Joseph Puopolo is the Head of Marketing and Business Development for Toronto-based start-up StickerYou. A couple of weeks ago I featured StickerYou President Andrew Witkin. Today its Joseph’s turn!
What motivates you to do what you do on a daily basis?
I am motivated by connecting cool companies with people who need their services. There are so many great ideas and issues out there that sometimes it takes a good facilitator to connect the two.
I am just a nerd by trade. I got my first computer when I was 5 and haven’t looked back. I get so excited by new technology and what it can do to enhance the world and connect people. I am also motivated by getting a good reaction to ideas or concepts. When it comes down to it, it is all about coming up with new and innovative ideas. I am always motivated by innovation.
Do you have any success start-up tips for people wanting to create a name for themselves in your industry?
Make sure that whatever idea you choose, you are 100% behind it. The road of a start-up is long and winding, you need to have the conviction and belief in your idea to help get you through low points and persevere.
The other component I would say is that you need to continually network. You may get stuck being very inward looking or product focused, and networking and making new connections can provide invaluable insights at key junctures. I would encourage entrepreneurs to spend a lot of time making the connections and going out to events to make a difference.
In your opinion why is Toronto a hotbed for cool tech start-ups?
Toronto, and by extension Waterloo, are excellent places for start-ups. I think it brings the best and brightest from around the world into a small area and focuses their skills. We have a growing tech journalism group that is amplifying the volume of activities similar to what happens in Silicon Valley. Obviously, it is not there yet, but I truly believe we have a solid trajectory to grow as a tech centre.
What’s your favourite tech toy and social media site and why?
While I own a cadre of tech toys, I think my iPhone 4G is my go to device. It is always there by my side with a bunch of apps ready help me remain productive wherever I go.
My favourite social media sites are Twitter and LinkedIn. I have slowly grown my following on Twitter to the point where it is an effective tool and via LinkedIn I am now connected to over 7 million plus people. Both are very handy tools.
Who would you say is one of Toronto’s social media/tech stars and why?
I always follow Soniya Monga of LinkedIn and Karim Kanji of Social Media Show. I keep running into them at nearly every event I go to and they both seem to have their finger on the pulse on what is going on within the Toronto tech scene.
If you know someone who you think deserves to be profiled in my 5 Questions, feel free to leave me a note below.