#mcrtop5

Throughout the ages, especially with the rise of capitalism (I would argue), the million dollar question is something along the lines of…How will it take off? How will it grow? How will it make money?

We’ve seen in recent years the rapid rise of start-up firms going from being run from a bedroom to being among the world’s most expensive companies, with Windows being an early example. We’ve seen start-ups take on an almost previously-monopolised industry and nearly turned the tables so much that it has almost wiped out the original monopolist. Uber taking huge business from the traditional black cabs in some areas, for example. We’ve seen start-ups grow from nothing to become the worlds’ most connected platforms, outgrowing even the highest-funded telecommunication companies, like Facebook has done against say Vodafone.

In my optimistic personal view, I think we’re on the verge of seeing the next wave of organisations, but instead of looking purely at user numbers and profits, some are focusing as much on social benefits. Rather than relying on just charities and government organisations to provide social benefit, we’re seeing a rise in ‘for-purpose’ organisations where the social benefit is really considered.

Thankfully, then, organisations that put people, animals and the environment before profits are seeing some success – I expect this to continue at a greater scale, and we at nelfie.org would love to be a part of this great wave.

So, rather than ‘How will it make money’, we’re now also asking…

How will it benefit the world?  

Tom

Twitter: @nelfiedotorg

I think the reason this is difficult is largely because of what we (The Team) are hoping to happen, or not happen; That we don’t define the boundaries of this project, we don’t say what is and what isn’t going to happen, we don’t tell you / charities / others how this is going to run. Instead, you do.

Our shared philosophy is to build and power the engine (primarily our website nelfie.org) and for you and everyone else out there to drive the project in whichever direction you like. Naturally this vehicle will need refueling and may occasionally breakdown, but that’s why we’re here to get it moving again. 

Many good marketers tell us that rather than telling people who your organisation is, perhaps think about how you’d like it to be described. So on that note, I guess in a single sentence (kinda) it would be great for the project to one day be described as:

An energy-firing action-inspiring people-powered-dreams-machine...and we’re fuelled by a common desire to make a real difference.

Plus it just about fits with Twitters’ 140 characters policy :)

Have a great Tuesday!

Tom

Twitter: @nelfiedotorg

P.S If you thought that was a mouthful to say, my original idea was: 

It’s been a while since I’ve posted but there’s good reason for that, which I’ll mention at the end of this blog entry. Right now though I’d like to share an epiphany I’ve had about this project – what it is, what we’re trying to do and what it can become. Enjoy!

‘Platform’ is such an all-encompassing word, especially in the start-up sector (and even more so in the tech start-up sector). And why not, when it sort of works for so many start-ups?

To date, nelfie.org has been typically referred to as a platform. But perhaps that doesn’t quite fit. With support, ideas and inspiration from so many angles, now we (the Team and I) are building something much more than just a platform. We’re building a stage.

How do you interpret ‘a stage’?

Perhaps you immediately think of a theatre, where you go to see something that may entertain, humour or challenge you. Perhaps you think of a raised podium, where you go to see, listen to and maybe question someone who is there with a point to make. Or maybe you think of a stage in the sense of a metaphor, perhaps as a step in the development, growth and progress of an idea or social issue, for example.

To us, any and all of these and more can apply. With nelfie.org you will be free to participate and view whatever is on the stage, to challenge, to be entertained, to ask for more from and to be inspired. What’s more, you’ll get to engage with those on stage and show your appreciation beyond their performance.

For all of you, especially the bravest, the entertainers, the artists, and the most passionate about social issues…well, you’ll have the chance to take centre stage and to get your message out there to a far wider audience than you could have ever imagined.

What is the nelfie Team’s job in all of this?

Well, like any good theatre manager, we are to ensure that the stage is built, maintained and completely open for anyone who wishes to step up and use it. We are responsible for making it possible for anyone to view, whenever and from wherever they wish. We’re responsible for getting the ‘biggest acts’ up there, for supporting anyone who wants to get involved. We’re responsible for hitting our own extremely ambitious standards, so you can use our stage to boost yourself and your message to the next level.

Where are we right now?

Well, metaphorically speaking (again), the stage build has begun. With a growing team including some excellent developers and other smart people on side already, there’s a really good buzz around the camp. Our focus recently has been on getting the foundations and design for the stage in place – now we’re looking for artists, entertainers, for really passionate people to come and  ‘do their thang’ prior to when we open to the public.

Our question to you is - will you take a seat and watch, or do you have a burning passion that you want to stand up and share with the world?

 Tom

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