Introduction of the Menrva Labs Personal Branding Workshop Series

Conference Room at Union Square One

I am deeply honored and excited by the response to the launch of my personal branding workshop series. What has been a hope and dream for the past year is officially becoming a reality on Monday, April 16, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. PST at Union One Square in Seattle, WA. This workshop series is intended to bridge the gap between the discourse around “How To Promote Yourself” and “How To Find Yourself.” Apparently there is a need for this type of stuff (The event sold out before I had time to promote it).

They will take place monthly (3 months on; 1 month off) every third Monday. They are designed to be cohesive enough that you can gain by completing the series, yet modular enough that you won’t be lost if you attend only one. More details and specifics are to come. I’m also working on building a live online version, a pre-recorded webinar version, and a breakfast/luncheon series.

More free stuff?

Currently, the on-site workshops are free to attend. If you’ve read any of my previous work, you’ve probably noticed that I like to give stuff away. Why would I do this? Why would I be willing to put in the time needed to research these topics, find out what people want and need, write the documentation, print the materials, buy the food, etc. and give it away? First and foremost, I want to ensure that this type of opportunity is not denied to anyone who wants access. I hope to work with marginalized populations who are typically prevented from nourishing network opportunities, education, and the confidence needed to develop their dreams. Secondly, I love learning. One of the best ways to make things stick is by teaching it. Plus, I’ll learn just as much from the people in attendance. Thirdly, when you do good things, you tend to be around good people. I’ve already felt enriched with the community of people who are working to effect positive change out there where they are.

Financial compensation will come in the form of personalized consultations, speaking arrangements, etc. So, professionally, this has the potential to be just as good for me as for anybody looking to polish their resume. At the end of the day, I want to do something that I can feel good about.

If you’d like to join the conversation, stay informed, and join the community please like the Facebook Page and follow @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs on Twitter. You can also sign up for the Menrva Labs newsletter here.

Special Thanks

Before I conclude this blog post, I’d like to extend my huge, heart-felt appreciation for some of the people who helped make this possible:

Fortunato Vega—Thank you for being so gracious as to offer the venue at no charge so that I can afford to offer these events for free.

Mary Kay Chess—You have been a tremendously positive force in my world these past few months. Thank you for teaching me that it’s okay to just be.

Interviewees—To everyone I’ve ever interviewed for Menrva Labs. Thank you for re-inspiring me with each and every one of your stories. It’s people like you that remind me of the power we each hold to be the change we want to see in the world.

The Future of Menrva Labs

Last week, I met with some of the most inspirational and creative people I know in a creative session to talk about the future of Menrva Labs. We met using Google Hangouts in Google+ (You do have Menrva Labs in one of your circles in Google+ don’t you?) Anyway, I know I’ve been quiet about the project, but it’s because a few people are working hard to make sure this is something that will be able to change the way content is created and delivered.

• After talking and brainstorming for about an hour, here are a few of our insights:
• Menrva Labs is going to be very cool.
• The idea that promoting social change by increasing social awareness is an idea that many people can grasp onto.
• The word “Labs” is in the title for a reason. This is a place where experimentation is not only accepted, but welcomed and encouraged.
• The events that we’re planning on lining up will be very interesting.

Please stay posted for upcoming news.

Introducing the Menrva Labs Kickstarter Campaign

Just last week, Kickstarter approved my project Menrva Labs for fundraising. And no, I’m not asking for your money right now. I’m asking for you to let me know what kinds of rewards you would like me to offer those willing to donate. I started this project about three years ago with the goal of promoting social change by increasing social awareness. I’m hoping to accomplish this by providing change agents with a platform to share their story who might not otherwise be able to do so. These individuals and organizations include teachers, authors, poets, artists, economic development people, international development people, etc.

I’ve been conducting interviews for the past year and have transitioned from blog posts, to audio, to video. Now I’m hoping to take those efforts to the next level and produce a speaker series, art slam series, a full-length documentary, and collector’s edition book. I will be raising money to purchase better equipment, cover travel expenses, and pay for graphic design and a new website.

