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Social Entrepreneurs

This is a forum to connect social entrepreneurs and to post industry problems for group-think problem solving. See something in your industry that is holding you back, post it! The answer may be closer than you think. Are you a great problem solver who wants to change the world? Check back and offer your solutions! A great idea paired with resolve can change the world. Welcome to the Ark!

Network Leader: Jon Atkinson

Groups > Social Entrepreneurs

TOP IDEA: Beatriz Alemar I'm starting a new coaching business to help young professionals and entrepreneurs like you, and I value your opinion. Would you please help me by taking this 5 minute survey? Your input is super appreciated. :) Here's the link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WK6SHC7

40 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, I am Gen Y, Social Entrepreneurs and Ask A Coach 2 more

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Jana Schuberth: Hey Beatriz, I think we're in the same field - if you ever want to have a chat about starting your practice and my experience of what works and ...MoreHey Beatriz, I think we're in the same field - if you ever want to have a chat about starting your practice and my experience of what works and what doesn't let's just meet up for a Skype coffee call :-)
30 weeks ago

Beatriz Alemar: Thank you so much everyone! I've sent you PMs (or introductory messages if I couldn't PM you) answering your questions.
29 weeks ago

Jason H. Parker I've been thinking lately about the importance of building social capital, or essentially, positioning oneself as a central node in a network of interconnected relationships. What do you do in your professional life to build social capital? What tools/tips/questions have you found to be effective for you in building these quality relationships?

63 weeks ago from Recruiters Unite!, Productivity & Time-Management, Social Entrepreneurs, Washington D.C. and Barter on Brazen 3 more

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Sam Rye: Vickie brings up a good point - depends on what you mean by Social Capital really I guess? Personally I call myself a connector whilst I'm working ...MoreVickie brings up a good point - depends on what you mean by Social Capital really I guess? Personally I call myself a connector whilst I'm working with Enspiral - I connect people, places, things, ideas and locations to make things happen. I think the important thing is listening - without that you can't really be that connector.
Enspiral itself is all about building social capital in the sense of social enterprise - supporting purpose over profit. We focus our talents & skills on great projects/relationships with NGO's & Social Enterprises.... we're kind of a social enterprise FOR social enterprises you could say.

I also co-host a series of workshops which supports idea innovation & project incubation for social innovators in Wellington, NZ - where I now call my hometown.

So in essence - listening & analysis helps build networks and pro-activity/action helps build social capital I guess?
61 weeks ago

Mike Ambassador Bruny: I hope i'm not dublicating here, but what I do is be curious/interested in others. I once had an admin who was really mean to me until I went and ...MoreI hope i'm not dublicating here, but what I do is be curious/interested in others. I once had an admin who was really mean to me until I went and checked out one of her plays (it wasn't a political move, I really wanted to see the play). The other thing I do is find opportunities to be with people in non-work settings. Going to a conference and then hitting the dance floor, always seems to change the dynamics of the relationship.
30 weeks ago

Jason Biondo I just released the beta version of my new site PitchBIG.com . We simplify both the entrepreneur's and the investor's exhausting process of finding, researching and connecting with each other. Beautifully simple. Spend less time connecting and more time building. If you're interested in become a tester visit the home page, click join and request a beta key.

35 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Zezinho I live in a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Finally we are now able to open Rocinha Media School which will be a center that will have a dj school, photography and filmmaking classes for the residents of Rocinha. Check out our new website at: http://rocinhamediaschool.org

46 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Cameron Plommer I put my economic graph-making skills to good use and made a little diagram about a few ways to run a business. Love to hear your thoughts. http://cameronplommer.com/2011/06/on-sustainable-business-practices/

50 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs and Blogging Ideas 1 more

Kylie Schleicher recommended this

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Cameron Plommer: I guess quality projects are ones that meet the objective best (selling units, pleasing clients, etc.).
50 weeks ago

Corbin Haresnape: <---Delusional Management. We can do ALL of it!
50 weeks ago

Eric Sforza I'm currently working on 3 startup projects that are looking to create websites. Since all of these companies are lean, I'm trying to find the most cost effective solutions. Each company does something different (social venture, small business w/ online store, consulting) so I'm looking for a variety of options. For example: Is it better to use a site builder - if so, which ones and why? Is there better value at getting a freelance graphic designer to build a few pages? Thanks in advance!

