Graphic by Danny Schreiber, photo by Ben Harper via Flickr

In response to a post from William Fisher last week on the importance of honest and direct feedback, we put a call out to the community to help us spur connections and generate more feedback. Basically, we asked you, our readers, “Who’s looking for feedback and who’s willing to give it?” As expected, our community generously responded.

At the time of this posting, 4:30 p.m., we’ve collected submissions from 33 individuals total – 12 looking for feedback and 21 willing to give it. As more individuals hear about this effort and read the submissions below, we’re confident this will grow.

In our post last week, we said it’s our goal to facilitate 12 connections that lead to feedback for 12 different entrepreneurs. To help us measure this goal, if you make a meaningful connection, please let me know with a quick email to danny@siliconprairienews.com.

Lastly, if you have any feedback for us on how we can improve the Feedback List, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or email me at danny@siliconprairienews.com.

As more submissions come in, this list will be constantly updated. Last update: August 6, 5:30 a.m.

To add your name to the list, please fill out our Feedback Form.

Looking for feedback

Luke Armstrong, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Review Management & Marketing
• Describe the Feedback – I am looking for general insight into viability, features, focus, sales advice… I have a product that is being tested by 60 or so users and would like to figure out how to start the selling process with the best chance of success.

Rahul Gupta, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Internet Entrepreneur (web apps)
• Describe the Feedback – Don’t know yet, but likely will be looking for feedback on growth strategies and hiring.

Paul Yoder, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Web development
• Describe the Feedback – I am just getting started with building web application products. My desire is to eventually quit my full time job and build web products full time. I would like to start networking with other people who are doing similar things. I have launched my first product at donorelf.com and I would like to receive advice in marketing it. 

Chris Augeri, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Crowd-sourced data
• Describe the Feedback –  Constructive criticisms of our Missouri River information aggregrator project: http://mightymoriver.crowdmap.com, http://mightymoriver.crowdmap.com/page/index/14, Additional short links: Mobile: http://v.gd/mmr_mobi, Gazette: http://v.gd/mmr_paper, Crowdmap: http://v.gd/mmr_home, Twitter (lists): http://v.gd/mmr_streams, Twitter (timeline): http://v.gd/mmr_tweets and Facebook (cross-posts): http://v.gd/mmr_wall

Ryan Swanstrom, Sioux Falls, S.D. – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Startups
• Describe the Feedback – I am working on a new site.  It doesn’t even have a name yet. I will be looking for some honest feedback about it once it launches. For now, I would like some feedback on the idea. The site is essentially a classy version of “Hot or Not” for ideas. It will include startup ideas, but it will also include any type of idea (Parenting, books, …). The site visitors can vote whether the idea is good or bad. Visitors can also add new ideas.  Would any Silicon Prairie readers find this useful or fun? What categories of ideas do you think would attract the most people to share ideas? If you are interested: http://myideas.kickofflabs.com/

Cody Butler, Fremont, Neb. – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Licensing
• Describe the Feedback – I am in negotiations with Wahoo, Neb. company as to the possibility of licensing my CornFinger concept (www.CornFinger.com). I am looking to talk to someone who has experience being a Licensor or Licensee and advice on what the major pitfalls are in the Licensing game.

William, Ankeny, Iowa – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Restoration of old tractors
• Describe the Feedback – I enjoy tinkering with hobbies as a project, although I really enjoy tinkering and find it very relaxing, and challenging at times. I like to network and pull contacts together with end results to find that new unique person that understands my hobbies. What I need is to get exposure to building a business out of this hobby. I need help to market and start building on this venture. If you wouldn’t mind, please leave a message and and I will return all messages.

Danny Schreiber, Omaha – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – We have a project we’re currently working on that would help journalists and the everyday consumer better understand a business model of an unknown or known company. It’s a pretty simple idea, and if you have experience in business journalism or building directories, I’d appreciate your one-on-one feedback.

Sina – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I have several ideas in my head. i’m looking for feedback and how to get started.

Wade, Lincoln – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – We could use feedback/advice from anyone with experience in sports broadcast production and deals. We are way past the idea stage. We have a profitable sports property and are working on our first broadcast deal.

