I hate to impose upon you guys yet again (yep, you know what I'm gonna ask about...lol)

[OneGrassRoot]

But I REALLY, REALLY need feedback about one specific feature -- the Resource Directory.

I've mentioned it hypothetically though have never been able to share it before, but it's part of the sneak peek now. It's the one current feature at Wishadoo! that has the potential to generate revenue, and I desperately need to generate funds NOW to keep Wishadoo going and to put a really icky issue to rest, contractually. :(

I may post this in GD tomorrow, but I'd appreciate your thoughts first. Thanks muchly. :)

:grouphug:


* * * * *


The Resource Directory is similar to The Green Pages but lists businesses dedicated to the good of the community, which includes being environmentally and socially responsible. Because this directory is part of an actual online community (Wishadoo!), the community members can offer feedback (positive and critical, though polite) to encourage businesses to keep moving in the right direction, and there are ways to integrate the Directory, Groups and the Wishlist. It's truly an integrated community with, what I feel, are great tools to DO GOOD. :)

In addition to paid business listings (a sliding scale starting @ something like $25/year), the Resource Directory will also serve as a portal to a comprehensive directory with links to existing social service organizations and agencies. Nonprofits that would like a full listing can certainly create one at no charge. My ultimate goal is for this to eventually be a one-stop resource for people to find a plethora of helpful resources, especially for crisis situations, locally and nationally. I'd work with other sites doing the same, cooperatively, to try to create a comprehensive resource.

I've included a screenshot (and links) below of a sample mockup listing. As you can see, there are a variety of features for both the business and the potential client to use: a wall for comments, uploaded documents (menus for restaurants, for example), maps can be inserted, news feeds, locations, reviews, followers. It can even serve as a website for sole proprietors and small businesses who don't yet have a web presence.

I've mentioned before that I've envisioned gifting my favorite businesses (my local mechanic, for example) with a listing as a thank you. Advertising is so expensive, and many people are just not web savvy enough to create a basic website (nor have the funds to pay for one), but they do want and need a web presence. This is a way to promote our favorite small businesses at a truly grassroots level, via the community itself.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Do you think such a Directory would be of value and do you feel small businesspersons/entrepreneurs would pay at least $25/year to have a listing? If you could afford $25, would you pay to gift your favorite businesses with a listing?


RESOURCE DIRECTORY (please note that tweaking categories and subcategories is definitely on the focus group to-do list)




SAMPLE LISTING

[hermetic]

1. I think

$25 a year is a reasonable price and would be considered very attractive once your membership grows. It might be harder right now to get people interested. You need lots and lots of eyes.

I don't think you should have non-profits as a specific category. For instance, the non-profit I worked for was all about art so I would want to see that organization under arts. So maybe you would have it listed under both, but that seems wasteful so perhaps devise some symbol that would show that the org was a non-profit. Know what I mean?

Morning :hug:

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Yes, indeed. That's a great suggestion...

Most of the nonprofit resources won't have actual pages created, as in the sample. There will be portal pages of sorts within the Resource Directory, leading to a page with links to certain categories of agencies and nonprofits.

But for those who do want an actual listing, that's a great point. Thank you for looking. I appreciate it!

As I said, the whole category/subcategory thing will need worked on to be more efficient. I'll just be diving into this area for the first time in earnest.

:hug:

(The thing is, without ever really launching...I've only done baby launches...there are over 1000 people there already, so I find that encouraging :))

[Sienna86]

3. Another thought

I like the premise adopted by Angie's List. Businesses are listed because they are good at what they do. You could let them know about the website and that they are going to be listed. You could explain the website and let them know that they can buy an ad...or donate. I'm concerned that a business that meets your criteria would not get listed because they could not or chose not to pay a fee.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. I'd rather businesses pay than members, as in the case with Angie's List...

But I also like the general premise of Angie's List, before it became fee based.

Thanks for chiming in, Sienna. I appreciate it. :hug:

I could be soooooo wrong -- :eyes: -- but if I am successful in connecting to those who resonate with the broader vision, there will be those who pay for a listing but also kick in extra to cover the expense for those who want to be involved but can't afford it. *Buy One, Gift One* kind of thing. A cooperative approach.

:hi:

[OneGrassRoot]

4. I just thought of something else about this....

Maybe I'm not conveying it properly.

Just as The Green Pages is its own entity, visible to the public -- in other words, you don't have to join anything to see the listings, it's simply a directory -- the same is true of this directory at Wishadoo.

It is visible to the public; you don't have to be a member there. Now, I realize that eyeballs are key, but I also am trusting that those who are moving forward with their hearts will connect to the intention and want to be part of grounding this intention of compassion and community in business, with integrity.

So the eyeballs can be there even if people don't choose to actually join the Community. The Directory can be promoted on its own merit. To interact at the directory one must be a member but anyone can view it and see the listings.

:)