Cutter Mitchell SpartX Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Cutter Mitchell comes from a solid background rooted in communications and management. A Fromer Investigative Journalist and an optimist.
He has previously guest posted on my blog and is a New Media enthusiast. Self described as a Serial Entrepreneur, New Media Executive who is driven to succeed.
Tell me a little about yourself Cutter?
Well, let’s see where to begin. I am originally from New Hampshire. It may be a smaller state but it is a great place to live and grow up. At the age of 17, I started my first business, painting homes in my community. Over the summers I managed to grow this business, turning it into a five person operation painting a couple homes a summer. This was my first taste of business. It was about this same time that I really figured out what I wanted to do; I wanted to own my own business; I wanted to be an entrepreneur.
That is what I ended up going to school for, entrepreneurism, at New England College. Actually, it was at NEC that I met my business partner Steve Gonzalez and together it was there where we came up with the idea for SpartX.
It took a little more than three years from the conception of the idea to the launch of SpartX. Let me tell you, anyone that says starting a business is easy is lying. Its not, the idea and first steps are easy, after that it takes a lot of hard work.
I am married, happily I might add, for over two years now, and together my wife and I have a daughter, Novalee. So that is where a lot of my time goes. Well to the family and to the business, which is like having a second family.
What do you do for fun?
Work. No, I’m kidding but not really. When dealing with a startup you really have to give it your all. I usually end up working to 2 a.m. That said, I do still have fun. I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, and of course fishing, hiking, etc. when ever I get the chance. Because of the business I am in (networking) I obviously get out to a lot of events which is also fun and interesting.
Explain what is SpartX?
SpartX provides people with the tools to network professionally in the 21st century. Traditionally, people exchange business cards face-to-face, but what if people were not limited by space on their business cards, or an in-person exchange? SpartX is an innovative solution which allows people to “virtually” exchange their cards through email or on a web page just as if they had reached through their computers and carefully placed their card on the screen. However, SpartX and the Virtual Business Cards do more than just a business card does on its own: it has what is called a “digital backing.” When a person clicks on your virtual card, all of the personal information you have placed on your SpartX site will be displayed for the reader. This means your virtual card will have an entire virtual business card site of your design, just a click away. The presentation as a business card is far more professional and eye catching than a reference to a link.
With all this information “backing” your cards, you are able to successfully network. For example, a sales representative “backing” the card with information about his or her product is a way of not only networking, but also increasing sales. For an individual seeking employment, “backing” the card with his or her resume is networking in the hopes of finding that great job. Sometimes network success comes by someone clicking on your SpartX Virtual Business Card and seeing what college you attended, what sports you enjoy, or what jobs you’ve held. Whether the connection is made in-person and followed up digitally, or if it is a digital connection followed up by a person-to-person, the SpartX Virtual Business Card allows people to network in the language of today’s world.
Where do you see SpartX 5 years from now?
We (my business partner Steve Gonzalez and I) see the virtual business card becoming a common part of the exchange that is going on today. That exchange will happen with both a SpartX tangible business card and a SpartX Virtual Business Card.
What other projects do you currently have now?
Right now we are focuses on making SpartX all it can be. Along those lines, we have several new features we are working towards integrating into the site that will further professional business card networking and virtual exchange that takes place through the SpartX Virtual Business Card.
How has Social Media affected your business?
It has and it has not. Let me explain that statement. Social media is a great way for companies and brands, both new and old, to get their name out there and generate buzz. However, the key is knowing your market, target demographic, and their behaviors. For SpartX social media has been key for getting our name out there, talking to people about what we do, and getting some initial feedback. But let’s face it, not everyone that uses business cards uses social media. While we maintain a blog (spartxblog.com), twitter account (@SpartX) and others, we are working our magic in the traditional media realm as well. Contrary to popular belief, old media can also be helpful at reaching people and promoting your business.
What is your favorite Social Media Tool or Site so far?
I think the key to using social media is recognizing each of the different sites do something different and have a place. For instance, Facebook is a great place to reach college students and friends, but very few top level executives and other professional types are on facebook. Twitter is a great place just to network, but connections have to be furthered off the platform for them to become truly valuable. I guess if I have to pick one, I would choose Twitter only because it really is a 24 hour networking event that gives a company access to all kinds of from employees and company leaders to journalists and celebrities.
Where can people find you online?
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