[17:50] Hi there! [17:58] <@jorourk4> hi! [17:58] <@jorourk4> I saw your Tweet [17:58] :) [17:58] <@jorourk4> How are you? [17:58] I'm good. You? [17:58] <@jorourk4> I'm good. Just finished sending my mission statements [17:59] I just saw it -- very clear and focused. I like it. [17:59] <@jorourk4> Trying to get used to the way this class runs. I've never taken an online P2P class before! [17:59] <@jorourk4> Thanks : ) [17:59] My first time on P2PU too! [17:59] <@jorourk4> I also posted one for my current company [18:00] I took an online course w/one of the founders awhile back. [18:00] <@jorourk4> I work for the CEO of a software company, and was talking to a colleague in our New Ventures department. Told him about this class and he suggested that I use this class to help leverage our Marketing -- bc we have no marketing department, lol [18:01] LOL... so did your company have a mission statement already in place? If so, did you know about it? [18:01] <@jorourk4> I've done online courses in college, but they were a little different... most of my info went to my email. so this is definitely a little challenging navigating [18:01] <@jorourk4> So... I posted our ..... ? statement [18:01] <@jorourk4> I'm not sure what it is [18:01] I just went back and "re-looked" at two of my ventures' mission statements. [18:01] <@jorourk4> I worked on it, and to be honest, I don't like the entire message [18:02] Btw, couldy you send me your email (or post if here if you like)? I'm trying to use email instead of the messaging on P2PU...which I find a little difficult. [18:03] <@jorourk4> [18:03] <@jorourk4> HAPPY for you to email, haha [18:03] <@jorourk4> I follow my twitter pretty actively... but I def miss a lot [18:03] <@jorourk4> glad i saw your post though! [18:03] Thank you!! Not being able to look at prev msgs is too hard for me. :) [18:04] Just posted again... hopefully a few more will join us. [18:04] <@jorourk4> ok cool : ) [18:04] I think the synchronous time is hard for folks...were 13 or 14 who posted being available though [18:04] <@jorourk4> ok, so I think I missed what you meant here [18:04] <@jorourk4> [17:04] I just went back and "re-looked" at two of my ventures' mission statements. [18:05] I just went back and took a look at two mission statements for companies/projects of my own. [18:05] It's good to reevalute periodically. [18:05] <@jorourk4> ooh i see : ) [18:06] <@jorourk4> Yes, I notice we have some interesting time zones here... will be more challenging [18:06] I think it's a challenge to be concrete and focused (like your Bin66 mission) while not ruling out future opportunities [18:07] <@jorourk4> which are you speaking about? [18:07] my companies? K12 Handhelds and the Kids Open Dictionary [18:08] <@jorourk4> i see [18:08] <@jorourk4> What did you put as your MS? [18:08] <@jorourk4> (mission statement) [18:09] The mission for the Open Dictionary is "To create a free and open dictionary that is appropriate for kids, both in terms of content and reading level" -- very narrow, but that's really it [18:09] K12 Handhelds "provides schools with integrated solutions for mobile technology use in education." This is a business that's changed a lot over almost 10 years. [18:10] Mission has gotten broader as a result. [18:10] <@jorourk4> hmmm [18:10] <@jorourk4> I would say pick 3 key words out of each that you MUST use [18:10] Hi Pam! Glad to see you. [18:10] <@jorourk4> (3 or 4 main ones) [18:11] <@jorourk4> Then it's easier to work from there [18:11] Good idea, Jen. Forces focus. [18:11] HI Karen, hi jorourk4! [18:11] Pam, we were just starting to talk about mission statements. [18:11] <@jorourk4> Hey! btw you can call me Jennifer or Jo -- easier then my screen name [18:11] I'm gathering that...is there a way to see the chat before coming on? [18:12] I thought it was interesting to see how some big company's mission statemts have evolved over time (in the forum posts) [18:12] Jo it is [18:12] <@jorourk4> ;) [18:12] Pam, I dont' think so. ..at least as far as I could see. [18:12] k' [18:12] I'll post a log of the whole thing afterward tho [18:12] sorry im' late [18:13] No problm. Not sure if others will be joining us; timing is tough for folks I thikn. [18:13] I was surprised at stoma of the poor MS by well established co [18:13] Funny to see Starbucks mission without the word "coffee" [18:14] Good point [18:14] Do you think mission statements are more for internal use or extermal use? I think it affects the content. [18:14] Bigger company MS's seem to be written for annual reports. :) [18:14] I think it CAN be powerful for both groups [18:15] <@jorourk4> I think it's maybe more internal [18:15] I agree. [18:15] I think that they should be MANDATORY for internal use...as a way to keep focused and "on message" [18:15] I worked at a company where we all learned and used the vision statement within and with customers...it was a powerful intentional kind of mantra for us all, I thought. [18:15] I like that... as a mantra. [18:16] Got that from GUy Kawasaki [18:16] Marketing is communication, and if everyone in an org doesn't know the main "message" it's a problem. [18:16] I LOVE Guy K.!!! [18:16] I looked at all the marketing books on my bookshelf this weekend and had forgotten how many of Guy's books I have. [18:16] HUh? Just saw him for the first time on a youtube vid as I was searching for MSs [18:17] WOw [18:17] He was the original Apple evangelist...made "evangelism" a marketing mantra. [18:17] Now Seth Godin seems to be the big mktg guru. [18:17] He was teaching a group at a prestigious co, can't remember who - telling people to forget what they learned about MS! [18:18] That sounds like Guy! He's big into "forget what you learned in biz school" [18:18] YEah, Iiked his casual down to earth style [18:18] Pam, while we're here, do you mind posting your email addr (or you can email it to me if you want)? [18:18] Who is Seth Godi? [18:19] [18:19] Thanks! [18:19] JO, do you know Seth Godin? Many mentioned him as a mktg inspir in their applic for htis course. [18:20] <@jorourk4> I've heard of him for sure... have to job my brain [18:20] I had forgotten he was the second author on some of the old "Guerilla Marketing" books (which I always liked a lot). [18:20] http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/ [18:20] <@jorourk4> Yes, checking that out now [18:20] I think Permission Marketing is one of his big books. [18:21] Tribes too. [18:21] <@jorourk4> So it's interesting (translated: horrible to admit) -- I've never paid much attention to marketing (GASP!) [18:21] I like his home page: "Go Make Something Happen" [18:21] <@jorourk4> I typically follow entrepreneurs [18:21] : ) I avoided marketing like the plague! [18:21] Any favorites? [18:22] This is very new for me to be interested in marketing...and it is really due to my interest in web stuff [18:22] Aren't most entrepreneurs successful marketers (even though they may not call it that)? [18:22] I think of marketing as a lot bigger than "advertising" online or offline. [18:23] Marketing is communicating a passion. We all do that. [18:23] <@jorourk4> So my first inspiration was my father. Not helpful you. [18:23] <@jorourk4> Jorn Lyseggen [18:23] <@jorourk4> He's the owner of the company I'm working at now, and he's a huge inspiration to me [18:23] Awesome! [18:23] <@jorourk4> He's starting a blog: Shack15 [18:23] Link? [18:24] <@jorourk4> It launched, and didn't, and then launched... will let you know when there is a Live version for sure! [18:24] Jo that's very cool [18:24] <@jorourk4> We've always been an under the radar company, and just a year ago we started our Communications team [18:25] <@jorourk4> I was explaining to Karen, we do not have a marketing team -- and although I am taking this class for my own personal knowledge, and trying to help me with Bin86 --- why not take this information and help market the company the pays my bills ; ) [18:25] Marketing CAN be about communicating a passion [18:26] <@jorourk4> A fun one: Jessica Mah [18:26] <@jorourk4> She's the CEO of inDinero [18:26] <@jorourk4> she's 20? [18:26] Interesting question: Is your "passion" evident in your mission statement? [18:26] <@jorourk4> and