53 weeks ago from Shotgun Startups, Freelancing, Social Entrepreneurs, Web Development and Web Startups 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Kelly Seiler: @Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently ...More@Eric - you might need to tweak the CSS in your theme so that content shows up the way you want (fonts, size, center, left, etc) consistently across the site. When you update you shouldn't be doing much - if any formatting.

Of course I'll caveat that with the advice to never copy stuff out of Word directly into Wordress. They don't play nice. Copy text into Notepad or a similar program that strips away the formatting then copy into Wordpress.
50 weeks ago

Sadya Siddiqui: Outsource it, so that you can focus on building your business and your clients. Try out Brazen Careerist Lindsey Donner
50 weeks ago

Patrick Atwater I'm looking to launch a social network for people that love California, ourcali [dot] com, in partnership with the release of advance copies of my book, A New California Dream (http://www.patrickatwater.com/p/my-book.html). Anyone here have any good thoughts / experience on how to do outreach online?

51 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Bethany Gardner I'm looking for female entrepreneurs to profile on my website "The Unwitting Entrepreneur" (unwittingentrepreneur.com). If you're interested, please email me at bethany@unwittingentrepreneur.com

54 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Julia Kious Zabell “Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else.” Judy Garland How does creating a brand actually change your business? How does being yourself actually create a brand? http://www.beinvigorated.com/2011/04/18/get-branded/

57 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Creatively Inspired, Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs and Location Independent 3 more

Sam Rye I've been away from Brazen for awhile, but it's been because I've been attending conferences and doing a lot of research into Social Enterprise/Innovation. I'm inspired frankly - and interested to know what you've all been up to - whether it be working / researching / just noticing Social Ent/Innov in your communities. Can you give me examples? I recently heard Tonya Surman from Centre for Social Innovation (Toronto) give a keynote - absolutely wonderful: socialinnovation.ca

61 weeks ago from Social Enterprise Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs and Innovators Incubation 1 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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Rebecca Thorman: Yep! I'm doing a talk on a project I've been working on next Tuesday so that should be good. The entrepreneur community is great here.
61 weeks ago

Caroline: I'm currently in India interning with a social enterprise involved in solar and renewable energy for off-grid rural households! Almost half-way ...MoreI'm currently in India interning with a social enterprise involved in solar and renewable energy for off-grid rural households! Almost half-way done and an incredible experience so far.

Sam- thanks for the great link to check out. I'm from Toronto and interested in staying in the social enterprise field but unsure of the current opportunities and ventures in Canada, since many social businesses are located in developing countries.

Does anyone have additional tips/resources to check out for a recent graduate looking to get into the social business field in Canada?
57 weeks ago

Timothy Johnson III I read this fantastic article in the Wall Street Journal, "How to Get a Real Education", by Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert: http://on.wsj.com/getarealedu - after reading the article, please answer this question in the comments: "How do you combine your disparate skills together to create value that sets you apart?" I can't wait to read your responses!

58 weeks ago from Creatively Inspired, Brazen Bloggers, Social Pollination, #HireFriday and Social Entrepreneurs 3 more

Deborah Rye recommended this

Sam Rye Beyond Funding : Social Enterprise has been around for awhile, but we seem to be on the front of another wave of truly exciting projects, crowd-funding platforms, Govt recognition, governance structures and service delivery. Do you have a social enterprise project you're leading + what can you share for it's abilities to take NFP/NGO's beyond funding & sponsorship woes?

