Happy Social Media Day!

The world has become social.  And today is the day to celebrate it.  June 30th marks the official celebration of Social Media Day.  It's a day that recognizes the change in media that has empowered us to stay connected to information in real time, the tools that have enabled us to communicate from miles apart, and the platforms that have given a voice to the voiceless.  It's a day to celebrate Twitter and its 140 characters, Facebook and its Like buttons, LinkedIn and its discussions, Blogger and its comments. 

Here are some cool social media facts to think about on this special day:

• Facebook Friends: 22% are people from high school, 12% are extended family, 10% are coworkers, 9% are college friends, 8% are immediate family, 7% are from voluntary groups, 2% are neighbors
• 3% of Facebook friends have never met in person
• Nearly twice as many men (63%) than women (37%) use LinkedIn
• 56% of women utilized social media when 44% of men utilized it in 2010
• The age range that uses social media the most is 23-25 (second place is 36-49!) 
• 70% of MySpace users are Caucasian 
• Twitter finished last out of the main 4 social media sites in terms of frequency of use (MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
• Men are less likely to "like" Facebook content than women 
• COOL FACT: Facebook users are over 3 times more likely than non-internet users to agree that "most people can be trusted."

For more facts just like these, click here.

Check out this video of Pete Cashmore, founder of Mashable, as he wishes you a happy Social Media Day!

From everyone at Think Big Partners, bizperc and Think Big Kansas City: Happy Social Media Day!  We hope that you entrepreneurs and startups love it as much as we do.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig.

Land of the Free...Home of the Entrepreneur

Fireworks, barbeques, pool parties, family reunions and live music will mark the much anticipated 4^th of July this coming Monday. A coveted summer holiday for Americans, friends and family will gather to enjoy good food and games while sitting under the dark sky lit by bright, fiery lights.

While the 4^th of July seems all fun and games (which it should be), as Americans we need to recognize why we have such a day to celebrate. This date marks when our country broke free from Great Britain’s rule and gained independence in signing the Declaration of Independence on July 4^th, 1776. We celebrate with fireworks to remember our freedom and traditions that the United States holds. This day is a symbol of our incredible nation’s beliefs and independence. 

To entrepreneurs, this day should be regarded as especially important. We are allowed to have our own thoughts, ideas and dreams. Entrepreneurs are given a second chance when they mess up. American’s encourage growth and innovation in communities.

We tend to forget that not everyone has the freedom and liberties that we have. People from all over the world come to our country in hopes of living a better life. We are blessed and lucky that we can aspire to seek The American Dream.

So, this Independence Day, just remember to be thankful for your freedom while you are eating that hot dog. From all of us at Think Big Partners, have a fun and safe 4^th of July!

Written by Genevieve Alander. 

@GennaThinkBig.

Innovation: Sparking the Flame in Kansas City

Inside of every entrepreneur, there is a flame.  But it’s up to them to decide what they do with it. 

But one of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship is igniting the flame—taking a leap of faith, getting started, discovering a big idea.  But now, Kansas City entrepreneurs have a chance to spark that flame.  And it all starts at the Chamber’s 2011 Innovation Conference, Innovation: Sparking the Flame.

On Thursday, July 14^th, The Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is hosting The 2011 Innovation Conference at H&R Block World Headquarters in Kansas City.  The full-day conference is said to be a high-energy, interactive get-together for executives, innovative companies, and entrepreneurs to come together to discuss effective business strategies, inspire creative change, and apply the latest techniques to new business.

But there’s more to the conference than just that.  After all, it’s an innovation conference...so of course it’s going to be a little out of the ordinary.

• Join the Kansas City chamber as it welcomes Dennis Bushnell, chief scientist for NASA’s Langley Research Center and conference keynote speaker.
• Engage in a variety of breakout sessions that cover the culture of innovation, the ins-and-outs of entrepreneurship, angel investing and public policy, and the profiles of emerging local entrepreneurs in different stages of business.  Panelists will include Herb Sih and Tyler Prochnow of Think Big Partners, Jeff Pfaff of mtb Mobile, J. Larry Sanders of SFP and Gail Lozoff of SPIN! Neapolitan Pizza.
• Learn about the “History of Kansas City Innovation” from Tom and Henry Bloch themselves.
• Dive into “Innovation 20/20”, where three local entrepreneurs will share their stories of innovation in a fast-paced format. 

