To help you to get to know the companies presenting at LaunchUp #5 we asked each to respond to a few questions…

The following Q&A segment is from SaraJoy Pond of TippingBucket.

Q: What does your company do?
A: We’re a mashup of one-deal-at-a-time retailing, micro-payments, and money-back guarantees. Think “woot.com dollar menu for changing the world.”

Q: Why does that matter and how do you make the world a better place?
A: It matters because after years of being told “you’re too young. you’re too small. anything you could do would just be a drop in the bucket” finally no-one is too small to make a difference. Their $1 can actually tip the bucket and change the world.

Q: Why is your company cool?
A: hmmm…we exist at this fantastically fuzzy intersection of markets, sectors and models so we make (and break) our own rules…we get to go home everyday knowing that the world’s incrementally better because we went to work today…and we make our own yogurt at the office.

Q: What 3 lessons/observations would you tell other entrepreneurs?
A:
- Articulate your tensions: Autonomy vs. Engagement, Stability vs. Agility, Reputation vs. Performance, etc. Understanding and staying aware of the various tight-ropes you walk as a start-up will make you more deliberate and balanced as you make critical decisions.
– Put more in. Actively seek ways to engage and contribute. If you’re adding value, value comes back to you. Try to use one of the 4 C’s every day: Compliment, Critique, Connect, Collaborate.
– ASK! Always, always ask. You’ll be amazed at the flexibility of rules and regulations, the impact of connection and coincidence, and the generosity of friends, mentors and strangers.

Q: Pick 5 people for your entrepreneur dream team (assuming you and your team were riding the bench)
A:
– The person who did Elvis Presley’s branding.
– The person who managed Thomas Edison’s innovation lab.
– The person who took care of Mother Theresa
– The person who inspired Rosa Parks
– The person who taught Winston Churchill public speaking.

Q: Which one pursuit? Golf, Basketball, Skiing/Snowboarding, Knitting, Mountaineering/Climbing, Bowling, Watching Grass Grow
A: Mountaineering/Climbing (though the inverse version–canyoneering–is actually my favorite

Q: Why are you an entrepreneur in Utah?
A: It’s a great place to “grow up” as an organization–super supportive network of fellow innovators, engaged mentors, active university, etc. Plus, where else can you find $200/month office space with snowboarding half an hour away?

We look forward to LaunchUp #5 and hearing more from TippingBucket!