Prompt 1 for altMBA12, This is what I am shipping: a new plan for passion and risk to the local business community that has been my cause and continues to be my calling.

1. altMBA12 –
Making a Ruckus
in Small Town USA
Chrissanne Long
Ruby Cohort – Group C

3. A Framework!
(Deadline for this goal: August 31, 2017)

4. In order to scale the existing business (Lakeland Business
Leaders) – currently serving the Lakeland, FL Community, and
reaching over 5,200 local residents – a formal framework
(thanks Dan McLaughlin!) must be established.
This framework will outline the specific steps an individual or
organization must take in order to establish a thriving,
profitable online tribe for small business collaboration in a
local community.
The framework will establish the business model and revenue
generation opportunities that will improve a prospective local
economy if/when the framework is applied in cities with a
population of under 100,000 residents.
State the Goal:

5. Why is this needed? Because the community was not
initially designed to be a business, the systems must be
recalibrated and sustainable.
How will it help? The creation of this framework will
enable me,(the founder of LBL) to provide a blueprint
and revenue model for Chambers of Commerce and
Grassroots Groups, like AMIBA and BALLE to provide
added value to their existing, traditional structures via
added value proposition to members
Why does it matter?
Once completed, I can begin to create the scalable
model and market this product nationally.
What are the Benefits?

6. 1.Dedicating Time
2.Missing the “Business Plan” genes
3.Simplifying the framework into
manageable parts
4.The Lizard Brain!
What are the Obstacles?

7. Since Lakeland Business Leaders has been my creation for the
last 6 years, all of the knowledge is in my head, and the skills
required are simply to get the details organized and the
structure in place.
Business Model Research to fine-tune the existing business,
and discover how to make the current version better.
Establishing the business plan and revenue models will be
required to create a completely “shippable” product.
Mad Skills and Experience Needed:

8. 1. Current LBL Staff
2. Be Awesome Community Director
3. Maximize Digital Media Team
4. Existing LBL Members (Survey)
5. Business Partner
6. Executive Coach
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
(Enlisting the people I need to make this happen!)

9. 1. Identify what is needed for the community
a. Who will the community serve?
b. What guidelines will be used for joining?
c. Will there be a Freemium option?
d. Will there be a Free Trial? How long will it last?
e. Membership Levels?
2. What will the focus of the community be?
a. City, County or Other?
b. Specific business segment (i.e, independently owned, retail merchants, etc)
c. Rural or Urban area?
Action Plan: Getting it Done

10. 3. How will success be measured?
a) Member revenue
b) Email subscribers
c) Advertising Sales revenue
d) Sponsorship/Community Support
4. What organizations will “own” the community?
a) Public/Private Partnership
b) Economic Development Organization
c) Grassroots organization
d) Chamber of Commerce
e) City/Municipality
Action Plan: Getting it Done

11. 5. Website Structure
a) Community Forum – Slack, WordPress,
b) Role of Facebook
c) Management of Online Membership
d) Calendar of events
e) Directory
6. Live Events vs Online Events
a) Topics
b) Local Speakers
c) Webinars
d) Podcasts
e) Newsletter
Action Plan: Getting it Done

12. 7. Business Organization
a) LLC, Corp, other?
b) 501c6 (networking, not tax exempt)
c) 501c3
d) A Foundation
Action Plan: Getting it Done
8. Events: Online and Offline
a) Meet-ups and Gatherings
b) Local Speakers
c) Topics and Venues
d) Podcasts
e) Newsletter
f) Sub-Groups and Masterminds

13. 9. Getting Buy-In
a) Ideas for getting started
b) Create Value for Others (More We, Less Me)
c) Focus on the Individual, Small Business
d) Work toward consensus, collaboration and unity
e) Goal must be in improving the current “Status Quo” and “For the
Greater Good”
f) Model and Encourage Positive Feedback
g) Take Risks and Be Willing to Show up and Be Vulnerable
h) Appreciate the HECK out of the First Followers.
Action Plan: Getting it Done

14. 10.Advanced and Miscellaneous Elements
a) Brand development
b) Economic Drivers- Identify Impact
c) Leverage Media & Cost Effective Promotions
d) Membership Perks and Loyalty Programs
e) Swag – Sponsorship and Visibility
f) Survey Tools – Get Feedback Often
g) Analytics & Measuring Results
h) Focus on Procurement Programs
Action Plan: Getting it Done

15. Summary:
Chambers of Commerce and traditional B2B networks need a
makeover. Many are stuck in the traditional models. A Framework
for creative and valuable value added opportunities will make a
significant impact in the communities around the country. With a
focus on value of investment and leveraging the power of
transparency and digital communications, this project will take a
small idea and create a new way for local, small businesses to
thrive. This is how we make a ruckus in Small Town, USA.