Phoenix is a (bad) cell phone company

Phoenix is dead to me.

It’s been years, nay decades, since metro Phoenix started its transformation into a real city. Dip in economy after dip in economy has prompted business leaders to fashion new marketing plans in order to attract new customers.

Cheap land? Done. Lots of roads to drive your car from retail shop to shop? Done. Easy financing to buy that too-big home out in the boonies? Yeah, we have that too.

None of these promises are sustainable. None of them will last once growth slows. And none of them address the most important need: helping those who are already here thrive.

Like a cell phone company who makes promises of better service but instead runs ads promoting what little good it’s actually doing, Phoenix has no center. It has no core to call its own. It has no personality, very little city loyalty and even less support from the people who make it run.

“The best part of #PHX (the people) thrive by not counting on the city & prosper despite it.” (@jose602)

We shouldn’t have to fight our home. Our home should make us feel safe, support us when we’re down and celebrate our successes. Instead, Phoenix is looking to attract the wrong kind of people. One new initiative is being marketed toward first-class flyers on US Airways and high-end resorts around the Valley. They will not form the foundation you are seeking. There’s one already here, but it’s being ignored.

The one and only lesson we can learn from other successful cities is a lesson in exclusivity. There HAS to be barriers to living in a city. If you want it to thrive, it has to be a little tough to stay there. Seattle is successful because it takes a strong person to survive the rain. Portland is the same. Chicago requires a special kind of inhabitant that can deal with freezing cold and rampant corruption. San Francisco, well, isn’t for conservatives.

Phoenix needs to be exclusive. We can’t market to everyone. Try marketing to no one. But it’s over. Phoenix business leaders have lost the very people they’re trying to save, and all because they can’t listen.

I’ll still be writing Phoenix on my return address for a few more months, because contractual obligations say that I must. But my heart is, and will always be, somewhere else.

It’s over, Phoenix business leaders. Time to move on.

Posted via email from Tyler says…

Tagged as: business, chicago, marketing, phoenix, Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix metropolitan area, San Francisco, seattle

http://rynoweb.com Chuck Reynolds

not that this is ‘new’ news but sucks to see somebody who, I would have considered, is a downtown advocate come to the same conclusion I’ve had. I lived in Ahwatukee for many years, technically Phoenix but regardless I’ve noticed the screwy nature of Phx since I moved here in 99.
Chuck Reynolds

not that this is ‘new’ news but sucks to see somebody who, I would have considered, is a downtown advocate come to the same conclusion I’ve had. I lived in Ahwatukee for many years, technically Phoenix but regardless I’ve noticed the screwy nature of Phx since I moved here in 99.
tysoncrosbie

Another one bites the dust.

Thanks for the laughs!
tysoncrosbie

Another one bites the dust.

Thanks for the laughs!
Andrew kno

If you need support from your local government to help you thrive, perhaps you need to re-examine how you’re getting where you’re going.
Andrew kno

If you need support from your local government to help you thrive, perhaps you need to re-examine how you’re getting where you’re going.
livejamie

There’s no business capital.

It’s what I discussed at PHXDW, and what I’ve been harping at for years now. The reason why you have the talented people moving to places like New York, the Bay Area, Boulder, etc is because those places have resources.

It’s really sad that a group like Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined. (Arizona VC Fund sounds like an oxymoron in itself) – this isn’t to say that Gangplank isn’t awesome, it is! They have revolutionized the Phoenix tech community, but until others get involved – people are going to have to leave if they really want to see their dreams achieved – this is the conclusion that you’ve come to here.

Hell, I had to move to _Vancouver_ to get funded. It was just simply impossible in Phoenix, and that’s just sad that the 4th/5th largest city in America, is hemmoraging talent-wise.
livejamie

There’s no business capital.

It’s what I discussed at PHXDW, and what I’ve been harping at for years now. The reason why you have the talented people moving to places like New York, the Bay Area, Boulder, etc is because those places have resources.

It’s really sad that a group like Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined. (Arizona VC Fund sounds like an oxymoron in itself) – this isn’t to say that Gangplank isn’t awesome, it is! They have revolutionized the Phoenix tech community, but until others get involved – people are going to have to leave if they really want to see their dreams achieved – this is the conclusion that you’ve come to here.