58 weeks ago from Non-Profit Management, Nonprofiteers, Innovators Incubation, Social Enterprise Entrepreneurs and Social Entrepreneurs 3 more

Brett Kunsch Aside from texting in $10 donations, what else can we do to help Japan in their time of crisis?

62 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

Mehul Kar and Khaila Edward recommended this

Jason H. Parker Today is International Women's Day, and my friends over @LearnVest recently wrote a wonderful post of financial advice for young professional women. Check it out here: http://bit.ly/fRv6Oi. The most interesting components of this article are the statistics, namely, that despite the fight for closing the wage gap between male and female workers, women still earn, 77% of their male counterparts. We had an interesting discussion about the wage gap at our office today. What are your thoughts?

63 weeks ago from Entry-Level Young Professionals, Personal Finance and Social Entrepreneurs 1 more

Harriet May recommended this

Harriet May: I love LearnVest! The tidbits of advice in that article are great. Many echo sentiments my parents instilled in me (although I am guilty of ...MoreI love LearnVest! The tidbits of advice in that article are great. Many echo sentiments my parents instilled in me (although I am guilty of getting my dad to help me with my taxes still and managing my stock portfolio... I guess I'm a work in progress).
63 weeks ago

Rebecca Thorman: As a wage gap, I don't think that's so bad. Most of that is still due to older women (the wage gap between young women and young men is barely ...More As a wage gap, I don't think that's so bad. Most of that is still due to older women (the wage gap between young women and young men is barely anything - and in some cases women are making more) and the fact that some women take signigicant time off to have kids. I think one of the more interesting things to come out of the study is that women are in lower-earning professions. We don't have as many women in science, technology, engineering and math - all of the sectors that DEFINE innovation and our society. This means that no matter if we closed the gap completely, women would still be underrepresented in the workplace. Daily Worth gives a better take on this than Learn Vest - http://www.dailyworth.com/blog/685-report-on-women-50-years-later
63 weeks ago

Julia Kious Zabell Great article on creating some edge in your brand by standing against things (rather than just for them....) It creates a bit more of an edge, a bit more of something for others to bump up against. Would you take this tactic? http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/02/what_is_your_brand_against.html

64 weeks ago from Personal Branding, Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Inspiring Leadership and I am Gen Y 3 more

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Julia Kious Zabell: @ Mark...in which way do you mean, "About the customer?" I am guessing you mean that it actually has to do with your product or service, right? ...More@ Mark...in which way do you mean, "About the customer?" I am guessing you mean that it actually has to do with your product or service, right?

I think there are two ways of being against something that would be useful:
1) As a means to connect on a personal level with your ideal client/customer (establishing the connection via brand).
2) As a means to really support/push the benefits of your product or service (the opposite of the things you are against).

Yes?
64 weeks ago

Mark W.: @Julia, yes, and well said. I was thinking of focusing on the customer and delivering on a product or service rather than being against something ...More@Julia, yes, and well said. I was thinking of focusing on the customer and delivering on a product or service rather than being against something that you don't like from the competition because they are the competition.
64 weeks ago

Julia Kious Zabell The entrepreneurial road....this ain't no road, for the weary kind. How about for you guys?! http://bit.ly/dTQ3fK

66 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Nomadic Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurs, Work/Life Blur and Ask A Coach 3 more

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Julia Kious Zabell: @kilt and @ Cheryl...Wow, there is nothing like getting a bit of sleep and A LOT of work done to come back to an incomplete thought! My post (and ...More@kilt and @ Cheryl...Wow, there is nothing like getting a bit of sleep and A LOT of work done to come back to an incomplete thought! My post (and my brain) were just considering how crazy entrepreneurship can be. It is one of the best jolts of adrenaline at the same time as being totally exhausting...All the while, being absolutely fulfilling. But, I wonder how many people know that before they get into it.

