Identity
the100, inc. offers CEOs, Presidents, owners and executives valuable networking opportunities and unique leadership dialogue through a limited Membership, non-profit business organization.
Problem Worth Solving
Business leaders tell me that they “need to get out there more”. They struggle to find time for networking and development. They don’t necessarily need to meet more people; they just need to meet the right people. They need to know the owners of companies that provide products and services necessary to own, operate and grow their business. They need to continually sharpen their leadership skills, but they don’t necessarily want to commit to a strict educational schedule. Their time is valuable and they need networking or social outings to have a great potential for return or collaboration.
Our Solution
the100, inc. provides a platform to; promote your business directly to other business owners (the decision-makers); support local entrepreneurs; celebrate the success of fellow job-creators; find commonality with and learn from other experienced business leaders, with no mandatory participation and a minimal investment.
Our Target Market
Our target Member is the private business owner with 5+ years in operation; a desire to grow the organization; a reputation for integrity, humility and good business practices; based and operate within 60 miles of Fargo, ND.
The Competition / Collaborator
Our primary competition for Membership is from other business groups and organizations. Many of them…
- focus on advocacy and public policy – the100, inc. does not
- are dominated by management, sales and/or “non-owner” personnel – the100, inc. is not
- require meeting attendance and “lead-gathering” or referrals brought in – the100, inc. does not
- focus strictly and intensely on leadership development in a structured format – the100, inc. does not
- have a large financial investment and time requirement – the100, inc. does not
- allow Membership from nearly all applicants – the100,inc. does not
- do not have a full-time Member liaison – the100, inc. does
the100, inc. is working to build collaborative relationships with the Fargo-Moorhead area business organizations and non-profits. We offer a certain number of complimentary Memberships to other business-related groups.
Sales Channels
Membership sales: The majority of original Members came from relationships and connections from a previous position of the Founder, Kurt McSparron. New Members since, have come by referral from other Members, word-of-mouth, attendance at our Executive Events and from our website. Membership is currently limited to a total of 210 ( the100, theAg100 and Associate Members), therefore, sales channels for Membership are limited as well.
Executive Events sales: Our monthly Executive Events series is marketed to all business owners in the Fargo Moorhead area. Our primary sales tools are; Mailchimp email @ 950 contacts; Fargo Inc! business magazine @ 8000 mailings and social media targeting through Facebook and LinkedIn.
Marketing Activities
We reach our Members daily through our website (the100.work), a private Facebook group, and our Founder’s open calendar (where Members are encouraged to make appts, schedule calls, meetings etc).
We connect weekly with a Wednesday Member Lunch (generally at a Member-owned restaurant).
Monthly, we host a high-level Q/A discussion at our Executive Events series. These are luncheon or breakfast sessions, where a 3-5 person panel of Members lead a topic discussion with an average of 40 area business owners in attendance.
On a quarterly basis, we invite our Members + spouses and employees to a “no-agenda” Member Social hosted by one of our Members at their location.
Revenue
- Members invests $1/day for 365 days of Membership
- Gold Members invest $2,500 for 10 years of Membership + Sponsorship benefits
- Executive Event tickets are $50 non-Members and $30 Members
Milestones
- the100, inc. was formed on August 15, 2015 with Member #1
- officially launched on January 1, 2016 with 70 Members
- Member #100 was added on May 31, 2016
- we’ve enjoyed an 80+% renewal rate in our first year of Membership renewals
- the Ag100 was added in the fall of 2016 and currently has 25 Members (seats filled by the fall of 2017)
- we celebrated 1 year of our Executive Events series in April of 2017 (attendance at these events has been as high as 95 and as low as 25, with an average around 40 per event)
Team and Key Roles
- Kurt McSparron | founder and president
- Advisory Board
(current)
- Todd Fisher | business equipment and finance
- Barry Dresser | marketing
- Josh Christy | technology
- Mark Giddings | accounting
- Guy Nelson | manufacturing
- Deb Jaeger | business services
- Cindy Cole | communications
- Jodee Bock | coaching and development
(past)
Jim Buus | real estate
Harlan Goerger | coaching
Aaron McWilliams | manufacturing
Partners and Resources (Member contributions)
- Fargo Inc! | promotional sponsor
- Yarn Media | video production
- My Professional Concierge | hosting services
- Custom Graphics | signage
- UPS Store | printing
- Avalon Events Center | discount facility
in·i·ti·a·tive [iˈniSH(ē)ədiv]
NOUN:
1. the ability to assess and initiate things independently synonyms: self-motivation · resourcefulness · inventiveness
2. the power or opportunity to act or take charge before others do:
3. an act or strategy intended to resolve a difficulty or improve a situation; a fresh approach to something synonyms: plan · scheme · strategy · stratagem · measure
4. (the initiative) a procedure by which a specified number of voters may propose a statute, constitutional amendment, or ordinance, and compel a popular vote on its adoption.
