(Photo:Juno Beach, Florida at sunrise with kite surfers in the water and air; May 2012)
2012 was an incredible year for many reasons; some personal that can't be shared and others covered via creatorbase with prior posts, tweets, etc.
If you and I collaborated at any point during the past twelve months to create something of value for others -- thank you. Maybe you're an occasional reader and gained something in return. Or, if you just stumbled on creatorbase for the first time, consider participating with us here, on Twitter and Facebook.
I decided to keep this end-of-the-year post simple. Been thinking about it for days, reading other posts, and jotting down some thoughts. I certainly learned many new things from creators in this community and the web.
So here you go. Twelve meaningful words as I look back to move forward in 2013:
Appreciation
Community
Entrepreneurship
Family
Goals
Integrity
Love
Momentum
Perseverance
Results
Teamwork
Vision
These words are in alphabetical order for easier review. But maybe there's another selection/order that has more meaning to you. Happy New Year!
It's safe to say that many of us have a business/product idea, creative project or personal cause that is either a part-time pursuit or something we would like to get more serious about if only we could.
What's holding you back? Approval from others including an employer, money, time, or something inside that says it's not possible? The Labor Day 2012 weekend is a perfect time to shed some light on this issue and how to make your creative pursuits a reality with a little help from others ... people on the web who care.
Fortunately, our world continues to change for the better with the Internet given recent developments including crowdfunding platforms like Indiegogo, social media adoption, and the JOBS Act that was signed in April 2012 by President Obama. These things and related now make it possible and less risky to create, fund and launch something you're passionate about and others will find valuable.
I recently talked with Danae Ringelmann, co-founder and COO at Indiegogo based in San Francisco, and we discussed:
Why Indiegogo is the best crowdfunding resource for creators in general
The JOBS Act and what it means for startups and entrepeneurs
3 tips for a successful crowdfunding campaign
With full transparency in mind, I'm an Indiegogo fan and currently running a campaign for our creatorstand product. However, my initial experience with crowdfunding started a year ago as a backer on Kickstarter for Qubits Toy -- an ABC Shark Tank friend -- and more recently as an entrepreneur for creatorstand. I quickly learned the big differences between Kickstarter and Indiegogo; there are many crowdfunding platforms to choose from worldwide.
If we're connected on Facebook or Twitter, you probably know that crowdfunding our creatorstand product is top of mind right now. Our Indiegogo campaign has been a huge learning experience, not only with crowdfunding but also what to do -- and not do -- via social media. I appreciate all those who have been tolerant of my trial and error work with crowdfunding, and people who have supported our campaign including:
Like most new initiatives with the web, there are discoveries along the way that present opportunities to make adjustments. Further, there are lessons learned and I definitely want to share what I now know after researching crowdfunding these past few months and launching our own creatorstand initiative on Indiegogo. That said, I have some good news to share.
I'm starting a new column on crowdfunding success for Search Engine Watch with the first article planned for release this month. In the meantime, watch and share the video above and please provide your input for the new SEW column.
For example, what questions or ideas do you have about crowdfunding and how to be successful? What not to do, etc? I will consider your input as I write the upcoming Search Engine Watch article and my own crowdfunding and social media efforts for creatorstand. Please share here with comments or contact me directly via email.
Ask yourself this. What's your labor of love and how might crowdfunding help you move things forward in 2012? Let me know if I can enable you via the creatorbase community and upcoming Search Engine Watch column.
Last week were my final days as Sitecore’s VP Community. Simply put, business changes and opportunities are always at play -- especially when it comes to the fast-moving technology community.
It was a pleasure working with the entire Sitecore team for the past year, and to be given an opportunity to create and implement Sitecore’s Community Practicewith input and contribution from a diverse global team. I also enjoyed meeting and collaborating with many successful customers, developers and partners that rely on Sitecore software. The current fiscal year that is coming to a close on June 30th was exceptional and I’m proud of the team's success including key goals achieved.
Which brings me to the summer of 2011 and going forward. I’m an entrepreneur and strategic marketer at heart! I’m also an active blogger and social media practitioner. In the coming weeks and months, watch for creatorbase posts and tweets about what’s next including:
