Monday, October 13, 2014

CROWDFUNDING



Crowdfunding means putting your project online so people can see it and give you money to do it.  It's that simple.

I found this crowdfunding project similar to my blog theme (’Why are we here’) called  “The Meaning of Life” that was successfully funded in August 2012 on Indiegogo ~~


I also found a number of online sites with good tips on how to start crowdfunding and below are some of their common elements:

Tell your story    
Be organized    
Do your sums (how much money do you need to raise)    Get people talking
Contact businesses and organization, put up fliers
Contact the press  (write your own press releases)

Be creative and keep your followers posted on your (normally) 30-day campaign  ~  because they want to know!   That means, even after you’re funded (if possible, on the particular funding site) let them know your progress, your ups and downs, your continuing story.  If not on that site then leave them an audit trail or website so they can keep up with you.

Say thank you and do your follow up.  Do they get a T-shirt or autographed poster for donating so much money?     

This has been YOUR project turned into a group effort and your supporters have more than money invested.   Talk to their feelings!  This keeps you alive in their minds and hearts because, who knows, maybe you may do it again.

This is good sense from the online ‘Social Media Examiner’ on how to crowdfund  ~   like:


Choosing the right crowdfunding site.  Pitch your project with passion.  Show a plan for spending their money.  And more.

My favorites have been Kickstarter and Indiegogo.   I’ve had friends on both and I’ve also backed different projects on both.  There’s also Appbackr, Profounder, Buzzbnk, Causevox, 33 Needs and Firstgiving. 

My current, favorite project is this one-station radio in a mason jar on Kickstarter  ~~


Crowdfunding isn’t really about money; it’s a community engagement process between an individual anywhere on Earth reaching out for money to create something new.  At the heart of this revolution is how people can easily find like-minded people and collaborate using social media tools. 

Crowdfunding rocks!

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