What I heard and did at SHINE 2010

The Shine Unconference is a two-day event for social entrepreneurs to gather, learn, and make connections for getting things done. The emphasis was definitely on sustainable business models – entrepreneurial solutions for challenges we presently face.

What’s your business model?

I liked Alexander Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas. Laying out the key components to a business model on a big sheet of paper is more helpful than trying to write it up in a linear fashion in several paragraphs. I highly recommend, for those who are not familiar with business modelling and planning, getting some guidance around the parts to a business model and how things connect and are related to each other.

napkin sketch –> business canvas –> business case –> field test

A lot of people start with a napkin sketch, leap ahead believing they have a business case, and rush to get financing for their idea. Instead, start with a sketch and assemble ideas. Create different models and combinations – do this in a group and do many to see the vast possibilities using the Business Model Canvas as a tool. There is more than one solution for each problem. From the various alternatives you come up with, you’ll be in a better position to spot the business case. The next step is to field test your model with a minimal viable product. This is much like prototyping which I discuss further on in this post.

Investment readiness

The key message from financiers is that few business proposals they receive are investment ready. Recent research into the social enterprise sector identifies the need for more business support. There are free services provided via the Business Link network and regional small business centres. Support can also be delivered by peers through networks like The Hub (which is membership based). However, translating an idea into something that can meet community requirements, social needs, or market demand and being able to articulate it in the form of a business model and plan can be like learning a new language. Free business modelling and strategic planning advice is a bit like learning a language through a website. Getting guidance from a business advisor (like getting private language tuition) vastly improves the depth and speed of learning.

Prototyping

My good friend David Pinto developed a tool for social innovation called the Action Cycle. It is an experiential tool requiring the participation of nine people ideally. David had tried to apply the Action Cycle once before in a very small group and got mixed results. We needed different conditions to exist in order to give it a proper shot. So I created a space for it. I contacted the organisers of the Shine Unconference and applied for a slot on the event programme. I helped communicate David’s idea to the organisers and succeeded in getting a session time. Establishing this goal post in the future helped set the wheels in motion for a prototype of the Action Cycle to be created. We premiered the Action Cycle at Shine on Saturday afternoon at the Hub King’s Cross. We were hoping for seven other participants (David and I would be participants as well and so we would gave a group of nine). Instead, we attracted quite a bit of interest and sixteen people in total were in the room! Prototyping isn’t just for tangible products – they are also a great way to get services, events, or experiences out into the community, to test them, and get feedback about them. For more information about prototyping or the Action Cycle, do get in contact with me.

Great spaces

I was pleased to see more innovative ideas about using space and premises for greater social purpose and benefit. I get inspired by buildings too! However, it is vital to remember that what happens inside the building must be appropriate for the community – the services being provided, goods being sold, or experiences being shared must meet a need suitable in that location otherwise property will become a financial burden. Property can be an enterprise enabler if planned and designed properly. Start with the content first – whether you are an enterprise or someone looking for space or a property owner looking to redevelop a space.

Intentional connections

The atmosphere at the Shine Unconference was great and I was able to engage in many, deep, and valuable conversations – I sometimes imagine if this could happen everyday. There is something about conferences or unconferences that focuses people very intensely. Perhaps it is the fact it doesn’t happen everyday that people make an extra effort to be open and engaged at such events. However, engaging, productive conversations can happen more often. This is another project I’m exploring with a colleague in The Hub network – to greater develop skills and the social technology to increase the number of intentional connections. At present, I do so through a sound knowledge of my network and contacts and thoughtful research into with whom else I could develop a mutually beneficial relationship.