Damon Cali, Omaha – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – Looking for feedback from software entrepreneurs! I built a bug tracker (http://trackjumper.com) aimed at helping small teams and freelancers keep on top of their projects without the overhead, expense, and client training issues of a fully-featured issue tracking system. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, please sign up for a free trial and poke around (no credit card required). Then email me at damon@trackjumper.com with your likes, dislikes and wishes. Thanks!

Emily Kaminski, Atlanta, Ga. (formerly of Omaha) – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I’m looking for feedback on how to attract users to the site I’ve created here: http://www.frugalpharmacies.com/

Josiah Thomas, Des Moines – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Ecommerce, consumer electronics
• Describe the Feedback – I am looking for product feedback and to connect with web developers willing to build on the idea of RecoEngine | Tech Buying. Made Simple. Site is here: http://recoengine.com. Email for beta access. 

Ryan Cooper, Lincoln, Neb. – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Mobile, Social Rewards, Golf
• Describe the Feedback – My company, GolfStatus, is currently in private beta: www.golfstatus.com. I have been fortunate to meet many talented people who have provided great advice and feedback. However, I look forward to meeting new people who can provide additional sage advice in the following areas: mobile, social, gaming, LBS and funding.

Gabe Kangas, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Web/mobile application
• Describe the Feedback – Looking to get in touch with people with experience launching consumer internet products. Some specific topics: Increasing targeted traction, partnerships.

Phil Haussler, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Personalized Children’s Books
• Describe the Feedback – We are midway through concept design on our second book. Would love feedback on the story concept.

Dave Andersen, Omaha – Email

• Industry of idea/project/startup – Software applications, market pivots, go-to-market strategies
• Describe the Feedback – Looking for feedback on market pivots. Specifically extending already developed, commercially scalable multi-disparate source data integration, analysis and decision support application to the healthcare population management / accountable care vertical. Want to learn where market gaps/needs exist, discuss go-to-market approaches, partnering ideas, etc. Who knows what could result…? Thank you!

Willing to give feedback

William Fisher, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Payment systems, general start-up funding, methods of raising capital
• Describe the Feedback – Can you raise capital, are you ready for capital, do you have your business in order for a capital raise

Brian Hemesath, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – All things website dev (hosting, payments, dev), SMS/mobile, general tech
• Describe the Feedback – I am always available to entrepreneurs and starts-ups that can leverage my experience and connections. I built and sold a boutique web dev shop (deep knowledge of web hosting, recurring revenue, dev languages), started and grew an SMS gateway/platform company (worked with partners and took on a fairly significant angel investment, built an API and white label solution), recently launched a volunteer management platform (which got some GREAT coverage on SPN!). I’ve worked with partners and worked solo.  I’m far from the point where I have all the answers and continue to learn every day. I’m happy to be of service to the community.

Christian Gurney, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Startup, business, web apps, mobile stuff
• Describe the Feedback – I’ve been in tech running projects, selling solutions, building things, leading teams and companies (including one listed on NASDAQ) for almost 23 years. I have a wide range of experience and what I hope is an informed opinion. One of the things I like to share is Agile Product development. But I also run a start-up, so I wear all the hats.

Kevin, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Mobile applications
• Describe the Feedback – I can give general technical feed back and feasibility for ideas. More specifically I have expertise in mobile development and strategy and web software as a service.

Mike Colwell, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Tech startups
• Describe the Feedback – The Business Innovation Zone (BIZ) is the place to start for entrepreneurs. The BIZ and Executive Director Mike Colwell help them focus on idea development, business models, strategy, market validation, mentoring and networking. As a community sponsored non-profit business accelerator, the BIZ provides objective advice and guidance to entrepreneurs and growth companies. We connect clients with qualified community and state resources needed to grow their business. The BIZ helps entrepreneurs maximize their success by navigating resources, strengthening their knowledge, improving their skills, forming strategic alliances and securing proper capitalization.

Dustin Thomas, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Investment and General Business Model
• Describe the Feedback – Venture investor willing to provide feedback to companies as to where I think they are at and what they need to do to be investable, as well as general thoughts on business model etc.

Nick Leeper, West Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Software development, mobile, local
• Describe the Feedback – My background is more on the technical side, so I’d be glad to help out with implementation or feasibility feedback/questions, or vendor recommendations. I would also be more than happy to provide feedback on ideas, or make any personal introductions where it fits.

