Crowdsourcing

Posted on Nov 11, 2014 | 0 comments

There are so many aspects to starting a business that it can get very overwhelming, very fast. From logo design to obtaining funding to forming and promoting your message, the questions come at you fast and hard.

Thankfully our human nature constantly pushes most of us to try to do things better, more efficiently, and faster. Business owners are always looking for better, easier ways to extend their reach and they are on to something here.

It began in the photo industry. In the early 2000’s a stock photo company opened up that offered images for only $1, along with the legal rights, and they had 100’s of 1000’s of photos to choose from. This company (and others since just like it) had gathered 1000’s of photographers, experienced and amateur, and used crowdsourcing to get their photos.

People no longer had to hire one photographer when they could just go to a website and for 99% less money get the image that they were looking for from crowdsourcing and all of the legal paperwork to go with it.

It was not long before other industries caught on.

What is crowdsourcing?

Crowdsourcing is the process of obtaining needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, and especially from an online community, rather than from traditional employees or suppliers.

You can crowdsource out your logo design with companies like 99Designs. You can use crowdsourcing to find and secure funding for your idea or company, likewise you can use crowdsourcing to find a great idea or company like Kickstarter. You can use crowdsourcing to get help with medical bills. And much more.

The crowdsourcing industry is exploding, BECA– USE IT WORKS!!

#Crowdsourcing is #awesome for #businessowners http://t.co/t10NtHtdaX

— Malibu Mama Loves (@MalibuMamaLoves) November 11, 2014

Why I used crowdsourcing for my logo

When I had tightened my message I knew it was time for the right logo, but could not come up with one. I had heard about 99Designs and loved the contest idea. Why? Because I would see over 50 different designs within a few days, instead of just a few ideas from one person at a giant design firm.

The contest did not disappoint! Over 80 designs were submitted and the experience was great (read about it here).

I love the concept that crowdsourcing opens up. You do not have to be a professional with 50 years of experience. Everyone’s eye/thought is unique and crowdsourcing gives room for everyone to have their try. Crowdsourcing gives you a huge group of people to connect with that you never would have been able to in the first place.

Have you tried crowdsourcing?

Malibu Mama Loves Xx