Mark Grimes, located in Portland, Oregon.
Social entrepreneur who has started each of my businesses with cash on hand and all have been profitable within 90 days or less.
Ned.com is different, it has not launched so much as it is evolving.
Founder 05-current: is the brand of doing good. is media, community involvement, personal engagement, citizen journalism, business networks and networking, philanthropic giving circles, microfinance, social enterprises, social entrepreneurs, and much, much more. is both vision and ideas, groups of individuals and organizations working together transparently and informally to help make the world a better place. has "in house" business models and outside partners, affiliates and alliances all building within the same brand elements of making the world a better place. is many things growing in many directions pushing decisions, operations and action to the outer edges. Open Source better world franchising and licensing.
//Lessons Learned//
Doing things transparently opens models up for great feedback early on.
Big visions, new models, and out of the box ideas are challenging to articulate.
Dig deep to understand the potential and power of collaboration.
Don't tell, show. Don't talk, take action. Not tomorrow, today.
Know your biggest weaknesses and find ways to plug those holes.
CEO/President, Advertising Agency 96-03: Clients such as P&G, Nextel, Disney, and Outpost.com. One of the top 20 interactive advertising agencies according to Adweek magazine. Profitable from 1996 through 2001. 7.1 million in annual revenue. 40+ staff. Office in Portland, San Fran, and NYC. Crashed and burned in 2002. Personal guarantees and plowing cash back into company for payroll brought about utter and total financial devastation.
// Lessons Learned //
Hire great people when the organization grows past your comfort level.
Young, motivated, enthusiastic staff can accomplish amazing things.
Things can turn to shit quicker than you can imagine.
When life gives you shit, make lemonade, no wait, that's not it...
I'm bored with me already, but if you're somewhat off-kilter and needing more see:
http://www.ned.com/user/u513094538/
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