The flame is there—it’s just up to you to decide what you’re going to do with it.  Start igniting your own entrepreneurial flame and attend The Chamber’s 2011 Innovation Conference, Innovation: Sparking the Flame. 

Register now. 

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig. 

Getting Through the Day Without a Cup of Coffee

How today’s youth can inspire us to innovate, create and Think Big...without caffeine.  

Today’s youth will determine the future of business.  And this may be a good thing. 

The 16-30 age crowd is getting noticed due to their creative and innovative business ideas.  More than ever before, there is a movement of young people equipped with the drive and motivation to become promising entrepreneurs. Here are some reasons why young people are such good candidates for being likely entrepreneurs:

1. Young people tend to start business ventures that they are passionate about- it’s not all about the money if they aren’t even paying their own bills yet.
2. They are lively and energetic without necessarily downing coffee all day.
3. Young entrepreneurs haven’t quite lost their childlike creative mind, which helps them come up with original and unique ideas while keeping a positive mindset.

Tiffany Krause of Kansas City is just one of the many young entrepreneurs emerging with huge potential. Krause, a recent high school graduate, discovered that she could combine her love of music and kids into a viable business plan. She began The Music Box, which is an in-home piano and voice lesson venture targeted at teaching kids between the ages of 5 and 16.  Recently, Tiffany was awarded with first place honors in the Youth Entrepreneurs 2010 Northeast Regional Business Plan competition. In addition to this, she was granted a $1,000 scholarship from Ernst and Young at the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Gala for her entrepreneurial venture.  Krause’s positive attitude of perseverance shines through: “Work hard and don’t give up. If it’s something you’re really passionate about, you can make it happen.” 

Krause exemplifies not only “the youth are the future,” but she truly proves that the youth are creating the future. She is a perfect example of a young person with the capabilities to Think Big- sans the coffee overload (at least for now!). 

Written by Genevieve Alander.

@GennaThinkBig.

bizperc Expands the 5th Floor Coworking Space

bizperc is getting big.  In fact, this Kansas City coworking space is growing so fast that in order to accommodate the large number of promising startups in KC, it has expanded to the building’s 5^th floor space. 

As a flexible office space and collaborative community, bizperc meets the needs of each new business working within the building.  Currently, bizperc is helping FindItKC break in their new space by knocking down walls to create an environment that will fit their collaborative needs on the 5^th floor. 

The 5^th floor coworking space will be an asset not only to the tenants who reside on the 5^th floor, but also to all tenants within the space.  The floor houses an audio/video suite complete with sound booth, green screen, and post-production capabilities as well as a meeting room area and full-service kitchen. 

Here’s a sneak peak at bizperc’s 5^th floor space take-over in progress!

5th floor offices under construction

audio/video suite

spectacular skyline view from the 5th floor 

Looks like bizperc is outgrowing its 1^st, 4^th and 6^th floor spaces (not to mention, the rooftop garden!).  But I guess that’s what happens when you Think Big! 

To see more pics, check out bizperc on Facebook!

Tour bizperc today!  Call 816-842-5244 to schedule a tour or visit www.bizperc.com for further information. 

Written By Laura Goede.

@LauraGThinkBig.

Kansas City Coworking Spaces

In a recent study conducted by Deskwanted, it was found that it is cheaper to work at a coworking space than in a coffee shop.  Although prices do vary from city to city, one thing is for sure: coworking is worth it.  Entrepreneurs, startup companies, freelancers and small business owners can greatly benefit from carrying out day-to-day business in coworking spaces.  But where are the coworking spaces in Kansas City?  Do they even exist?

Of course they do.  In fact, Kansas City is the home of three innovative coworking spaces.    

bizperc

1800 Baltimore

Kansas City, MO 64108

Bringing a fresh, innovative, and collaborative approach to Kansas City coworking, the bizperc office space was opened in August of 2010 to support entrepreneurs, startup companies and small businesses.  Located in the heart of the thriving and eclectic Crossroads Arts District, bizperc is the home of many startups and established Kansas City businesses.  Powered by Think Big Partners, bizperc provides on-site startup resources (i.e. legal, web design, logo design, accounting, marketing, PR and much more), a productivity center, meeting rooms, event space, free coffee, and a Wi-Fi enabled rooftop garden.  But there’s more to bizperc than meets the eye: the team behind bizperc has strategically built it so that every entrepreneur’s needs are met—from incorporating natural light to providing sound masking capabilities, from handing out a version of 5-Hour Energy to setting up a video/audio suite—bizperc has it all.  For more information or to book a tour, please visit bizperc.com or call 816-842-5244.