Hell, I had to move to _Vancouver_ to get funded. It was just simply impossible in Phoenix, and that’s just sad that the 4th/5th largest city in America, is hemmoraging talent-wise.
http://livejamie.com livejamie

There’s no business capital.

It’s what I discussed at PHXDW, and what I’ve been harping at for years now. The reason why you have the talented people moving to places like New York, the Bay Area, Boulder, etc is because those places have resources.

It’s really sad that a group like Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined. (Arizona VC Fund sounds like an oxymoron in itself) – this isn’t to say that Gangplank isn’t awesome, it is! They have revolutionized the Phoenix tech community, but until others get involved – people are going to have to leave if they really want to see their dreams achieved – this is the conclusion that you’ve come to here.

Hell, I had to move to _Vancouver_ to get funded. My heart, my family and my friends are all in Arizona, but it was just simply impossible to get anything started in Phoenix.

It’s sad that the 4th/5th largest city in America, is hemmoraging talent-wise.
livejamie

There’s no business capital.

It’s what I discussed at PHXDW, and what I’ve been harping at for years now. The reason why you have the talented people moving to places like New York, the Bay Area, Boulder, etc is because those places have resources.

It’s really sad that a group like Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined. (Arizona VC Fund sounds like an oxymoron in itself) – this isn’t to say that Gangplank isn’t awesome, it is! They have revolutionized the Phoenix tech community, but until others get involved – people are going to have to leave if they really want to see their dreams achieved – this is the conclusion that you’ve come to here.

Hell, I had to move to _Vancouver_ to get funded. My heart, my family and my friends are all in Arizona, but it was just simply impossible to get anything started in Phoenix.

It’s sad that the 4th/5th largest city in America, is hemmoraging talent-wise.
Wes Novack

Like you said, it took you 7 years to get to this post, but what were the most recent, catalyst events/occurrences that prompted you to write this?
Wes Novack

Like you said, it took you 7 years to get to this post, but what were the most recent, catalyst events/occurrences that prompted you to write this?
Tyler Hurst

Metro Phoenix DNA, which I’ll be posting about tomorrow after I’ve had a chance to think it completely through.
Tyler Hurst

Metro Phoenix DNA, which I’ll be posting about tomorrow after I’ve had a chance to think it completely through.
Tyler Hurst

When did I ask for support? I’m asking them to be honest and stop getting in the way. They are promoting the same cycle we’ve been on for years.
Tyler Hurst

I’m sure what you said made sense to someone.
Tyler Hurst

When did I ask for support? I’m asking them to be honest and stop getting in the way. They are promoting the same cycle we’ve been on for years.
Tyler Hurst

I’m sure what you said made sense to someone.
tysoncrosbie

Sorry..

Thanks for the lafffss!!!!?! !
tysoncrosbie

Sorry..

Thanks for the lafffss!!!!?! !
Tyler Hurst

Being clever does not work well for you.
Tyler Hurst

Being clever does not work well for you.
Amy Heisler

To say the effort is to market to the high-end business exec is to miss a lot of what is trying to be accomplished. That’s only one small piece of a larger effort to tell the real stories of the real people here. Why do we all like to be here? What makes this a good place to be?

I know we all wish there was an easy path to making this a vibrant place, but there isn’t one way and it’s not going to happen overnight. This isn’t a quick hit campaign with a slick logo and only one or two tactics. It’s just beginning. Of course it’s not perfect because we’re trying to do something different than what was done before. There is room for improvement and involvement from the people who care.
Amy Heisler

To say the effort is to market to the high-end business exec is to miss a lot of what is trying to be accomplished. That’s only one small piece of a larger effort to tell the real stories of the real people here. Why do we all like to be here? What makes this a good place to be?

I know we all wish there was an easy path to making this a vibrant place, but there isn’t one way and it’s not going to happen overnight. This isn’t a quick hit campaign with a slick logo and only one or two tactics. It’s just beginning. Of course it’s not perfect because we’re trying to do something different than what was done before. There is room for improvement and involvement from the people who care.
Curtis Miller

@livejamie,

I think there’s a common misconception that Phoenix is unique in it’s talent drain. Not everyone leaves Phoenix because of resource constraints. NY, SF and Boulder also lose people for a variety of reasons, not just lack of resources. We’re just not involved enough in their communities to notice. I don’t feel moving somewhere else is necessarily a “loss.” People need to do what’s best for them at the time, even if that means moving.