Cody Peterson, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Design
• Describe the Feedback – I can provide feedback on design. I am interested in user experience and thoughtful design.

Bart Dillashaw, Lincoln – Email

• Area of Expertise – Legal
• Describe the Feedback – I am an attorney, and I recently moved to Lincoln from Palo Alto, California, where I was with Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati, a leading Silicon Valley law firm. At Wilson, I worked with start-ups and established companies advising them on incorporation, priviate financings, initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions. I am also a member of the Nebraska Angels. I would be willing to provide general feedback on any legal or corporate governance matters about starting a business. In addition, I’ve seen many, many investor pitches, and I’d be happy to provide any feedback there as well.  

Scott Blaine, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – MicroISV’s, SaaS
• Describe the Feedback – I’m always willing to brainstorm/share ideas/provide feedback on startups. I can help answer questions regarding technical implementation and feasibility. I can also review landing pages, copywriting, user experience, design, and discuss marketing and SEO.

Annie Sorensen, Kansas City – Email

• Area of Expertise – Networking, social media marketing, writing/books, real estate, personal development
• Describe the Feedback – Real estate investor, writer/blogger/reader, social media marketer, network marketer willing to provide feedback to individual entrepreneurs or those looking for “life coaching” or “business coaching” type of situations. Idea generation, getting started, setting goals, self-education, jumping out of corporate, blogging, personal branding, social media set-up, etc.

Andrew Kirpalani, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Development, supply chain, critical analysis
• Describe the Feedback – I’m an experienced developer and architect and am also very good at marrying technical solutions to business and ecosystem requirements and am also just a good listener and critical thinker.

Rahul Gupta, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Web Apps
• Describe the Feedback – I enjoy helping people vet ideas and get past being “stuck.” Anywhere from idea to growth. Though I’m no expert. 🙂

Derek Homann, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Social networking, web 2.0
• Describe the Feedback – My primary areas of expertise within web 2.0 companies include User Experience, Viral User acquisition, and monetization strategies. I also have a pretty strong background in operational efficiencies.

Corey Spitzer, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Software development
• Describe the Feedback – Though I’m no user experience expert, I think about usability a lot and I like to discuss things like user friendliness, etc.  I also can help discuss issues with software architecture/design and brainstorm on marketing and refining project ideas.

Mike Templeton, Ankeny, Iowa – Email

• Area of Expertise – Marketing, social media, email design, mobile optimization, branding
• Describe the Feedback – I can provide feedback on concept viability, strategies for naming products or companies, approaches to using social media, and ideas about roadmapping product features.

Dan Shipton, Des Moines – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I love helping others break down their ideas to its simplest form and then translating them into product design and the surrounding user experience.

Jeff Slobotski, Omaha – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I’m more than happy to provide feedback on any idea or concept within the community. I’m also equally as willing to make any personal introduction that may serve useful, and fits the goals of the business & individual’s plans.

Emily Kaminski, Atlanta, Ga. (formerly of Omaha) – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I’d be glad to look at any other sites or ideas, particularly those geared toward the mom crowd or those that deal with personal finance.

Shane Reiser, Des Moines – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – Happy to help Iowa entrepreneurs make connections outside the state. Also happy to help event organizers and community managers get started, grow their membership, and improve their operations.

Matt Secoske, Omaha – Email

• Comment on Silicon Prairie News – I love helping others break down their ideas to its simplest form and then translating them into product design and the surrounding user experience.

Ryan Renner, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – E-commerce, seo, ppc, marketing
• Describe the Feedback – I’ve been an e-commerce business owner for over ten years.  I’m happy to provide feedback on e-commerce issues (site development, product sourcing, and more) as well as guidance on search engine optimization and pay per click issues. I also have a background in online and offline marketing.

Dave Milligan, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Intellectual Property
• Describe the Feedback – I’m an engineer and a patent attorney.  Happy to provide thoughts and feedback on the protection of ideas and licensing of ideas.