OfficePort

208 W. 19^th Street (among others)

Kansas City, MO 64108

As one of the first coworking spaces to hit Kansas City, OfficePort (located in the Crossroads Arts District and the heart of the River Market) is best defined as an open, supportive, and affordable workspace for entrepreneurs, freelancers and small businesses.  With an unfinished and techy ambiance, OfficePort is far from the stuffy, traditional and corporate workplace. Housing over 30 successful small businesses among its three locations (the 3^rd location is in Chicago), OfficePort is the ideal home for someone who wants to collaborate, cowork and “weave” with others.  To check out OfficePort for yourself, visit officeportnetwork.com or call 816-994-7311 (Crossroads location).

Innovation Café

2029 Wyandotte

Kansas City, MO 64108

The newest coworking space in Kansas City is Innovation Café which launched at the beginning of this month.  As a workplace for today’s entrepreneurs, freelancers, and virtual agencies, Innovation Café welcomes all industries: from software companies to designers, from freelancers to engineers.  Although Innovation Café only opened a few weeks ago, the coworking space already houses five growing companies from a variety of different industries.  Additionally, Innovation Café offers an event space that is expected to be quite popular for launch parties, private parties and networking get-togethers.  For a closer look at Innovation Café, visit icafekc.com or call 816-994-9140.

Take your pick, Kansas City entrepreneurs.  There are three inspiring and modern coworking spaces out there that will not only help to grow your startup idea, but will cost less than working out of Starbucks! 

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig.

Our List of the Most Innovative Cities in the US

 in·no·va·tion noun \ˌi-nə-ˈv-shən\1: the introduction of something new 2: a new idea, method, or device : novelty.

Sparking fresh innovation is crucial for progress and growth in a community. Innovative companies, people and ideas are necessary for igniting this spark.

The spark is igniting throughout the country.  We have developed the top 6 most innovative cities in the U.S.  Take a look.  Is your city on the list? 

1.    San Jose, CA. Home to top companies such as Google and Apple, San Jose is a prime hub for tech giants. This California city screams innovation and has been ranked as the number one city for technology and creative jobs in the US.

2.   Austin, TX. Everything is bigger in Texas! Austin is the center for gigantic technology advancement and creation. Dell, Apple and IBM all hold major offices in this city. Not to mention, Austin is also known as the “live music capital of the world.” If you are looking to work in the fields of either science or technology, Austin’s your place. 

3. Portland, OR. Taking the green initiative, this city is pushing to create a bridge between successful businesses and being environmentally aware. Not only is Portland known for its sustainability practices, it also has been labeled as the “Silicon Forest” because of the mass amounts of tech jobs.  

4.   Kansas City, MO. This mid-sized Midwestern city has been making a big name for itself in the past couple of years. In addition to the implementation of Google Fiber, numerous technology companies are emerging (think Zaarly!). Think Big Partners is creating a collaborative network and workspace for budding entrepreneurs to help them accelerate new business ideas in Kansas City through its entrepreneurial network and coworking space, bizperc.

5.    Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Having an abundant source of venture capital investment, green technology and a multitude of tech and science jobs makes the Twin Cities a great match to be labeled as an innovative city. This is a great city for entrepreneurs to begin their startup.

6.   Chicago, IL. Having its very own Department of Innovation and Technology, Chicago strives to be ahead of the rest. Known for its diverse neighborhoods and robust atmosphere, Chicago continuously is a powerhouse and an economically strong city.  Entrepreneurs of all kinds collaborate and create in the Windy City.

These cities are awarded with the title as the most innovative because of the overwhelming presence of technology and entrepreneurship collaboration. How does your city match up?

Written by Genevieve Alander.

@GennaThinkBig.

The #1 Secret to Bringing (and Keeping) Visitors to Your Site

If you could increase your chance of being found on a Google by 53 times, you’d do it, right?

If you could keep your visitors on your website for 2 minutes longer, you would, right?

And what if you found out that you could increase your chances of customers purchasing your product or service by 85%?

There is a secret ingredient to achieving these numbers.  And we’re here to tell you. 

The secret ingredient to bringing more visitors to your website (and keeping them there!) is video.

That’s right.  According to FINDitKC, Kansas City’s first online video business directory, website videos increase your chance of being found on Google by 53 times, increase time spent on your site by 2 minutes and make users 85% more likely to buy your product or service.  Sounds too good to be true, right?