And @ Jamie, I really truly always love seeing you with that dolphin. So fun!
66 weeks ago

Cheryl Roshak: @Julia, I think if you've never started a business before you'll be in for a big surprise as being an employee is so far different from being the ...More@Julia, I think if you've never started a business before you'll be in for a big surprise as being an employee is so far different from being the boss, the owner of a company, where you are responsible for everything, especially at the beginning in the start-up stages. How could they if you've never done it before? :) It's a learning experience. Trial by fire but it's an exhilarating experience!
66 weeks ago

Sam Rye So what do we think Gen-i's major innovations might be in the coming years? A generation growing up in a digital world will be most forward thinking of us all, but will they forget about the physical world and the communities which nurture them to concentrate on Digital, or will there be a globalised re-connection of society and a shift in values?

69 weeks ago from The Modern Strategist, Social Entrepreneurs, Social Enterprise Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Incubation 3 more

Rebecca Thorman recommended this

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James Lee: @edward, that's an awesome idea!! totally think that overconsumption can happen in a variety of forms, not just goods and services that we buy. it ...More@edward, that's an awesome idea!! totally think that overconsumption can happen in a variety of forms, not just goods and services that we buy. it baffles me to see people with 10,000 friends on fb -- that's not allowed unless you are super hot and have 20+ albums to share (just kidding...sorta). I definitely value quality over quantity, and balancing richness of shared knowledge with quality of interconnectedness is extremely difficult (but the key to ultimate success) in the online space.

66 weeks ago

Edward Antrobus: @James, I absolutely believe that substantive and sustainable changes to the economy have to start with businesses. The average person doesn't ...More@James, I absolutely believe that substantive and sustainable changes to the economy have to start with businesses. The average person doesn't have resource scarcity on their minds because they are marketed into believing the opposite, especially with companies policies with planned obsolescence. I know people who, even though they agree it's ridiculous and a waste of money, stand in line for each new iphone.
66 weeks ago

Julia Kious Zabell Upcoming Cleveland EVENT: I am on the panel of experts at this awesome event. If you are in town, you should definitely check this one out! Join Ladies Who Launch Cleveland and the Cleveland Women's Journal as they host a unique luncheon and panel discussion featuring personal energy experts that will discuss how to use the energy around and within you to achieve goals in your business, career, and personal life. http://www.ladieswholaunch.com/cleveland/event/2452

67 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Ask A Coach and Personal Development 2 more

Julia Kious Zabell A post by a marketing friend, Tad Hargrave.... 7 marketing lessons from the egyptian uprising. Totally interesting for all those who have a hankering to change the world with their message! http://bit.ly/hgppod

67 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Personal Branding, Nonprofiteers and Inspiring Leadership 3 more

Lael Johnson: @Julia I'm on Tad's mailing list. He always has something challenging and interesting to say. Thanks for your post!
67 weeks ago

Julia Kious Zabell: My pleasure...He has some great points as well as a fun point of view. Good stuff!
67 weeks ago

Sam Rye What tools does your organisation use to generate genuine innovation and collaboration? Do you use facilitation techniques/consultants in your business? I'm really interested in a few theories and methods, so keen to hear others people have worked with.

68 weeks ago from Innovators Incubation, Inspiring Leadership, Social Entrepreneurs, Social Enterprise Entrepreneurs and Community Karma 3 more

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Sam Rye: Blay, completely agree. I'm becoming really interested in facilitating those kinds of 'off-campus' events where people's ideas are challenged, ...MoreBlay, completely agree. I'm becoming really interested in facilitating those kinds of 'off-campus' events where people's ideas are challenged, their interests & passions are re-awakened, and they can reconnect with people around them. We're thinking of launching this kind of service for people we like around NZ (mainly social enterprises, NGO's, and progressive businesses).

Do you know of any crafts / ideas I can research around your comments?
68 weeks ago

Scott Messinger: Honestly, it seems to be the 'mushroom method' (google that term). When employees don't know what to do, they can be amazingly innovative... ...MoreHonestly, it seems to be the 'mushroom method' (google that term). When employees don't know what to do, they can be amazingly innovative... before they burn out!
67 weeks ago

Sam Rye When we're networking, should we hold the 'safe ground' and just talk about what we think the other people might be happy talking about, or should we throw in the odd curve ball and see how they re-act? I generally err to the latter, but then that's because I have opinions and like to see how people react to them. What're your thoughts?