Brian Ardinger, Lincoln, Neb. – Email

• Area of Expertise – Marketing, technology
• Describe the Feedback – Currently I’m the CMO of Nanonation (software company deploying customer experience technologies digital signage, interactive screens, and mobile). Former consultant at Gartner. Started first dedicated usability lab in Asia. Willing to help on the topics of marketing, customer engagement, research and leadership. Looking forward to connecting.

Tammy, Iowa City, Iowa – Email

• Area of Expertise – Interaction Design, UI, SEO, UX
• Describe the Feedback – Feedback will consist of words, sketches, audio, video, as appropriate. 

Ryan Cooper, Lincoln – Email

• Area of Expertise – Business Management and Law
• Describe the Feedback – I love breaking down an idea to identify its core components and the problems that it solves.

Matt Westenburg, Lincoln – Email

• Area of Expertise – Accounting and Cash Flow Panning
• Describe the Feedback – A CPA with startup experience. I would love to sit down and talk through the basics of startup cash flow, entity structure, outside funding, or your exit plan. @mattwestenburg

Gabe Kangas, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Web and mobile apps, 3rd party and API integration
• Describe the Feedback – Able to give feedback on numerous topics regarding product.  Ground zero discussions on feasibility, usefulness, first steps, platform choices, and more.  I can probably help point you in the right direction if you don’t know where to start or you just want to throw ideas off someone.

Taylor Siebert, Henderson, Neb. – Email

• Area of Expertise – Social media, news/media, wordpress
• Describe the Feedback – I’m very honest and love to help people and their projects grow and prosper. Anything I can do to help.

Adrian Blake, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Strategy, Marketing, Turnarounds
• Describe the Feedback – Classical MBA/Management Consultant breakdown of strategy. I’m an ex-McKinsey consultant, experienced in turnaround situations, have taught marketing at Creighton, and used to run the world’s largest Farm Magazine. Building a new B2B service around Healthcare.

Drew Larson, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Law
• Describe the Feedback – I am an attorney whose clients include software and other technology startups. I am willing to answer any questions about what legal issues face startups across the Silicon Prairie, and help them prioritize their legal needs.

Luke Mohrhauser, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Intellectual Property Law
• Describe the Feedback – Patent attorney specializing in patents, trademarks, copyrights, and licensing. I can provide feedback as to questions involving protection and transaction of all types of intellectual property.

Dave Andersen, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Market Pivots, Go-to-Market Strategies, Startup and Small Business Day-to-Day Problem Solving
• Describe the Feedback – Willing to provide feedback, serve as a backstop for you to bounce ideas off of, or seek solutions to the myriad day-to-day problems experienced by most start-ups and small businesses. Can’t say I have all the answers – I’m still learning this stuff myself – but I can lend an ear and an occasional opinion. Plus, it’s just good practice to network and meet/talk with new people. You never know what might result…

Cat Rocketship, Des Moines – Email

• Area of Expertise – Blogging, creative businesses (crafting, freelance illustration, other artists)
• Describe the Feedback – I like to chat with young makers, creatives, and online publishers who feel stuck or unsure of where to go.

Tom Jenkins, Kansas City – Email

• Area of Expertise – Management, social api integration
• Describe the Feedback – As a partner in a growing creative agency I can provide feedback on a number areas. Brainstorming (idea refinement), management, personell decisions, working with contractors, web application development. General creative feedback and UI refinement.

Mike Hostetler, La Crosse, Wisconsin – Email

• Area of Expertise – HTML5, JavaScript, Startup Leadership, Hiring Strategies, Technology, Millennial Business Strategies
• Describe the Feedback – I know how to lead engineers, make them happy, and keep the business profitable. I’m an engineer turned business and sales person myself. I know the HTML5, JavaScript and jQuery Industry very well and can provide guidance and insight into how best to leverage those technologies.

Luke Armstrong, Omaha – Email

• Area of Expertise – Marketing, design, franchising, web apps, running a small business
• Describe the Feedback – I’d be happy to talk with anyone about building a business from the design products and services to more specific needs like getting leads or refining image and story. I also know quite a lot about franchising service businesses and quite a bit about how a successful franchisor functions.

By the way, if you like what William Fisher has contributed to Silicon Prairie News or you have a suggestion for his series “View from the FishBowl,” please send him a note at fish@treetopventures.com.