buythechange

Bursts of activity

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:26:00 +0000

Over the course of the next few weeks we are going to begin a focused marketing push to several neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. This is a very important step in identifying "how" to market buythechange effectively and in ways that are easily repeatable. These bursts of activity will have a big impact in shaping buythechange.

Keep an eye out for changes to our website as well!

Let's Build Community!

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:16:00 +0000

We've recently added MyNews and Forums to buythechange.

MyNews allows you to post updates about yourself, your business or your non-profit. And when you do, the news is pushed to your connections, which is a great way to keep them informed on your activities and thoughts.

Forums have been on the internet for years but we've added them with a twist. Every non-profit and business profile on buythechange will have their own forum which will allow them to have conversations with their customers, volunteers and members. The forums will also allow the businesses and non-profits to engage others in their local community that aren't necessarily using their services and products yet.

Creating meaningful connections, building community through commerce - that's what we're all about!

Development Partners

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:43:00 +0000

We've hired two wonderful development partners to help us effectively grow buythechange.

The first is Haberman & Associates. We've hired them to help us tell our story and to garner attention from the media, the blogosphere, and to aid us in our grassroots efforts. You can learn more about them here: http://www.habermaninc.com/.

The second partner is Philip Hotchkiss. We've hired him to help us in an advisory capacity. He will provide us with expertise relating to technology, investment and in creating a compelling product. You can learn more about Phil here: http://www.philiphotchkiss.com/.

We're continuing to see more users and content each week and we know with the help of these two valued partners that trend will accelerate!

Wonderful e-mail from...?

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:38:00 +0000

We received the following e-mail today:
"Dude.... Craigslist. its FREE... save yourself the trouble. how can you compete with free?"

Yep, Craigslist is free and it does a good job for free. But does it build community? Do you feel safe when you use it? Do you really know who you're dealing with? Does it show you what your neighbors, friends and family are selling and promoting? Does it allow non-profits and businesses to effectively get the attention and support of the local community?

I'd love to respond to the person that sent us the e-mail, but it was sent anonymously...

July 4th Milestones

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:07:00 +0000

Well, we're officially over 200 people, business and non-profit profiles and have generated almost $1,000 for non-profits!! These numbers will only keep increasing as more people and organizations hear about buythechange from our grassroots efforts and from great people like yourself. Thank you so much for your support and participation!

You've signed up right?! :)

Free Classifieds

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Did you hear there's another player in the "free classifieds" market? Now craigslist and kijiji have to compete with...Walmart! When Walmart moves in on the free classifieds space you can only come to one conclusion - there's got to be a better model for local classifieds.

buythechange news:
We're up to 152 people, business and non-profit profiles on buythechange! If you haven't joined...why not?! Buy and sell with friends and neighbors, support non-profits and help support and contribute to your community.

What really matters to you?

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:33:00 +0000

Do these things matter to you?

Who you buy from?
Who your money supports?
That your actions help build online and offline community simultaneously?

These are some of the beliefs that are core to buythechange and what we hope to raise the public consciousness about.

Free, anonymous classifieds provide nothing of value other than a pure commercial transaction, at best. At worst it leads to mistrust, abuse, theft, and deceit. What do free, anonymous classifieds put back into the community? I'm listening...

Money for Non-Profits

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:11:00 +0000

Well, today is the first day for sending out checks to non-profits and we couldn't be more excited! 70% of any subscription purchased goes to the non-profit of the user's choice and these are the non-profits who benefit this month:

American Refugee Committee
Nokomis East Neighborhood Association
Neighborhood House
Global Health Ministries
Cub Scout Pack 56 MN
Neighborhood House
Project Diva
Unity Church-Unitarian
Marnita's Table, Inc.

Hooray for doing good!!

Away with Anonymous Classifieds

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Are you getting as tired as I am with anonymous Classifieds? Oodle, Craigslist, Kijiji and now...Walmart! And they're all the same, anonymous listings from people you're hesitant to trust and unsure about getting scammed by.

More and more people are claiming their online identity and being their true selves, simply look at the prolifieration of social networking over the last few years. Isn't it time for Classifieds to be held to a higher standard and incorporate our true selves?

Learn More Video

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Well, we just finished creating a Learn More video and would love to hear what you think of it. It's our first shot at creating a video like this, so be gentle. :)

buythechange beta launch!!!

noreply@blogger.com (buythechange) — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Well, we just went into beta launch and we couldn't be more excited!! We're finally beginning to see our vision become a reality. For those of you that don't know what buythechange is, here's a quick description:

buythechange combines the best of craigslist (classifieds), Angie's List (service referrals) and social networking to help people buy, sell and connect around the neighborhoods they live in and the non-profits they care about. We leverage technology, relationships and affinities to help people find what they need from someone they already know or someone they share a connection with. People, businesses and non-profits can join and 70% of any posting fees go to the non-profit of the user's choice. buythechange is poised to make significant social and economic impact and represents an unparalleled opportunity to do good and do well.

I hope you get a chance to visit www.buythechange.com and tell us what you think!