In this episode of the Social Lights Podcast, podcast host and Social Mediology founder Kate vanderVoort chats with Tom Dawkins, Co-Founder and CEO of social impact crowdfunding platform and innovation agency StartSomeGood. In addition to running the platform with the best project success rate in cause crowdfunding they partner with companies, funders and governments to inspire, unearth, skill-up and launch innovative social impact projects.

About Tom

Tom has worked for leading companies and organisations like Ashoka, HopeLab and The Australian Centre for Social Innovation. He founded the award-winning youth organisation Vibewire, opened the first co-working space in Australia and was Director of the Australian Changemakers Festival. Tom is deeply passionate about helping create a world where everyone has the opportunity to build the future they desire.

BIG IDEA 1

“Your voice matters, and people are willing to listen” (12:12)

Tom shares that during his time in the United States, how empowering the trip was. The primary lesson he took from it was learning that his voice mattered because there were people willing to listen. It was this core value that motivates him still to this day and something he strives to share with everyone. His hope is to develop and pass on skills, opportunities, platforms and forums where people can listen and be willing to engage with each other.

BIG IDEA 2

“The five Cs formula” (32:51)

Tom explains that clarity, credibility, communities, channels, and courage are the five Cs formula that leads to success. Clarity and credibility are the core attributes, having a clear message or vison and making sure people know that you are capable for delivering your plans. Communities and channels; surrounding yourself with the right partners and people, this will allow you to identify and grow a community around your business. Finally, courage to get out there and do the work required. The use of all 5 of these elements are needed for success.

BIG IDEA 3

“Start sharing your ideas!” (58:51)

Tom thinks the act of sharing what you are working on really helps you get better at how you explain and express it.  It is by doing this you will begin to find people that will also care deeply about the same ideas, and you will slowly begin to build a community. It is also important to identify where you target audience gathers, what communities are they apart of and what podcasts do they listen to. By joining and participating in these communities, when the time comes to launch your product or service, you will have a group of people who at least be willing to listen or be ready to listen.

Episode Links

You can find Tom Dawkins, and more on StartSomeGood at:

·         www.startsomegood.com

·         twitter.com/startsomegood

·         facebook.com/startsomegood

·         instagram.com/startsomegood

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