Silicon Valley - A beginners guide

Learn how to save time and money before moving to Silicon Valley. For prospective entrepreneurs, execs and students

Created byReinaldo Normand

Last updated 6/2015

English

What you'll learn

Understand how Silicon Valley thinks and operates
Decide if Silicon Valley is the right place to immigrate or not
Discover some useful tips to save you time and money when moving to Silicon Valley

Course content

1 section • 19 lectures • 1h 16m total length

Introduction4:29
In this intro, I explain who I am, what I've done, why I decided to create this course and the content you should expect in the next lessons.
What is Silicon Valley3:19
I explain briefly what is Silicon Valley, when it started, where it is located and how is the lifestyle in several cities that form the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Ecosystem5:40
I explain the entities that compose the Silicon Valley ecosystem: startups, large tech companies, investors, universities, accelerators and co-working spaces.
Coming to Silicon Valley as a founder5:18
I explain what you need to know if you plan to come to Silicon Valley as an entrepreneur/founder.
Coming to Silicon Valley as an executive4:05
I explain what you need to know if you plan to come to Silicon Valley looking for work at a tech startup or large company.
Coming to Silicon Valley as a student3:07
I explain what you need to know if you plan to come to Silicon Valley as a student and what are the benefits of it.
The execution mindset4:36
In this lesson, I explain the mindset of Silicon Valley and why ideas and business plans don't matter much in this region.
Accountability3:43
Accountability is an obvious concept to americans and others foreigners but it is also unknown in many cultures. I explain the basics.
Meritocracy4:44
Meritocracy is the backbone of the valley. I explain what it is and how it works.
Work ethic(s)3:46
Work Ethic and work ethics are two concepts that are confusing and are not very clear to many foreigners.
Reputation is key4:41
In Silicon Valley, reputation is worth more than money.
Networking in the valley5:56
In this lesson I explain the best way to network in Silicon Valley, which is different from other parts of the United States.
Is failure an option?3:46
After all, is Silicon Valley pro-failure or is it just a myth perpetuated by the press?
Hyperfocus4:05
It sounds obvious, but many cultures criticize the excess of focus of Americans. In Silicon Valley this trait is taken to another level.
Knowledge X Learning3:20
Learning faster and better is now more important than knowing stuff or having experience.
Diversity3:53
One of the main reasons why innovation thrives in Silicon Valley.
Let's talk about (corporate) politics2:47
In this lesson I talk about a very annoying subject which is not that different in the valley.
A litigious society3:23
I explore the relationship of entrepreneurs with legal aspects and give some advice for foreigners of what (not) to do.
A final word1:53
I invite you to give me feedback about the course and also hint with a pro-version for more experienced entrepreneurs and business people.

Requirements

Be able to understand english without subtitles
Be interested in visiting or moving to Silicon Valley

Description

This is a course for entrepreneurs, executives or students interested in coming or moving to Silicon Valley in the next couple of years. It is focused on understanding the culture and the business etiquette of the most innovative region in the planet throughout real advice and examples given by a successful entrepreneur who moved to the Bay Area in 2011.

Silicon Valley for beginners is a great way to save you time and money when you decide to come. The course is divided in 18 simple lectures, each one covering one specific topic such as coming to the valley as a founder or to work in a startup or large company. It also explains basic concepts that would make your life here much easier such as accountability, meritocracy, diversity and the execution mindset.

Additional links and material (such as free e-books written by the instructor) are provided in some of the lessons. The idea is that this course would serve as a reference point for beginners willing to learn more about Silicon Valley.

Who this course is for:

Entrepreneurs, executives and students thinking about moving to Silicon Valley in the next two years.
Anyone interested to know about how Silicon Valley thinks and operates
This course is NOT for experienced entrepreneurs or give any specific advice on how to run a startup or get a job in the valley.