Livemocha is the world's largest language learning community with over 5 million members, offering free and paid courses in 35 languages, focusing on interactive learning with native speakers. It emphasizes the importance of social networking and user experience to enhance language learning, and demonstrates tremendous growth in a short time. The document also provides insights and tips for startups, stressing the need to know customers, manage metrics, and create competitive advantages to succeed in the evolving digital business landscape.

1. The World's Largest Language Learning CommunityClint SchmidtVice President of Marketingcompany confidential

2. My BackgroundGraduated from Wharton School of BusinessFirst Internet start-up in 1998Expertise in Internet Marketing for high growth companiesHalf.com: acquired by $300 million USD by eBayeBay: built the world’s largest affiliate program1-800-CONTACTS: led e-commerce for world’s largest contact lens retailerZoomIn: India’s leading photo siteLivemocha: world’s largest language learning community

3. Topics for DiscussionLivemocha and the future of digital businessesWhat I’ve Learned, Tips to Share

4. What is Livemocha?What is Livemocha?The world’s largest language learning community, with over 5 million members from over 200 countries around the world. Offers free and paid online language courses in 35 languages.Every lesson includes speaking and writing practice reviewed by native speakers.Learning with native speakersis the most fun and effective wayto learn a language!

5. How does Livemocha work?Online courses begin with essential words and phrases required for real conversationsInteractive exercises measure your comprehensionEach lesson includes speaking and writing exercises, routed to native speakers who provide tips to improveReturn the favor by helping others who are learning your native language

6. Help from Native SpeakersEnglish native speaker

7. Learning Spanish

8. Spanish native speaker

9. Learning EnglishWith a reputation for helping others!

10. A Truly Global CommunityLivemocha is a rich mix of languages and cultures-- the power of network effects --8%11%12%9%9%3%8%30%

11. Tremendous GrowthLivemocha is one of the fastest growing communities on the InternetOver 5 million registered members in less than 2.5 years8

12. Traditional Alternatives vs. LivemochaLimitless Learning ContentMillions of videos, flashcard sets, tips, lessons, audio clipsAlmost any language on the planetConvenient access from any Internet connectionHelpful connections with native speakers and tutorsFun, interactive exercisesSave scores, measure your progress, share with othersHelp people worldwide learn your native languageCD-ROMsProSoftware with audio/visual queues

13. Score-keepingConStill talking to yourselfBooksProPortability

14. Reference valueConCostly to print and distribute

15. Static, difficult to update

16. Solitary learningEconomic Development? Learn EnglishAverage Foreign-born Income by English Proficiency and Educational Attainment (Employed Adults)Proficiency in English can double or triple earning powerIncome Gap10Company ConfidentialSource: US Census, Parthenon Group

17. Livemocha Active EnglishAward-winning course for Conversational EnglishContent provided by Pearson Education12 courses. Beginner to Advanced. Over 400 hours of learning content.Mapped to Common European FrameworkVideo exercises, grammar, role playTutor ReviewsPaying customers in over 100 countries

18. What Does The Future Hold?Internet cloud as a vast repository of specialized content and toolsRange of access through various devices and formatsAccess to the world from anywhere in the worldIdentity and social structures in the cloud alter and supplant traditional social norms

19. The Age of the ConsumerPeople communicate very differently now than 5 years agoHabits and preferences grouped in 2-3 year periods, not generationsConsumers want 3 C’s:CommunicationControlCreativityConsumer expectations rise exponentially as they learn what technology can doSmart phones and personal hardware devicesMedia consumptionMovies and video gamesEducationTransportation

20. The Future of Digital BusinessCosts and barriers to innovation are disappearing with stunning speedA planet of innovators, creating many options… what sticks?Must break through the clutter and offer a reason to tryFirst mover advantage with new innovationEstablish Network Effects: “born viral”Leverage scale with more content, or better or more relevant contentMaster the User experienceCreate switching costsDon’t get beat at what you do best: competitive advantageLoyalty/retention benefits

21. Scary Times for Traditional BusinessEstablished businesses at risk if they do not adapt to reach, impress, and retain customersStart-ups should choose an established company to kill

22. Do it better: Google vs. Yahoo; Facebook vs. MySpace/Orkut

23. Use technology to change the game: Craigslist, Wikipedia, iTunes, LivemochaTips for a Start-upKnow your customersMeasure and manage your metricsExploit your advantage every chance you getBuild and inspire a great teamWork harder than your competitorsAbsolutely positively nail your elevator pitchDo these things well, and you will create a successful business and attract investors.

24. Lessons I Never ForgetStart-ups impart lessons:Steady hand vs. emotional roller coasterRome was not built in a dayBenefit of focus: ruthless prioritizationTeam orientation winsBig egos and lazy people are a cancer on a young companyFortune favors the bold: big ideas inspire everyone

25. Thank YouClint Schmidtclint@livemocha.com+001 206 422 2693www.livemocha.comPresentation on SlideShare:<link will go here>Livemocha Active EnglishWinner, 2009 English-Speaking Union President’s Award

26. Appendix

27. Mochapoints: Your Progress and ReputationMeasure your learning and teaching activity on Livemocha

28. Earn badges that recognize high levels of activity

29. Members use Mochapoints to determine your commitment to learning and propensity to help others

30. The most active and helpful members benefit by attracting best learning partners