Through his work, Paul noticed the problems and challenges surrounding the information technology component of entrepreneurial startups. When trying to reach out to an audience through platforms such as social media, it is important not to confuse the target market with one’s ideals. Paul puts it quite plainly: “I am not my Target Market.” The idea is to look towards the market, and cater to them. Paul also encourages his clients to converse with customers right away for a diverse range of opinions.
“The most exciting things aren’t just technologies themselves,” explains Paul. “For all the problems in the world, you can use solutions that are ICT enabled.”
“Companies with great ideas get their product commercialized,” says Paul. “It’s important to create value, but it is also important to capture that value.” With that philosophy, Paul and his mentees figure out how to effectively use their time to reach their goals.
“Paul has been an invaluable mentor for our company,” says Mallory. “His ability to help us look at a big picture strategy, coupled with insights about the sharing economy as co-author of The Uber of Everything, has helped us to hone in on our go-to market strategy and future scale plan. The resources Paul and the RIC Centre have provided enabled us to expand our network and develop and execute on our growth plan efficiently and successfully.”
Mallory McKewen
Founder and CEO, BridesMade
"Paul is the type of mentor any company would be lucky to have. He has been our mentor for just over two years at the RIC Centre, and in that time he helped guide what was a technology first startup founded by engineers with a cool science project, into a company with a clear business and technology strategy. He has an uncanny ability to identify what’s truly significant in a sea of noisy information, distill it, and communicate it – usually with a very memorable analogy or anecdote. In short, Paul is awesome."
Dmitri Ignakov
Co-founder, Taiga Robotics
Mark Oleniuk, Managing Partner of Element Project Services, reveals that Paul has been a great sounding board and advisor for them during the early stages for their company. “He has been instrumental in setting us up for success, and always challenges us to look at our business from all angles,” says Mark. “We look forward to our continued relationship and guidance from Paul as we move through the various stages of our company growth.”
Mark Oleniuk
Managing Parter, Element Project Services (ResQ)
For Daniel Ruscingo, Co-Founder of ClinicSense, Paul has been an incredible mentor for the company. “He has helped us with several aspects of our business— from navigating government grants, customer acquisition and sales, to exploring channel partnerships,” explains Daniel. “Additionally, with Paul’s advice we have increased our social media reach by 100%!”
Daniel Ruscigno
Co-Founder, ClinicSense
Angel One’s members were delighted by the depth of knowledge and humour offered by Paul Barter, keynote speaker at the December 13, 2017 Holiday Party. These are sophisticated, accredited investors who value quality information and Paul delivered that in spades. We are still getting complements for the quality of his speech.
Karen Grant
Executive Director, Angel One Investor Network
Paul Barter is RIC Centre’s go-to contact for tech forecasts. Paul was a brilliant speaker at RIC’s TechNext providing insights on how tech is reshaping the health sector. He offers thought provoking scenarios for disruption and the facts to support it. Paul is also sought after as a returning speaker for our Growing Your Business series as he is skillful in analyzing trends and creating practical perspective that resonates with the entrepreneurial community.
Pam Banks
Executive Director, Research Innovation and Commercialization (RIC) Centre
"I have shared the podium with Paul on two occasions on the topic of exponential technologies and how they’ll change the lives of our citizens, and businesses that drive our economy. He is one of those rare thought leaders who can bring clarity on a highly complex topic to any type of audience– be it a room full of executives, a classroom of MBA students, or a cohort of early stage tech entrepreneurs. Paul does this with grace and humility – never coming across as a “know it all”, yet he actually does know it all. Anyone who gets to have a window into how his brain thinks and frames big ideas at speaking engagements is a changed person."
Zayna Khayat
Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Health System Innovation @ MaRS Discovery District and Adjunct Faculty, Health Sector Strategy, Rotman School of Management @ University of Toronto
"I’ve had the pleasure of being mentored by Paul for just over 2 years now. When my business partner and I first came to the RIC centre’s door Paul complemented our science project and asked us where the product was. He took two engineers with virtually no business smarts or understanding and has built us up to a point where we are able to autonomously pursuit our venture in ways we didn’t imagine before. He’s got a great collection of stories he uses for analogies, seemingly for every situation, which makes his advice uniquely memorable, even when new situations arise."
Ilija Jovanovic
Co-founder, Taiga Robotics
"Informative, intelligent remarks regarding the future of AI and machine learning. One of the better speakers I’ve encountered with a realistic outlook to forward-thinking investment opportunities."
Michael Bury
CFA. Managing Director & Portfolio Manager at Middlefield Group
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