owns her own little empire [18:26] absolutely [18:28] checked out inDinero - looks very cool [18:29] <@jorourk4> Kevin Rose, Tony Sphere, BizStone, Reid Hoffman, Joi Ito, Raymond Nasr -- also a few fav's of mine [18:29] hmmm - well, now that I think about it, it is in the vision statement: "Finding stillness within. Heart. Mind. Body. Soul. World" [18:29] <@jorourk4> I'm really into the Silicon Valley Tech space and who's who [18:29] I know Joi Eto. Interesting guy. [18:30] <@jorourk4> verrrry interesting [18:30] <@jorourk4> I met him in November [18:30] Pam, good passion in that statement...could apply to a lot of things though, no? [18:30] <@jorourk4> If something seems like 'the right thing' ... he'll say 'do the opposite' [18:30] <@jorourk4> Love it! [18:30] : ) so much to learn in this new world of marketing and entrepreneurship [18:31] <@jorourk4> I would say, Pam, same thing (not sure if you entered convo when mentioned) -- but pick 3-4 main key words you DEF want in your mission statement [18:31] I think we were talking right b4 you came on about the challenge of being clear and specific while not limiting possible opportunities [18:31] <@jorourk4> then we can work from there [18:32] Yes, Karen - agree it could apply to a lot of things - the mission statement is very specific. Will paste in a moment [18:32] <@jorourk4> Just like Guy was saying in youtube video -- Wendys statement is blah blah blah - but it should be this: Healthy Fast Food. Boom! [18:32] We bring together people seeking retreats, with retreat centers and retreat leaders through our beautiful, intelligent, user friendly, and comprehensive worldwide web-based directory. [18:32] Hard to combine "visionary" with "specific" sometimes. [18:32] Yes, much more specific. [18:33] Yes, I do really like the "Healthy Fast Food" type...just not there yet! [18:33] Retreats are obviously a key. COuld you see yourself doing something other than retreats in the mid-term future? [18:34] sure [18:34] I'm involved with several things - the retreat directory is just one [18:34] <@jorourk4> Pam, I think you'd be solid with just: Our Directory brings together people seeking retreat related .... (can't think of last word) [18:34] Is there a way to describe the "retreat" idea that is a little less specific but still gets at your core? [18:35] mission = why you exist [18:35] hmmm stillness captures it for me but not sure how much it does for others [18:36] Jo - hmm I like beginning with directory... [18:36] Stillness could be a lot of things...I think.... [18:37] I exist to connect people seeking retreats, all kinds, for healing and spiritual growth...with all the opps out there... [18:37] I really like the word "connect".... it covers the directory idea but could be more. [18:37] but our inspiration was to make it an aesthetically beautiful experience - a little like going on a retreat while at the site - and really helpful... [18:38] yes, i lke connect, too a dabbled with it earlier [18:38] <@jorourk4> sorry-- doing this form my office and ppl are popping in and out.... [18:38] appreciate the attention on this from y'll [18:38] I am in the middle of a social media project w/a client and we're calling our evangelists "connectors" [18:38] "Are you a connector?" [18:38] <@jorourk4> I see more of what you mean though... let me think [18:39] : ) [18:39] <@jorourk4> I feel like when you have a MS -- that it should be clear. So clear that a 7 year old could wrap it's head around what you do. [18:39] karen - what do you mean by that? [18:40] <@jorourk4> If you can convince a 7 year old what you do -- millions of other people will also get it [18:40] Picking up on JO's idea "...retreats and related experiences to foster stillness and reflection" [18:41] hmm - well I am separating an MS from a vision statement...but I sooo agree with making it alive and accessible... [18:41] Sometimes I have a hard time separating mission and vision. [18:42] <@jorourk4> Define "MS" Define "VS" [18:42] Karen...that seems stiff, though, "related experiences" and "foster"... but appreciate so much the attention to