Group items tagged

The challenge we faced was how do we increase awareness

We looked at how with a simple web cam or flip camera we could share the strongest messages that people needed to hear.

most important social media tools can be email and a blog.

tools are important for four reasons. They leverage existing investments of time and resources They allow orgs to add multimedia to existing communication channels eg. newsletters They enable easier sharing than existing tools They are sustainable

Social media strategy needs to be adopted by the whole organisation not just by someone who is technically savvy.

Meetup (www.meetup.com) Meetup.com network makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one already meeting up face-to-face. Free for individuals to create an account, join a group, or attend events. Organizers choose from three pricing plans, starting at $12/month for 12 months (a single $72 charge).

“Collaboration is the essence of the new economy,” insists Ross Wallace, director of strategic partnerships at MaRS. “There’s a new focus on the power of institutions to generate intellectual property and ideas, and then build around them.”

MaRS has a virtual education program dubbed “Entrepreneurship 101.” One February class features budgeting, another agrifood innovation. The classes are available at no cost, and anyone can register. The program also includes blogs and discussion groups such as the drug development and cancer targets groups. So far, MaRS has relied on viral marketing to get the word out.

To provide that expertise, MaRS developed the MaRS Venture Group. This team of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, technology experts, and advisors works with companies to help them bridge the gap between entrepreneurial start-up and experienced growth company. The Venture Group provides market intelligence as well  as advisory services such as strategic planning, partnership and alliance building, intellectual property management, marketing and communications, sales strategy, channel development, financing, and human resource development. It works with groups outside the MaRS orbit, too.

Web 2.0 training sessions for organizations, non-profits and social purpose ventures Conversations with keynotes and panel discussions hosted by community partners like Mobile Monday @MaRS, Toronto Net Tuesday and Wired Wednesday Immersion sessions that “prepare your mind” for innovative thought

Net Change story

Net Change video message from Don Tapscott:

“The Skills Exchange”:

profound innovation and social change

Bill White, a member of MaRS’ Board of Directors at our evening “Fireside Chat”

Net Change Art Show:

The Premier’s Catalyst Awards help build a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Ontario by recognizing excellence and leadership in innovation. The Premier’s Discovery Awards celebrates the research excellence of Ontario’s most accomplished researchers. The third category, the Premier’s Summit Award is administered by MaRS.