Idea Napkin No. 2 (Week 9)

Idea Napkin -- I think my core competencies are an ideal fit for the project that I hope to bring to life. I have a passion for people and a passion for good, and this project seems like a perfect marriage of the two.

1) I am a second-year PR major in the Innovation Academy at UF. Through internships and educational opportunities, I have gained experience with volunteer management and community engagement. It would be exciting to apply these skills towards creating an online database/ networking forum that allows people to connect and unite in support of the causes/projects/organizations they are most passionate about. My life would definitely head in a direction I had not previously considered if I were to bring my idea to life.

2) I am offering to customers the opportunity to connect and find volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved and make a difference in the world. The online database/ networking forum I plan to create will allow people connect individually within their local community, as well as with representatives from national and international organizations. It could also act as a forum for planning and coordinating events, which could be helpful to people organizing events outside of their local area.

3) This resource will be available to anyone with internet access and a desire to make a difference in the world. I believe everyone has some ability to contribute in a positive way, so anyone, from any demographic, will be able to use it. That being said, the Web site managers would be strategic in who they reach out to; instead of reaching out to everyone in the world, they might target people who have shown an interest in volunteering.

4) I think people often want to get involved, but they don't always know where to start or don't feel like they can make much of an impact on their own. This service will encourage people to unite in support of the causes and projects they are passionate about. It will also make it easier for them to find ways to get involved by allowing them to determine the best way to apply their specific skill set to a particular cause/project/organization in order to have maximum impact and do the most good. 

5) I am extremely organized, proactive, and self-motivated. I also have an innate desire to do good, and I am passionate about supporting the causes that I feel are most important. 

Feedback Memo -- Based on the feedback I received, I altered my original Idea Napkin by expanding the resource's functions and capabilities. I also incorporated this feedback by focusing marketing and outreach strategies. Below is some of the main feedback I got from comments on my last Idea Napkin post:

1) Expanding the service to fundraising (in addition to volunteering)

2) Including smaller clubs (in addition to charity organizations, etc.)

3) Actively reaching out through the Web site (not just waiting for people to find it)

4) Expanding the resource so people can coordinate/make plans (not just get in touch)

5) Overall, I clearly conveyed my idea and my passion for what I hope to accomplish :)