Earning Founders’ Time
Every program or event that you host contains an implied commitment — a promise to founders that their time and attention will be worth it.
It might be about learning skills (“You’ll gain confidence delivering your pitch”), or making connections (“You’ll meet active local investors"), or building community (“You’ll create a meaningful connection with peers”).
And make no mistake — they have options. The founder who joins your accelerator, meetup, or workshop is also deciding what not to do: a sales call, a customer interview, a trip to the gym, an extra hour with family. Every hour with you is an hour they could spend elsewhere. The opportunity cost is real.
That’s why clarity about your program’s “why” matters so much. Founders aren’t choosing between your event and doing nothing — they’re choosing between your event and doing something else they believe might be more valuable.
And just because your event feels valuable to you — to your organization, to your mission — doesn’t mean that it’s valuable to the folks you’re trying to serve. If you start with “I want to host a workshop to meet new clients” then you’re on the wrong track. Start by asking, “What is the gap in the ecosystem that my program can fill?”
Before you begin, ask yourself: What commitment are you making to founders? What transformation, connection, or skill will they walk away with that makes the trade-off worthwhile? If you can’t confidently answer that question, then take a step back and define your intention. Determine if you’re making a promise that is worth making — and that you can deliver.
When your program’s promise is clear, it becomes a signal of trust. Founders don’t just attend — they commit, engage, and tell others it was worth it.
I help entrepreneur support organizations design programs and events that drive connection and measurable impact.