On the first day of the year, FINDitKC launched Kansas City’s first online video business directory in order to provide companies with an affordable way to have a video on their website.  Co-founded by Chris Olsen and Ben Palmatier, FINDitKC provides small businesses with a wide variety of services including video production, photography, graphic and logo design and website design.  But their services are continuing to grow.

“Every other week we add new services,” says Chris.  “We are a company that will never stop evolving.”

“We provide businesses with an affordable way to have a video on their website, Twitter, and Facebook pages. But we are doing a lot of other things, too,” says Ben.  “We’ve gone into logo design, social media work, website development, business cards, and video emails.  I guess you could say we are evolving into a media company.” 

Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs, visionaries and startups may be the reason that FINDitKC is evolving so quickly.  The company houses in the bizperc coworking space in downtown Kansas City.  In the collaborative, innovative and modern environment, FINDitKC has grown exponentially due to the day-to-day connections that bizperc provides.

“We are getting jobs because of the people we have met at bizperc,” says Chris. “Connections here just seem to fall into place!”

FINDitKC has partnered with Think Big Partners, the driving force behind the bizperc coworking community.  Through collaborating with Think Big Partners, FINDitKC has made important business connections and has gained priceless startup advice.

“Think Big Partners and bizperc are growing the tech scene in Kansas City,” says Ben.  “Without Think Big Partners, we don’t think that the tech scene in Kansas City would have a chance to exist.”

With companies such as Taste, Iced Art, Chop Tops Hair Salon, and Next to Nature Landscape as FINDitKC’s most recent clients, it’s easy to see that the video business is booming. 

“We want to go worldwide,” says Ben.  “We want to be a billion dollar company and reach over 200 markets!”

Now that’s Thinking Big.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

PlanetReuse Excels in Kansas City Coworking Space

Nathan Benjamin exudes collaboration, ingenuity and creativity...which are just three reasons why he and his new business, PlanetReuse, work so well in Kansas City’s new coworking space, bizperc.

PlanetReuse was launched in December of 2010 by Nathan and his partner, Willow Lundgren.  The company stemmed from PlanetReuse, a three-year-old company that brokers reclaimed building materials and consults with designers, builders and owners to save money on projects and increase LEED.

The new company, PlanetReuse, has been developed to provide an online platform to help reuse centers-including the 750+ Habitat for Humanity ReStores nationwide-make reclaimed and surplus materials instantly accessible to homeowners online.  According to Nathan, less than 5% of reuse centers in the U.S. have an online presence.  Therefore, homeowners, contractors, and rental property onwers can't shop reuse centers as easy as they can Home Depot or Lowe's.  Most give up and just buy new. 

“We want to make national connections,” says Nathan. “We want to divert more materials from landfills, raise awareness about material reuse and connect consumers with available product.  It's a great opportunity, but it's also challenging."

Some of PlanetReuse’s challenges have been solved.  After moving into the bizperc coworking space, PlanetReuse has seen growth and success.  The company was even announced as the winner of Pitch Big (which took place at Think Big Kansas City 2011).  When announced as the Pitch Big winner, PlanetReuse won a few months of free office space at bizperc and other services provided by Think Big Partners.

“Working in bizperc gives us access to a collaboration of ideas and insight into entrepreneurship,” says Nathan.  “The knowledge in this building is solid and easily accessible.”  Nathan then added that winning Pitch Big and partnering with Think Big Partners has given them three key ingredients: exposure, investment opportunities and networking. 

“There are so many opportunities for growth!” says Nathan. “Currently, we are in a $200 million industry.  But in 10 years, it will be a $1 billion industry.”

This summer, PlanetReuse will be beta testing its platform in two Kansas City area stores.  Currently, the company is actively seeking investors to scale nationally.  Good luck, PlanetReuse!

Interested in working in a collaborative, inspirational and modern startup environment? Contact Sarah Snyder to schedule a tour of bizperc.  816-842-5244 or ssnyder@thinkbigpartners.com.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig.

Design Research University Comes to Kansas City

Developing an innovative and creative mind sounds difficult, but it can actually be fun.  The days of being "born creative" are over.  Now, you can develop an innovative and creative mind by attending Design Research University once a week for eight weeks.

Insight inspired innovation is a pathway to generating new business opportunities through a deep understanding of what is valued most by your customers and your company.  Innovation and creativity can take your business to the next level.  And better innovation can come to your business this summer through DRU.

