Company description
Opportunity
The space of social networks has caused clutter, confusion and a false sense of importance. There is an opportunity to provide a reliable reputation management solution which allows people to discover and engage thought leaders and subject matter experts in a clean and efficient manner. In short, a person now has the ability to create an Online Cerebral Network of smarties.
The Concept
Smartagious.com is the next generation of online connectivity, talent discovery and reputation management. Recognizing the need to move beyond friends, fans, followers and favorites as markers of success and value, Smartagious.com allows people to connect in an effort to Spread Brilliance, share concepts and create collaborative opportunities. Users can search for smarties based on industry, subject matter or geographic location. Additionally, users have the ability to tag and rate each other (reputation management) and content on the web based based on the Smart 3.0 model: Smart Thinking, Smart Action and Smart Impact.
Team
Travis Sheridan, Co-Founder/CEO
Travis has worked as the primary consultant and director of member service at the Central Valley Business Incubator for the past three and a half years. In this capacity he coaches and consults entrepreneurs on topics such as business planning, marketing, human resources, raising capital, and taking an idea from light bulb to launch. He has helped clients raise over $6MM in capital over the past three years.
For the past five years, Travis has managed his organizational branding/marketing consultation practice in Fresno and has served clients throughout the state. His practice areas include marketing and branding, consumer behavior, social media, internal branding, and overall strategy.
Travis was formerly the director of public relations at Astone and oversaw the department’s expansion into Sacramento and San Diego. In the early 2000s he served in administration and marketing roles with San Joaquin Valley College. In that capacity he developed programs which resulted in amazing census growth at the campus. Travis also worked in the areas of finance and lending as a manager for CitiBank.
Originally from Madera, Travis left the Valley after high school to serve as a fire fighter in the US Air Force. Upon completion of his enlistment, he began his climb up the mountain of higher education. Travis has a bachelors in psychology from Fresno Pacific University, a masters in organizational behavior from Alliant University, and recently completed the coursework for a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne. Additionally, Travis has completed graduate level courses in integrated marketing communications through the University of West Virginia.
Travis is the board chair for Creative Fresno and provides consultation services to numerous non-profit organizations in Fresno and Madera Counties. In 2000, Travis received the Fresno/Madera County Police Chief’s Outstanding Citizen Award from Chief Ed Winchester and was recently named as one of the region’s Top 40 Under 40 by Business Street. Travis is a published author and wrote the recurring column, “Strategically Creative,” for the Business Journal.
Nick Gundry, Co-Founder/CTO
Experienced web strategist with over twelve years experience managing and developing web based projects for large enterprises, small/medium businesses and educational institutions.
Extensive experience leading project teams from concept through release. Strong skills in strengthening relationships to achieve business goals
by creating a common vision.
Business model
Sources of Revenue
Premium Membership: $5 - $55/year based on SmartScore. Member is able to “lock in” a new rate each time analytic report is pulled. This will generate more frequent “annual” fees.
Advertising: Beyond ad placement (which will be minimal), Smartagious.com will offer experiential advertising in which companies put product in the hands of Smartagious.com members. Advertising packages are currently in development. Advertisers pay more for trial than simple exposure.
Data/Information: Smartagious.com will make available aggregate data to media and marketers. This will not include specific user information; however, it will include the data as it is related to a specific geography or industry.
Competitive advantage
Strategic Advantages
Gaming & Ego: Using the proprietary SmartEngine Optimization (SmEO) algorithm, those with the highest SmartScore will have a more prominently placed profile.
Proprietary Algorithm: The SmartScore is based on the ratings in the Smart 3.0 areas (Smart Thinking, Smart Action and Smart Impact). Additionally, those selected as Trusted Connections can positively or negatively influence a person’s SmartScore.
Counterintuitive Pricing Model: The higher the user’s SmartScore and the more “optimized” the profile, the less they pay for annual membership. This rewards the user for maintaining a solid reputation.
Alignment with Existing APIs: Developing processes to tie in with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. This will allow for increased adoption.
Greater Value in Advertising: The members of Smartagious.com are educated, technologically savvy, early adopters of products and services. They are also influencers and mavens within their industry or marketplace.
Travis Sheridan
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