twiistup

I’ve been getting emails from entrepreneurs who saw that I’m judging the upcoming Twiistup event and wanted to know if they should apply.

My answer is 100% yes.

Twiistup is an event that connects innovators and professionals in the media and tech industries. And it gives 10 startups the opportunity to “show off” their work at the event. You can apply here to be one of the show offs.

Here’s why you should apply

Reason 1: It’s an easy way to raise your profile the community

One of the big reasons I’m judging is so I can raise my profile. That way, when I call someone for the first time, they’re more likely to know who I am and want to work with me. Same is true for being a competitor in this or other events. It helps you raise your profile and makes it easier to do business.

Reason 2: It forces people to find out what your company does

When you apply, the judges and organizers spend a lot of time looking at and understanding your business. That kind of time with key influencers can be helpful in the future. And if you’re selected — even if you don’t win — all the attendees at the conference will spend time learning about your company to see why it was selected.

Reason 3: Their PR machine will work for you

If you’re selected as a show off — again, even if you don’t win — Twiistup’s PR agency will start promoting you. They’ll talk to the press. They’ll talk to bloggers. They’ll generate stories that you could never get on your own.

Reason 4: It only costs $75 to apply

I used to hate that they charged companies to apply. Then, at the last Twiistup, I became a judge and realized that a small financial barrier helps limit the list of applicants to serious players. And $75 is nothing compared to the time each applicant’s company gets with everyone involved in the decision process.

Reason 5: You’ll get an opportunity to talk to investors

Mark Suster from GRP Partners, is one of the judges. In the past, venture capital firms have sponsored the event, and I bet they will again. When you apply, you have an excuse to talk to them about your company because they’ll want to know about the businesses they’re judging or sponsoring at this event.

Reason 6: If you’ve using the ideas in Mixergy, you’ll probably win

’nuff said, right? Go apply.