Design Research University is coming to Kansas City every Monday from 8:30AM until 12:00PM from July 11th to August 29th.  The workshop will take place at bizperc (1800 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO). To learn more information about DRU, check out the course schedule below:

WEEK ONE: An overview of design research.  What?  Why?  How?

WEEK TWO:  Problems. Finding and framing.

WEEK THREE:  Know your network.  Identifying stakeholders and mapping the research process.

WEEK FOUR: Discovery. Observation and immersion.

WEEK FIVE: Discovery. Interviewing.

WEEK SIX:  Discovery.  Facilitating and moderating groups.

WEEK SEVEN:  Data analysis. Connecting the dots.

WEEK EIGHT: Insight translation and integration.

Interested?  Be sure to check out www.MXVXD.com or call 913-396-2799 for more information. One thing is for sure; Monday will suddenly become your favorite day of the week with Design Research University!

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

Less Than One Month Until Think Big Baltimore!

The last two years, the Think Big Kansas City Conference has brought a diverse group of entrepreneurs, investors, startups, leaders and visionaries together under one roof.  By providing them with a day of inspiration and entrepreneurial education, Think Big Kansas City helped big thinkers achieve their dreams.  And now Think Big is getting BIGGER!  Inspired by Think Big Kansas City, a group of Maryland entrepreneurs have organized Think Big Baltimore coming to Towson University on July 13, 2011.

The entrepreneurial scene in Baltimore is booming. It is the perfect city to host the next Think Big Conference.  A growing number of small business resources such as CreateBaltimore, Innovate Baltimore and Startup Weekend are all drivers of new industry growth in the area.  Think Big Baltimore (also known as TBB) hopes to create opportunities that turn into new jobs and spur economic growth.  The conference will be serving up expert advice from those who have “been there, done that.”

You will not want to miss keynote speaker Yanik Silver, CEO of Maverick Business Adventures.  He will be sharing his fascinating story about life as a serial entrepreneur and how he turned an $1800 investment into a 7-figure online business.  As a self-proclaimed “adventure junkie”, Yanik is bound to share stories that will educate and entertain.  Other featured speakers include Techstars Mentor/Investor Ronald Schmelzer, Co-Founder of Startup City Mike Subelsky, and Urban Policy Development Consultant Otis Rolley.

In addition to the many fascinating speakers, attendees will get the chance to participate in CrowdPitch.  During CrowdPitch, several selected companies will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who will decide the two winning presentations.  Audience members will get their chance to weigh in by investing their own “FUN” money in their favorite company pitch.

Think Big Baltimore is only a month away.  Buy tickets now to reserve your place! Think Big Baltimore is the ideal opportunity to network and turn your ideas into something big.  We cannot wait to see what the BIG thinking entrepreneurs of Baltimore can produce!       

Written by Laura Goede.

@LauraGThinkBig.

Summer Camp...Minus the Ticks, Stuffy Cabins and Teenage Counselors

Finally...a camp for grownups with complex problems.

It's that time of year again: time for summer camp.

But I'm not talking about horse back riding, friendship bracelets, and tick examinations.  I'm talking about Summer Creativity Camp- a camp for grownups with complex problems. 

Summer Creativity Camp is an 8-week program in Kansas City in which adults can learn how to get their child-like creativity back.  Camp occurs every Monday from noon until 4:30 PM and includes lunch.  Check out what you'll experience in this 8-week summer camp experience:

WEEK 1:  Introduction.  Creative thinking and its value + meet the counselors and your tribe.

WEEK 2: Creative capabilities.  From the frontlines of business and science.

WEEK 3:  Modeling creativity.  How to map your opportunity landscape.

WEEK 4:  Creative problem solving.  A proven, systematic and intuitive approach.

WEEK 5:  Insight-inspired innovation.  Capitalizing on strategic stakeholder conversations.

WEEK 6:  Creative collaboration.  Tribes compete in the Innovation Challenge.

WEEK 7:  How to facilitate creative collaboration.  Tips and training.

WEEK 8:  CreativityxDesign.  Developing strategies to share and evolve your learning. 

Camp begins July 11th and runs through August 29th (occurs every Monday).  Summer Creativity Camp will take place at bizperc (1800 Baltimore) on the 6th floor.  For more information, visit MXVXD.com or call 913-396-2799.