I’ve also seen this claim bandied about: “Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined.” When I first saw it, I requested a reference or supporting documentation. I think it could be a very powerful statement, but only with the proper backing. Alas, I’m still waiting. If it’s true then we should be presenting the evidence to other organizations and questioning their effectiveness at assisting startups with funding. If it’s not true, then we need to figure out what the truth actually is instead of continuing to perpetuate a falsehood.

While I don’t believe it’s “impossible to get anything started in Phoenix,” it is definitely difficult. You sound like you’ve seized an opportunity for funding, but it took you away from Phoenix. If you really love it here then succeed in your venture, return to Phoenix and help other companies get started. Best of luck!
Curtis Miller

@livejamie,

I think there’s a common misconception that Phoenix is unique in it’s talent drain. Not everyone leaves Phoenix because of resource constraints. NY, SF and Boulder also lose people for a variety of reasons, not just lack of resources. We’re just not involved enough in their communities to notice. I don’t feel moving somewhere else is necessarily a “loss.” People need to do what’s best for them at the time, even if that means moving.

I’ve also seen this claim bandied about: “Gangplank has provided more funds to startups in Arizona than every other Arizona VC Fund combined.” When I first saw it, I requested a reference or supporting documentation. I think it could be a very powerful statement, but only with the proper backing. Alas, I’m still waiting. If it’s true then we should be presenting the evidence to other organizations and questioning their effectiveness at assisting startups with funding. If it’s not true, then we need to figure out what the truth actually is instead of continuing to perpetuate a falsehood.

While I don’t believe it’s “impossible to get anything started in Phoenix,” it is definitely difficult. You sound like you’ve seized an opportunity for funding, but it took you away from Phoenix. If you really love it here then succeed in your venture, return to Phoenix and help other companies get started. Best of luck!
Jamie

This comment system is shitty. It’s not letting me login.

Thanks for the kind and insightful words, Curtis – I don’t think we’ve ever interacted before, I look forward to meeting you and I’ve followed you on twitter.

I don’t think that it’s unique to the area, but it’s definetly apparent if you read up on the techblogs like TechCrunch, Mashable, WebWare, etc. you never see “Scottsdale-based startup” or “Phoenix entrapaneur” – it’s always the same places, and that’s because it is so difficult to get funded.

We have an area with some of the most real-estate and commercial funding in the world – somebody who is familiar with the business landscape needs to revamp things, encourage people to stay. We’re one of the largest and most tech-savvy cities in North America – there’s serious oppertunity here for firms with money.

I tried for years to get this single project funded, and I’d say it’s next-to-impossible. Especially if you compare the differences in raising capital in some of the other places that have been mentioned.

In regards to the Gangplank statement, it was brought up in a meeting last year I believe, Derek Neighbors (who you’d want to talk to about the subject – and who knows my funding woes) made a post specifically about it:
http://derekneighbors.com/2009/11/put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/
Jamie

This comment system is shitty. It’s not letting me login.

Thanks for the kind and insightful words, Curtis – I don’t think we’ve ever interacted before, I look forward to meeting you and I’ve followed you on twitter.

I don’t think that it’s unique to the area, but it’s definetly apparent if you read up on the techblogs like TechCrunch, Mashable, WebWare, etc. you never see “Scottsdale-based startup” or “Phoenix entrapaneur” – it’s always the same places, and that’s because it is so difficult to get funded.

We have an area with some of the most real-estate and commercial funding in the world – somebody who is familiar with the business landscape needs to revamp things, encourage people to stay. We’re one of the largest and most tech-savvy cities in North America – there’s serious oppertunity here for firms with money.

I tried for years to get this single project funded, and I’d say it’s next-to-impossible. Especially if you compare the differences in raising capital in some of the other places that have been mentioned.

In regards to the Gangplank statement, it was brought up in a meeting last year I believe, Derek Neighbors (who you’d want to talk to about the subject – and who knows my funding woes) made a post specifically about it:
http://derekneighbors.com/2009/11/put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/
Curtis Miller

Haha, I had that same problem logging in… I think you’re right, we’ve only met virtually. Thanks for the thoughtful, rational response

Sites like TechCrunch and Mashable have plenty of stories to write about in the places with which they’re familiar, so I don’t see them going out of there way to dig up stories elsewhere. It also doesn’t mean that they’re writing about every funded company in those places, either.