this [18:42] <@jorourk4> Pam- do you have a website I can see? [18:42] MS - to me describes what you are doing...VS communicates the passion, somehow [18:43] <@jorourk4> ahh, ok I see [18:43] stillmountainretreatguide.com [18:43] <@jorourk4> K- would you agree? [18:43] For myself, I often have a mission statement that is primarily for internal purposes (to focus the team) and then messaging that is externally focused...more friendly, accessible, etc. [18:43] Yes, I think mission is what you are .... and vision is more future-focused, what you want to be ? [18:43] yes...i like that... [18:44] <@jorourk4> ok, gonna check out site and see what i gather form it [18:44] <@jorourk4> P- are you looking for MS or VS more? [18:44] Beatiful site, P. [18:45] "Committed to providing resources and guidance for people seeking spiritual retreats—helping individuals, adolescents, couples, and families find the retreat, workshop, or healing modality that best meets their need" [18:45] thanks - thanks - feels rather baroque, now LOL, to me but still good. Not user friendly enough, yet [18:45] Clear...says retreat but also more [18:46] Funny to see yoga there because when you posted your mission, yoga is exactly what I thought of. [18:47] <@jorourk4> I think what K posted is perfect! [18:47] yoga and meditation are typical, but there is so much out there... a world of pilgrimages t places like Iran or the Sahara [18:47] <@jorourk4> Right there from your site...! [18:47] monasteries I spent a month at a traditional benedictine that was incredible for me...vision quests, etc [18:47] (except I was thinking of it in my yoga room rather than at a retreat :) [18:48] do you have your own yoga room? [18:49] Jo - u asked if i wanted more of a vs than an ms...I think I need both, and honed...people are contacting me to partner with, teaching me who my customers are... [18:49] Ha...just built phase 1 of a new house w/a yoga room...except it's doubling as a sitting room until phase 2 is done! [18:50] very nice! [18:50] we have a meditation room : ) [18:50] Interesting... that makes me think that your mission can guide your vision! e.g. do new opportuntiies support your mission? [18:50] Not jumping on every opportunity is a problem I have. [18:50] JO - yes, the intro on the first page that K pasted in was what we first wrote together...just feels...not alive enough! [18:51] K- yes! [18:51] <@jorourk4> Hmmm [18:52] I got feedback from an Eben Pagan coach saygin I am too broad and have to narrow my niche...at least to identify the "customer avatars" new phrase for me and address them one at a time...kinda - at least in terms of driving traffic [18:52] <@jorourk4> So describe to me in laymens terms what you do, Pam [18:53] this might sound silly but taking out the word "website" in that sentence makes it sound more alive to me. [18:53] <@jorourk4> I see the site. But if you could only give me one sentence. What would it be : ) [18:53] You're more than a "website" -- you're people, connections, resources, etc. [18:54] Googling "customer avatars" ...new to me. [18:54] <@jorourk4> I agree w Karen [18:55] I take it that identifying customer avatars means knowing your customers? [18:55] OK - Still Mountain connects people with retreats, retreat resources, powerful, transformative, life changing experiences...through our website... [18:55] <@jorourk4> I think that is what I'm trying to gather from you Pam -- are you a social network where people can speak together? are you the go to person for people to go to? Are you a place where people come to? [18:55] that is a new idea - that we are more than a website...but you are right... [18:56] <@jorourk4> Are you available to speak with? Like a center? Or a place where I go for information? [18:56] customer avatar is kind of like a specific typical customer - married woman without children in her 40s, say (At least from context that is what I gathered.) [18:57] got it [18:57] I think you are more than a website and that seems more appealing to me. Do you currently use other tools to "do your mission"? Like social media, newsletters, etc.? [18:57] it