Tags
community, Diana Schwenk, dream, friends, Hump Day Chronicles, mission, Relationships, The Other Bottom Line, vision
I think it’s about time I update you on where I’m at with The Other Bottom Line.
A few months ago, it occurred to me that if I truly believe in engaging community I should get some people involved with the process. This has been an amazing experience for me and before I go much further I want to thank a few folks who have given me their feedback and have enthusiastically shared their ideas.
A big, heartfelt thank you to Pat, Jenalene, Del, Ian, Louise, Scott, Jody, Kathleen, Janet and all of you on WordPress who share your experiences and processes as you move toward your goals. Your participation has contributed to many of the steps and ideas below.
I’ve had a series of meetings over the last while with people to gather feedback and draw on their expertise to package The Other Bottom Line. The following items have been, or are in the process of being developed.
- Identity of The Other Bottom Line (brand, aesthetics, aura, design)
- the types of materials that need to be developed (presentation, leave behind, business cards)
- content (words) to describe The Other Bottom Line, who I am (credentials, philosophy, methodology)
- endorsements
- identifying the target audience
Also, I got an email from a friend with the following ideas and offering to help:
- consider writing blog content for companies and perhaps running their facebook and twitter marketing campaigns to supplement my income while I build The Other Bottom Line.
- Get my own domain name
- Make a short video that talks about services. Post the video to my site and YouTube.
- find a potential client that will let me use their space to provide a free seminar/lecture for them in exchange for allowing me to invite others.
All fantastic ideas that now occupy my Ideas parking lot!
In October, I was invited to a meeting with a couple of consultants to discuss whether or not we wanted to respond to an RFP to help an organization on a development project. We have moved forward with a proposal, confidant that we can provide them with the deliverables they seek. We should be hearing back soon.
Whether we get the contract or not, I’ve learned so much through this process as well. For example, I now have a catalogue of the types of services I offer and estimated costs and timetables.
The Other Bottom Line website was launched on September 9, 2013 and since October 1, I’ve written a post every Tuesday on topics like: engaging the community, communications, philanthropic culture, etc.
In an effort to increase traffic to The Other Bottom Line, I recently started following and interacting with other non-profit, Leadership and Entrepreneurial blogs. I am also employing social media to drive traffic to the site.
On November 5th Jody Spencer, the Founder of Because Edmonton Cares graciously wrote The Other Bottom Line’s first guest post. I hope to convince many others to write guest posts and added a page called Share Your Story for those who would like to do so.
On November 12, a CEO from the UK reblogged one of my posts. It totally made my day!
My next steps include developing materials for The Other Bottom Line and testing the brand with trusted professionals.
In conclusion I am having so much fun working on something that I care so much about. It remains my hope that sharing my process will encourage and benefit others who are following their dreams. Well, what do you think? Your feedback and ideas are valued and appreciated!
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Process related posts
The Other Bottom Line – August 7
If Momma’s Not Happy – July 31
Dreams, Dragging My Butt – July 24
Wyrd Smythe said:
Thanks for giving us the,… um,… you know,… “bottom line” on your activities. 😀
Much better than “rock bottom” (although that is the name of a nice brew pub downtown)!
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dianasschwenk said:
It was my pleasure. Especially since I committed to doing so! 😉
Rock Bottom Pub sound like the place to be. 🙂
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Wyrd Smythe said:
It’s a great place! I mentioned it in a post once; it was part of one of those rare perfect days.
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dianasschwenk said:
Wow. Any place that gives a round of free beer is ok in my books!
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Healthy A-Z said:
It’s so exciting to hear your progress. I have been working to start a couple of projects as well, so I can relate to your process…branding, materials, target audience, etc. It sounds like you are building a stron foundation. Congratulations!
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much for your encouragement! Any words of wisdom for me?
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Healthy A-Z said:
I’m still digesting myself, since I am in the middle of taking a course on branding. But the one thing I have personally decided is that all of the do/don’ts of SEO can spoil your pure heartfelt message. I have decided to go with my heart and trust a Higher Power to lead the way. I believe in synchronicities. Trust that you will know what you need when the time comes. Just take the one step at a time. Wishing you all good things…
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dianasschwenk said:
How wise! Thank you!
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Jennifer's Journal said:
You are amazing, Diana. Congratulations on what you have achieved so far, and good luck as you keep on keeping on! x
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Jennifer!
xo
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sedge808 said:
excellent post.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks very much sedge!
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joannerambling said:
But twiddling thumbs can be so cool and time consuming and well good in a strange way but you don’t know that because you have not been doing that you have been doing amazing stuff
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Joanne! Just before replying to your comment I was twiddling my thumbs! Shhhh don’t tell…
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When in New Places said:
Awesome, Diana!
You’re making it happen and shining a bright light of inspiration as you do!
I look forward to reading The Other Bottom Line posts – the site looks fantastic!!
~Andrea<3
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Andrea!
XO
Diana
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Ian Munro @ leadingessentially.com said:
You’ve got a great idea going here. And as with acorns, sometimes great ideas need to sit on the ground before they turn into majestic trees. Keep with it … it will happen!
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dianasschwenk said:
I know! Thanks for the affirmation!
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russtowne said:
I’m delighted to hear your enthusiasm and efforts in these areas, Diana. For you–and for the world–I wish great success in these recent endeavors!
Russ
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks so much Russ!
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stuffitellmysister said:
You continue to amaze me, Diana. Congrats and best wishes! ♥
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dianasschwenk said:
Aww thank you. You are so kind.
❤
Diana
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Tracy Lee Karner said:
I’ll enjoy reading about your journey–and perhaps we’ll find some ways to collaborate. There’s a group of like-minded (I mean they and you are like-minded) entrepreneurs here in Providence, to which I’m a hanger-on and encourager, who meet weekly to collaborate and promote each other. I’m going to profile one of those inspiring people next month (Richard Austin). Let’s see where our like-mindedness and blogging about our journeys leads…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you Tracy. A collaboration would be wonderful! I look forward to reading your post about Richard Austin.
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bulldog said:
Wow I’ve just been over to the other bottom line and done some catch up reading… magnificent and well done… some how after reading the first post I must have forgotten to press the follow button which I have now done… this is amazing… keep it up…
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dianasschwenk said:
Thank you so much bulldog! I hope you know that your courage and entrepreneurial bend, especially with terratry, has been a great source of encouragement and inspiration for me.
xo
Diana
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cyclingrandma said:
This is so inspiring! Good luck and keep going! You’re amazing! What a great service.
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dianasschwenk said:
Thanks Lisa – your encouragement means a lot to me!
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