The recent beta release of Maui Springboard means a new platform for business interaction is now available on Maui. Maui Springboard is an online business networking site created by Ron Lunan. The site plans to develop as a free niche social network for Maui’s professionals and is welcoming prospective members to sign up at Mauispringboard.com.
The network aims to help members increase visibility and influence among their customers, peers and business partners. Maui Springboard intends to include elements of services like LinkedIn and also create in-real-life (IRL) business mixer events.
“We’re on a small rock that’s part of the most isolated land mass on earth,” says Lunan. “We also have an economy built largely on tourism. That doesn’t leave much room for local business. I think that’s why we’ve seen such a push by the local government to provide services and events that help connect us. There hasn’t been a private solution to this local problem. This is where Maui Springboard will really shine.”
Lunan emphasizes a concept called “social capital,” which is invested by each user based on the typical interactions of humans from email to gesture.
“Social capital is the oldest and most used transaction human beings have ever had,” says Lunan. “We spend and receive it when we write an email, talk on the phone, kiss our kids goodnight, or motion to our fellow cave dweller to pass the meat. It trades more often than all forms of monetary capital, and its effects are more influential. Few of us identify these little (or big) social interactions as a form of trade, but they are.”
Some users have already found utilizing the network have helped them. Ermin Fergerstrom, an organizer for the upcoming Harness Economic Leadership for Prosperity (HELP) Expo to be held Apr. 13, says he found several inquiries about vendor tables and sponsorships from Maui Springboard.
“On Maui, most people will wait until the last week to register and/or pay at the door,” says Fergerstrom. “I am confident that we will fill the room if not sell it out. The results so far, from a small group on this newly formed site, has been amazing.”
Maui Springboard will hold an online brown bag session on Apr. 24 discussing the value of a Facebook page for your business. You can sign up at Mauispringboard.com. If you have questions you may also engage with Maui Springboard on their social network sites at Facebook: facebook.com/MauiSB and Twitter @MauiSpringboard
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