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Technology is about helping people

[18 July 2007] As I sit here marveling at how much easier it is to manage my life since I've had the iPhone, I'm reminded of why we do what we do. We're here to find innovative solutions through technology to help people, on an individual level, a group level, and as a force for good. The iPhone is a great example of something that helps people manage their place in the info economy effectively (voice, email, web, music, video, calendar, contacts, and more). There's a reason why smartphones didn't catch on with the mainstream before the iPhone - it wasn't a lack of features, it was a failure to understand how the mainstream want to use technology. For groups of people, Web 2.0 is empowering the mainstream to be a part of the Internet revolution and get connected in ways they never imagined. Dave Kresta's CollaborativEye blog explains different facets of this concept. Software is there to seamlessly help groups innovate while focused on their business objectives, not get in the way by being "technology-centric." The real story is what people can do with applications, not the technology in itself. I always laugh when I see marketing websites that boast incessantly about functionality, incorporate excessive industry jargon, use generic "suit and tie" stock imagery, and endless white papers. There's nothing that makes you sit up and listen more than when technology helps people be a force for good, like innovative social enterprises in Africa.

"Innovation by the masses, not for the masses"

[21 May 2007] I had the chance to be a part of a panel discussion with British author Charles Leadbeater today. He's traveling the world for his latest book, We-think: The power of mass creativity. Charles was in Portland to see what all the hype is about - the truth behind Portland' collaboration and innovation buzz. The intriguing theory he puts forth in the book is we the people have the power now in terms of innovation. Mass creativty is happening by loose networks, instead of at traditional organizations. To me, besides the obvious examples of MySpace, YouTube, Wikipedia, Linux, etc, you can see this in action here in Portland. The high level of collaboration here occurs because of the tight social networks here, and the progressive attitudes people in business, government, NGOs, and education have regarding working with others. And this is the exact spirit we're trying to capture here at fmyi.

Human energy in Portland, Oregon

[17 May 2007] With all the buzz lately about Web 2.0 and social networking sites, it's important to put things into perspective. Technology exists to supplement face to face interaction, not supplant it. Don't get me wrong - the Internet is a powerful way of connecting people together that wouldn't have happened if the Web didn't exist. But without the balance of "old fashioned" face to face interaction, human energy can't reach its full potential. Momentum and progress is sped up when people can get together in person. In the spirit of this, fmyi helped stage the first "Sustainable happy hour" held in Portland, Oregon last week. Over 60 people came together at North 45 Pub to see old friends, meet new people, and chat about sustainability and innovation. We gave away organic cotton fmyi t-shirts to the winners of the most sustainable outfit competition (see the photo on the right of a dress made out of bicycle innertubes, and a skirt produced from color swatches). We know everyone spends enough time behind a computer, so look for more events like this one in the coming months...

It's here

[1 January 2007] Now anyone can enjoy fmyi's benefits, thanks to the launch of fmyi free. It's the only full-featured free online workspace in the world. And what's fun for us is to see how far the "Human energy" spreads. Our logo was spotted in Tahiti over the holidays on a mysterious yet dapper equestrian...

Tipping point

[15 November 2006] Is everyone out there getting the sense that sustainability is reaching the tipping point in the business community? Check out the recent Inc. magazine cover story on "The Green 50" to see how innovative companies are getting. And to help, we're going to reach small businesses and startups with an exciting new version of fmyi with sustainability information integrated into it. Stay tuned...

Innovative collaboration

[2 November 2006] I had the honor of having dinner with Van Jones before his Oregon Natural Step Network-sponsored speaking event. He was here to talk about Reclaim the Future, an innovative program of the Ella Baker Center. By encouraging the clean tech industry to employ low-income people and people of color, Reclaim the Future aims to create "Green Collar" jobs for communities in need. This is a perfect example of an effective connection and collaboration between the environment and social areas of sustainability. By and large, there hasn't been widespread collaboration between the two camps. Reclaim the future is an opportunity to boost sustainable economic development and quality of life for low-income communities. To quote Reclaim the Future, "The path to peaceful streets and true community safety is not more prisons, but ecologically sound economic development."

Making a bold commitment

[10 August 2006] To truly create something great and achieve maximum growth, you have to jump to the next curve. Bottom line efficiency will only carry you so far until the next paradigm shift changes your industry. Innovative organizations don't just tip toe into the waters - they jump in with long term top line growth as the goal. Two examples I've come across recently include two companies in very different industries: Design Workshop (an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design, and tourism planning firm) and Howies (a clothing brand based in the UK). I spoke at Design Workshop's recent annual corporate offsite, and was struck by their commitment to building the culture of their firm by bringing all 170+ employees together each year to talk about the big picture. They gathered everyone in Portland, Oregon to dream big about sustainability, and the stimulating discussion that followed our panel presentation bodes well for their chances of innovating with sustainability. Their mission of combining environment, economics, art, and community with the lands/needs of society is truly visionary. And Howie's commitment to grow slow/grow strong, be lower impact, the Earth Tax, and investing in friends among other beliefs will hopefully set a new trend for a new generation leaders coming up through the ranks.

A revolution is coming

[1 June 2006] It's no surprise, but Network TV advertising was down 1.5% in 2005, while Internet advertising went up a healthy 23.3%, estimated to exceed $12.5 billion. The dollars are following the hottest place where people are spending more and more of their time, and where it's easier to reach the target customers companies want. Unfortunately, banner ads, affiliate marketing, and paid search links can only go so far in terms of effectiveness and exposure. Everyone is waiting for the next big thing that will drive more time in front of customers, more sales opportunities, more media impressions, and more complete brand awareness. Fortunately, you won't have to wait long for this revolution. It's coming at the end of 2006...

The next generation

[10 May 2006] Two great signs that sustainability has the power to reach the mainstream is the birth of fashion boutique Oqoqo and the recent US EPA P3 awards. I visited one of the first Oqoqo stores in Victoria, BC, and marveled at their fresh designs that also happened to be made from materials like organic cotton, soy, and hemp. The important insight here is fashion first, sustainability second, meaning the clothing appeals to consumers based on its looks. No outdated and niche-oriented hippie garments here. Just good old fashioned design excellence, which is what will drive more widespread sales of sustainable clothes to a new audience - the mainstream. And the US EPA P3 winners show that students are getting on the bandwagon with innovative ideas for using sustainability as a foundation for solving the world's challenges. Truly good news all around for the next generation.

In celebration of Earth Day

[22 Apr 2006] The landscape for the environmental movement has changed dramatically since the first Earth Day in 1970. What began as a beacon of environmental activism has evolved into a celebration of environmental innovation now that sustainable thinking has become more integrated into society. An example of this is the growing influence sustainability has within the technology sector. This week, Apple Computer announced their free computer take-back program slated to begin this June. Yahoo! is also taking a leadership position by posting their Earth Day pledge with 10 things you can do to decrease climate change. Skeptics would say all of this is merely "greenwashing" - but the best answer to this is found at the end of Andrew Blum's recent article in Metropolis Magazine. So how can you get involved? Be sure to visit the Earthday Network and watch this space for more innovative stories of human energy.

"Why do you do what you do?"

[3 Apr 2006] wdydwyd? is an art project involving many different communities. It began with an unexpected phone call from a middle school student with a homework assignment to interview civic leaders. He simply asked, "why do you do what you do?"

Sustainable innovation links

[23 Mar 2006] Here's a sampling of info about environmental and social sustainability innovation:

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