ADJECTIVE:
5. of or relating to formal admission or acceptance into a club or other group
6. serving to set in motion or initiate; introductory; beginning:
with gratitude,
Kurt McSparron, Founder and President
kurt@the100.work | 701.541.1073
the top 7 benefits
1) high-level networking
- daily activity in our private Facebook Group
- weekly lunches at Member-owned restaurants
- quarterly Executive Events at the Avalon
- quarterly Member Socials at Member businesses
- Member to Member introductions
2) leadership development
- Meet the Fargo-area’s best business executives
- discuss best practices
- share solutions
- develop ideas
- create collaborations
- tools, tips and tactics
4) business stability or traction
- achieving or maintaining well-managed, sustained growth
- no downsizing or unwilling closures by Members
- getting the right people in the right seats
- implementing proven processes
5) increased profits/reduced costs
- additional revenue through sales to Members
- decreased costs through savings from Members
- discovering hidden profits
- saving time
- avoiding the “rabbit-holes” from others’ experiences
6) owner wellness = company wellness
- attitude
- communication
- focus
- inspiration
7) have some fun!
- we celebrate success
- share experiences
- we learn from and sometimes, laugh at mistakes
“How do I get the most value from my Membership in the100?”
“Kurt, what are other Members doing to get their return on investment?”
the top 10 initiative actions
1) be active in our PRIVATE, MEMBERS-ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP
simply clicking “like” puts your name in front of other Members.
Also, post your own promotions, events or business questions. Remember, only our Members can see our private page. If you’re not on Facebook, give me a call and let me help you get started.
2) contact me everyday, for introductions, ideas or solutions
Those introductions lead to interaction with other Members.
Having a situation?…let me know if i can help (or find someone who can).
(obviously, the more that you’re in the front of my mind, the more that i’m promoting you to the other Members)
3) make time for our weekly Wednesday lunch. 12-1pm
usually 5-10 Members show up each week and we casually get to know each other. Locations are updated on our Calendar page and on Facebook.
4) make time for our monthly executive events
Each quarter, we will host a 3hr “Best Practices” breakfast event at the Avalon, a 2hr specific topic luncheon at the Avalon (both events open to the entire F-M business community) and a 2hr Members-only social event (just for fun).
5) be a panelist/featured speaker at our executive events
The panelists are always our Members. You get a free opportunity to promote yourself, your business and give back to the group. I am looking for panelists and topics for our 2017 line-up.
6) Host a Member Social at your business
7) Host a 5-10 Member presentation event
8) Host an Open House at your business
9) reach out to our Members for consultations
10) share ideas and suggestions to grow our project
So far, we have had Members form partnerships, collaborate on projects, secure large accounts, as well as save time and money by taking advantage of this network!
I’m trying everyday to put out a buffet of the best businesses and owners in the area…but you have to come up and grab your plate!
As project founder and director of the100, i’m given the humble distinction of meeting many of our areas best CEOs, Presidents and business owners on a daily basis. From the most successful, long-standing businesses, to the struggling, striving and growing ventures, I’m available for each of our Members, to…
answer everyday questions
make time-saving referrals
make valuable introductions
illustrate common challenges
develop profitable ideas
and discover practical solutions to their business issues
…through our experienced network of owners and serial entrepreneurs. As Members of the100, you have, essentially, hired me for 1 year as a “go-to” resource and a business support officer, to add more time to your schedule and more profit to your bottom line!
THANK YOU…sincerely to each you and keep the ideas coming!
Kurt McSparron, founder