69 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs, Innovators Incubation, Business Development, New Zealand and Entrepreneurs 3 more

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Sam Rye: I quite like:
- Have you heard of / What's your take on Collaborative Consumption, and do you see it as a threat to (your) business?
- Is your ...MoreI quite like:
- Have you heard of / What's your take on Collaborative Consumption, and do you see it as a threat to (your) business?
- Is your company thinking about the coming of a low-carbon economy, and how do you think you would change your business if it were to happen?
- Do you know of any social enterprises operating in the area?
- I work with a business which puts purpose above profit, and encourages the staff to take time out to help in the community - do you have any similar initiatives in yours?

Blank face or eyes light up?

I have some more generic ones if people are seemingly not engaged at all in that realm of 'responsible business' - sometimes around cost effectiveness of closed loop systems, waste minimisation, and what kind of groups they affiliate with etc etc.
68 weeks ago

Kathleen Vallejos: I like them as well. You've got me thinking...
67 weeks ago

Tony Forte Lupe Fiasco decides to go QR for his new album cover. Check it out. Let us know your thoughts on Lupe's album cover in the "QR Code enthusiast" group. http://www.blackweb20.com/2011/02/03/lupe-fiasco-promoting-lasers-album-....

68 weeks ago from QR Code Enthusiast, I am Gen Y, Generation Y Marketers, Tech Gurus and Social Entrepreneurs 3 more

Jason H. Parker Day Two for my new group "Barter on Brazen". Want to issue a request for assistance: who else are you connected with, on or off Brazen, that might find value in joining a group like ours? Can you invite two more people? Five? Ten? Let's spread the word!

72 weeks ago from Barter on Brazen, Washington D.C., Social Entrepreneurs, Social Media Marketers and PR & New Media 3 more

Ryan Healy recommended this

D. "Diane" of ABC: We believe in mutual support and collaboration. So feel free to post your good news at MoreWe believe in mutual support and collaboration. So feel free to post your good news at www.meetup.com/socialentrepreneurs and our other meetup.com groups. I have already mentioned your site to some of my friends.
68 weeks ago

Tracy Tran One more day until George Mason University School of Management Alumni Chapter's 1st webinar - "How to Become an Entrepreneur" & its FREE! Please Register: http://bit.ly/a7o3NL

79 weeks ago from NOVA, Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Business Development and Inspiring Leadership 3 more

Tracy Tran recommended this

Kathleen Vallejos: Any more of these coming up soon?
68 weeks ago

Latoya J. Williams Read a great article in the Jan-Feb issue of the Harvard Business Review that highlights the important role of social entrepreneurship. The article, "The Big Idea: Creating Shared Value," provides a vision for the evolution of capitalism and the corporation. A valuable read for anyone in the social entrepreneurship space: http://bit.ly/gHRUz8

69 weeks ago from Social Entrepreneurs

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Sam Rye: @Latoya, yup saw this already - a good read and one I'll proabably go through a couple of times to pick everything out.

You might also be ...More@Latoya, yup saw this already - a good read and one I'll proabably go through a couple of times to pick everything out.

You might also be interested in
http://www.ssireview.org/
http://www.ted.com/talks/rachel_botsman_the_case_for_collaborative_consu...
http://www.socialenterpriselive.com/
69 weeks ago

Latoya J. Williams: @Sam, Planning to read through that article again myself...much to digest. Plan to integrate the insights gained from the article in some upcoming ...More@Sam, Planning to read through that article again myself...much to digest. Plan to integrate the insights gained from the article in some upcoming blog posts and projects. Looking forward to exploring the resources you posted...Thanks!
69 weeks ago