I used to think that if Phoenix could just come together and realize it’s potential then we could really be something, startup-wise. After a year or two thinking like that, I realized that lasting change will only happen if things first change at an individual and company level. That’s far less dramatic than saying you’re going to change the world and certainly not news-worthy

I remember the statement and when it was said; I even read the post (http://is.gd/96fbX). IMO, there was little substance there. No information on actual dollar amounts invested by Gangplank (I mean real $, not cash-equivalents like unpaid hours or equity deals). Also, no numbers on funds from outside sources like AZ Angels, Desert Angels, ATIF, independent angel investors, ASU and the myriad other funding sources I’m not familiar with.

A promise to invest “$1m in the community over the next 5 years” means $200K/year, which, in investment terms is very small; not even close to being at the level of VC and barely at the level of angel. It’s also equivalent to what the ASU Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative funds annually (http://studentventures.asu.edu/about). Derek’s post doesn’t specifically state that it will go toward funding startups either, just generally into the community. What that means is unclear.

I think some headway has been made, and GP is certainly trying to help, but I’m rarely satisfied… When I talk with entrepreneurs and investors, I need hard evidence to present. I know companies are getting some kind of funding in AZ (I spoke with one recently that just received $100k). What I don’t have is an overall picture of the tech startup funding situation. Those numbers are much harder to find.
Curtis Miller

Haha, I had that same problem logging in… I think you’re right, we’ve only met virtually. Thanks for the thoughtful, rational response

Sites like TechCrunch and Mashable have plenty of stories to write about in the places with which they’re familiar, so I don’t see them going out of there way to dig up stories elsewhere. It also doesn’t mean that they’re writing about every funded company in those places, either.

I used to think that if Phoenix could just come together and realize it’s potential then we could really be something, startup-wise. After a year or two thinking like that, I realized that lasting change will only happen if things first change at an individual and company level. That’s far less dramatic than saying you’re going to change the world and certainly not news-worthy

I remember the statement and when it was said; I even read the post (http://is.gd/96fbX). IMO, there was little substance there. No information on actual dollar amounts invested by Gangplank (I mean real $, not cash-equivalents like unpaid hours or equity deals). Also, no numbers on funds from outside sources like AZ Angels, Desert Angels, ATIF, independent angel investors, ASU and the myriad other funding sources I’m not familiar with.

A promise to invest “$1m in the community over the next 5 years” means $200K/year, which, in investment terms is very small; not even close to being at the level of VC and barely at the level of angel. It’s also equivalent to what the ASU Edson Student Entrepreneur Initiative funds annually (http://studentventures.asu.edu/about). Derek’s post doesn’t specifically state that it will go toward funding startups either, just generally into the community. What that means is unclear.

I think some headway has been made, and GP is certainly trying to help, but I’m rarely satisfied… When I talk with entrepreneurs and investors, I need hard evidence to present. I know companies are getting some kind of funding in AZ (I spoke with one recently that just received $100k). What I don’t have is an overall picture of the tech startup funding situation. Those numbers are much harder to find.
Jamie

Can you think of any Phoenix tech/internet startups not funded by GP?
Jamie

Can you think of any Phoenix tech/internet startups not funded by GP?
Curtis Miller

Absolutely. Just off the top of my head:

Arkayne – http://arkayne.com
HyLo – http://hylo.com
StockTwits – http://stocktwits.com
Flypaper – http://flypaper.com
JumpBox – http://jumpbox.com
iMemories – http://imemories.com

I’m sure I could come up with more, but I need to get downtown…
Curtis Miller

Absolutely. Just off the top of my head:

Arkayne – http://arkayne.com
HyLo – http://hylo.com
StockTwits – http://stocktwits.com
Flypaper – http://flypaper.com
JumpBox – http://jumpbox.com
iMemories – http://imemories.com

I’m sure I could come up with more, but I need to get downtown…
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Jamie

@Curtis

I think this a list of companies that need to get involved. I had no idea most of them even existed!
Jamie

@Curtis

I think this a list of companies that need to get involved. I had no idea most of them even existed!
Tyler Hurst

Agreed. They don’t have to be intimately involved, but I don’t see them around, either.
Tyler Hurst

Agreed. They don’t have to be intimately involved, but I don’t see them around, either.
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