is a website, mainly, though I ma available for consultation...not that that is a focus right now [18:58] Hmm....lots to chew on [18:58] Great conversation....b4 our time is up... any suggestions for the course? or other questions? [18:58] <@jorourk4> Eben Pagan -- prob a nice person. Not sure who it is...but I agree w what he said. Make sure you have a niche place in the market. I think you should speak w your partner and find out "who" specifically you want to focus on... build a community there. It will be so much easier for you to be the one and only go to place for a specific niche -- then trying to dominate the entire market. [18:58] Are you interested in future chats or other synchronous discussions? [18:59] just launched a newsletter - you can see link at bottom of home page...let people know about it in Facebook and twitter but need to start advertising - list is close to 1000 right now...we received 1700 visits last month... [18:59] So you *are* more than a website! ;) [18:59] <@jorourk4> Karen-- I like the chats bc there is more interaction [19:00] Appreciate the feedback....and thx for being here, both of you. [19:00] I appreciate it much - hope we didn't' focus too much on my site, thouhg [19:00] <@jorourk4> Pam -- I have an interesting company in the bay area happy to connect you with, to help build your fan base etc [19:00] Pam, not at all. Made me think about things differently. Esp the connection of mission and vision in evaluating opportunities. [19:00] cool jo - be glad for any and all guidance, support [19:00] <@jorourk4> yeah i agree [19:01] <@jorourk4> I think Skype could be a great option for us too? [19:01] <@jorourk4> Skype launched group calling today -- not sure if there is a cost involved w that [19:01] <@jorourk4> but could prove to be more effective w time? [19:01] <@jorourk4> in the future [19:01] We could definitely do Skype. Chat,? Voice? Vid? I think you can do small groups for free. [19:01] sure! I am "stillwild" [19:01] <@jorourk4> my skype handle: jenniferkorourke [19:01] will it do group for mac - thought it was only PC [19:01] Would depend how many people wanted to. [19:02] <@jorourk4> yes- mac launched today [19:02] yeah!!!! [19:02] I'm kfasimpaur on most everything...but I generally am only on skype "by appt." [19:02] <@jorourk4> (tech news nerd, here!) [19:02] <@jorourk4> lol [19:02] LOL [19:02] how many people? [19:02] <@jorourk4> ok cool. we can see what other peers say and set up accordingly [19:03] <@jorourk4> don't have that answer [19:03] k [19:03] <@jorourk4> sorry if I let you down [19:03] <@jorourk4> haha [19:03] LOL [19:03] You can research it and get back to us? I've only done it with a couple others. [19:03] :) [19:03] <@jorourk4> suuure [19:04] <@jorourk4> I think we'd have to do specific call times though [19:04] i Skype solo all the time and have tried the mac a few times with more than 1 [19:04] I will say that i think sync voice is tough with more than a group of 5 or 6 [19:04] <@jorourk4> say 5 ppl at 5pm PST, 5 ppl at 7pm PST --- for example [19:04] <@jorourk4> bc we can't have much more than that on a call [19:04] I'm itching to try Big Blue Button but haven't yet [19:04] <@jorourk4> exactly- haha we're on same page [19:04] : ) [19:05] shall we try it now for a se ? [19:05] <@jorourk4> Sure. [19:05] do we need to download the new version? [19:05] Sure. Will need a sec to hook up. JO, will you initiate call? [19:06] <@jorourk4> sure.. let me know when you guys are ready [19:06] ready - on [19:06] <@jorourk4> i DL new version today -- not sure if you have to or not [19:07] OK, I've approved you as a contact and I'm on, I think. [19:08] I can hear you but u obviously can't hear me. [19:10] <@jorourk4> hmmm [19:10] Well, nice to hear you anyway! [19:10] <@jorourk4> hehe [19:10] <@jorourk4> now we know [19:10] :) [19:10] <@jorourk4> will have to read up on that one [19:10] <@jorourk4> well.. have a good night to each of you [19:11] <@jorourk4> will be online (skype) if anyone wants to spar any further [19:11] same to you both! [19:11] Thx again you guys! Have a good one.