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

From Mechanic to Entrepreneur: Tony Kimberly of Spotted Koi

With a passion for seeing how things work, Tony is growing his business within bizperc and beyond.

The reason Tony Kimberly became a mechanic is because he loved seeing how things worked.  He loved the entire thinking process—from fixing problems to communicating with customers, from avoiding conflict to executing effectively.  Tony was a problem-solver.

The reason Tony Kimberly became an entrepreneur is also because he loved seeing how things worked.  He enjoyed the thinking process in a much different way, but he used the same techniques.  He fixed problems, he communicated with everyone, and he made sure that problems did not repeat themselves.  Who would have thought that mechanics and entrepreneurs had so much in common?

In February of 2010, Tony launched Spotted Koi with his business partner, Matt Bernier.  Through his collaboration with Matt (the Chief Technical Officer), Tony’s new business brings projects and websites to life in two different ways—through contract development for designers and through partnering with startup ideas. 

“Our goal is to get rid of crappy websites, one site at a time,” says Tony.  “I was a mechanic because I loved to see how things work.  Now, with Spotted Koi, I am able to interact with people and further dissect a business.”

Tony Kimberly and Spotted Koi moved into the bizperc coworking space in downtown Kansas City just a few short weeks ago.  Tony utilizes bizperc’s flexible “drop-in” plan and works from inside bizperc by using his punch card. 

“bizperc has great networking and it has great coffee!” laughs Tony.  “I wanted to work away from my house.  I tried other coworking spaces.  But after spending time at bizperc, I think I found a good place.  I love getting to know the people here because they are people that care.  Coming here is always the most interesting part of my day.”

According to Tony, one of the hardest parts of entrepreneurship is finding quality help and beneficial business partners.  Luckily, after finding Matt Bernier, Tony also found “J-Me”, Spotted Koi’s Chief Awesomeness Director.  Together, the three entrepreneurs hope to put Spotted Koi on the map.  And a lot of it is happening at bizperc.

“bizperc is getting people together to collaborate,” says Tony.  “bizperc is more than just a place to work—it’s a place that fosters growth and startups in Kansas City.”

Connect with Tony today on Twitter! @TJKimberly

You can even connect with his partner, Matt! @mbernier

Or follow SpottedKoi: @SpottedKoi

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig

bizperc Tenant Aims to Save the Journalism Industry- One Zipcode at a Time

How Alan McArthur’s new small business, KCReporter, hopes to revive a dying industry.

It’s no secret that the journalism industry is diminishing.  Over 30,000 jobs in the field were lost in the past three years alone—and this number continues to grow.  But is anything being done about it?     

Saving the Industry

Alan McArthur may have the ability to turn it all around.  And he’s starting in a place very close to his heart—in the middle of downtown Kansas City.  This budding entrepreneur became a virtual tenant in the bizperc office space in the Crossroads District just a few weeks ago.  By utilizing bizperc’s location and mailing services, Alan hopes to successfully launch his new business, The Kansas City Reporter.

KC Reporter is to be an online journal for Kansas City that covers the city government.  By tagging each article by zipcode, KC Reporter hopes to be the next big online journal in the Kansas City area through its usability and breaking headlines.

“I want to provide news that’s being missed in Kansas City,” says Alan.  “These are stories that readers need to know.  They may not be getting this information from current sources.”

Discovering bizperc

Alan is launching The Kansas City Reporter with one goal in mind: to provide news to Kansas Citians.  But he doesn’t need a swanky office space, professional phone line, or a heavy-duty copy machine in order to do it...at least not yet.  What he does need is a professional mailing address.  And that’s why he turned to bizperc.

bizperc’s ultimate flexibility allowed Alan to become a virtual tenant in which he utilizes the professional mailing address and any other services that he may need on a drop-in basis.  After discovering bizperc during First Fridays in the Crossroads District, Alan found that the coworking space would be the perfect virtual home to start up.

“I think that a lot of small businesses are starting up,” says Alan.  “I’m just one of four people in the retail store that I work in that is starting a business.  Having a place like bizperc proves that you’re legitimate and that you do more than just work out of your apartment.”

Thinking Big

As a member of bizperc (which is powered by Think Big Partners), Alan knows how to Think Big:

“Thinking Big is having the courage to start a company, even in an industry that is said to be dying.  I don’t think journalism can die.  It will survive in one form or another.  It’s just time to start a new service and see what sticks.”

Written by Allison Way.

@AllisonThinkBig