Some ideas for incentives include the following. Please add your comment and let me know what you’d like to see. Also, feel free to send me your thoughts on Twitter at @michaelbmaine and @menrvalabs.

• Listing on the project website as a supporter (Including Social Media Links)
• Menrva Labs HD computer wallpaper
• Menrva Labs sticker
• Limited Edition Poster
• Signed copy of the finished DVD/Blu-Ray w/ Bonus Footage
• Limited Edition T-Shirt showing early support of the project
• Limited Edition Poster signed by artist
• Limited Edition hard-cover (cork cover) book including custom artwork – Signed
• Ticket to the movie release party/gala
• Everything above plus VIP ticket to the movie release party/gala, products in special packaging
• Everything above plus prominent placement on project website
• Everything above, plus individual story on website
• Everything above, plus 30 second feature in bonus material

Episode 9: Interview With Kristi Jacques Falk

After interviewing Holly Hirshberg of the Dinner Garden, she immediately gave me the names of some people who have influenced her. One of those people is Kristi Jacques Falk of South Carolina. Although Holly and Kristi have never met in person, they have virtually collaborated and traded information, learnings, and experiences.

Diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of twelve, Jacques Falk decided to dedicate her life to creating a culture celebrating healthy choices in her community. She uses policy, education, business, and creativity in order to build sustainable solutions to promote that change. Once again, I am humbled and honored to share another inspiring story in this interview.

Kristi’s Bio:

Kristi Jacques Falk is the founder and executive director of The Wellness Council for South Carolina. Kristi is passionate about the positive effects “true wellness” has on the lives of children and adults in South Carolina.

Diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of twelve, Kristi has searched for a healthy path for her life. In 2000, she owned and operated Abundant Life Whole Foods Market in Conway, SC where her knowledge of healthy lifestyles expanded and was put to good use. After a couple of years, she realized that she needed to reach a larger audience and organized the Alternative Healthcare Expo which later became The Wellness Expo of Myrtle Beach. In 2006, Kristi founded The Wellness Council for South Carolina with a goal of educating and improving the lives of citizens throughout the state.

She has appeared on local television and radio programs and featured in publications such as Coastal Business Life, South Carolina Woman Magazine, Natural Awakenings Magazine, The Sun News, and Weekly Surge. She is currently a member of South Carolina Association of Non-Profit Organizations, South Carolina Public Health Association, Smoke Free Horry and is Co-Chair of the Training and Education Committee of Eat Smart, Move More SC.

Episode 7: Interview With Holly Hirshberg

Holly Hirshberg, founder and executive director of The Dinner Garden, is taking a non-traditional approach to fighting hunger. Rather than collecting canned goods or donating money, she instead empowers people by giving them seeds. Why seeds? Well, according to Hirshberg, the reason is because she can, “help one time and it can help them for the rest of their lives.” For Holly, it’s not about handouts, it’s about providing rewarding and sustainable solutions to hunger. She practices what she preaches by collaborating with the local food banks, building partnerships with the likes of rareseeds.com, and fostering relationships with other non-profits and local businesses. What started out with a tomatillo and a dream is now enriching lives at a national level.

Hirshberg was generous enough to welcome me into her home, where she runs The Dinner Garden, gave me a tour of her operations, showed me the famous tomatillo, and sat down with me for this interview. If you are interested in helping in the fight against hunger, please reach out. They are currently looking for donors and volunteers.

I was first introduced to The Dinner Garden and Holly when she presented at the 2010 TEDxSanAntonio conference. Her sense of humor and down-to-earth presentation style made her an instant favorite among those in attendance. For more information, check out her presentation below and follow the links.

Resources:

• Website: http://www.dinnergarden.org
• Twitter: @dinnergarden

Holly Hirshberg Source Video