Monthly Archives: September 2008

“Click” Book Review

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I recently read “Click” by Bill Tancer.

Although I thought were some interesting statistics in the book I don’t know if I would suggest taking the time to read the whole book. Really, I think you’ll get pretty thorough understanding of the entire book by simply reading a few of the Bill Tancer Blog posts.

If I had to distill a single take-away message from the book, it would probably be that we are what we search and a refined understanding of that relationship can provide some pretty helpful data for marketers and even social scientists–(Yeah I know–nothing new, but really an intriguing concept).

I would suggest “click”ing on his blog link and learning more about the concept if you’re not very familiar with it already. The implications are quite significant for internet marketers and social scientists… That makes it perfect for internet social marketers and/or social internet marketers, depending on how you look at it.

Utah Nonprofits Get a New Perspective of Entrepreneurship

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This past week I had the great opportunity to attend part of the Utah Nonprofits Association Conference. The West Valley Cultural Arts Center was busy with hundreds of passionate and dedicated individuals exchanging ideas and working to advance their represented causes.

It is my privilege to attend a lecture led by Alan Hall regarding Social Entrepreneurship and Venture Philanthropy. Although Alan didn’t break very deeply into the mechanics of social entrepreneurship, he very candidly addressed the relationship that sound business practices and experienced business leaders play in successful social innovation. For many in attendance, the thought of applying measurable business practices and working closely with entrepreneurs–or even supporting their ventures was almost unheard of.

“I have to make money if I’m going to give it away” was a simple but clear demonstration of the principle of sustainability.

In describing the mission of Grow Utah Ventures and Island Park Venture, Alan stated that he was actively seeking to nurture and develop other entrepreneurs with the same mission to improve their communities and be stewards of their profits for a higher cause.

The Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation is part of Alan’s balanced portfolio to direct his dollars and attention to sustainable and measurable impacts throughout Utah.

Successful for-profit and non-profit start-ups (and mature companies for that matter) need to run on the same sound principles of putting the customer (donor) first, having sound financial model, develop a robust vision.

Proscenium: A Monument to Utah Venture Philanthropy

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So it looks like Sandy City is on track for the new Proscenium complex to move forward.

Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of the Proscenium project is the significant portion of Venture Philanthropy that it represents. Adding an arts-and-culture zone to Sandy’s down town business center provides not only a incredible opportunity to develop the culture and perspective of Sandy residents, but the center should prove to be an economic powerhouse for the city.

As I sat down with the founder and visionary (Scott McQuarrie) for this project last week–I was beaming with excitement. Scott described the various components of green technology, social improvement and non-profit integration that are going into this complex.

Although a project as colossal as the Proscenium may seem to cast shadow’s on some of Utah’s smaller social venture projects–I believe it’s affects will be quite the opposite. This development will stand as an ensign to other businesses seeking to incorporate socially responsible components as a glimpse of what is possible.