope to discover true happiness. Now I’m sure we’ve all had moments where we’ve wanted more, prayed hard for it and wished even harder but most are not sure of where to start. Well I want to share with you what I believe to be the very first step to discovering yourself, finding that new job or simply pursuing your passion.

  The first step to rediscovering yourself is to move yourself out of the way and just dream. Don’t focus on your limitations, rather focus on envisioning how you want to impact the World. This means you don’t have to know how to build a social network to grow an online community, or how to cook to write a cook book. Yes you should focus on something that you’re passionate about but you don’t necessarily have to be the one to do it all. Some of the best entrepreneurs know how to own and run a business, but not necessarily how to do every function of that business. Donald Trump owns multi-million dollar properties but likely doesn’t know how to design skyscrapers. What Mr. Trump does do well is buy, own and manage real estate. He takes risk confidently and believes that the opportunity for his success is dependent on his vision not his personal ability to draw building schematics. He is not concerned about the how, he dreams first and works to execute on the specifics after his vision is complete.

  Don’t believe such an abstract methodology can work for you? Well try this; Think about where Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey or even Steve Jobs would be if they were forced to execute on every facet of their respective businesses. Oprah likely doesn’t know how to operate the latest motion picture camera, yet she produces movies. Donald Trump likely doesn’t own a personal sewing machine, yet he markets and sells a line of designer ties. The point I’m getting at is remove yourself from the equation and focus on the dream without the proverbial glass ceiling.

  I can go on and on but I think I’ve said enough. What do you think? Can you get out of your own way so that you can discover the path to true happiness? Can you dream without focusing on your personal, often times least insignificant, short-comings? How will you rediscover yourself? What will the World remember you for?