Hashtag+BLUE

Only 14% of plastics are recycled at this time. #BLUE seeks to save our oceans from plastic contamination from the other 86%. Together, we can make an ocean of difference. Proudly supported by Virgin Unite and Maverick


 * Welcome** and thank you for your interest in #BLUE! This open source page is managed by Steve Kantor and his assistant, Jenny Good of Lifebushido. If you have questions regarding information on this page please contact Steve Kantor.


 * Project Pages **
 * #BLUE Overview - original email invite
 * Hashtag BLUE - Project Structure - terms of project
 * Add Your Bio - application of posting of bios for Triangle Leader or Member
 * Crowdsource Application Process - ideas to crowdsource creatively
 * Consulting Ideas - one paragraph summary of consulting company scope/services/market
 * @Hashtag BLUE - Triangle Startup - steps for application finalists and brainstorming
 * @Hashtag BLUE - Talk to People - Market Research - talk to people for market research
 * Conference Calls - go here for information on attending conference calls and call recordings
 * Feedback - go here to share your feedback on the #BLUE Triangle application process

Blue Fin Ocean Accord Oceans of Change
 * Triangle Pages**

> (As part of the selection process, you will work in virtual groups called Triangles, participating as either a Triangle Leader or Member)
 * The following is a general breakdown of the steps and time needed to move forward in this process:**
 * Inquiry: 1 minute
 * Apply: 10 minutes
 * Form triangles and get to know each other: 1 hour
 * Triangle project: 10 hours


 * Below is FAQs which are evolving...**

FAQs
Please post questions below for FAQ for Triangle Startup phase. Pleas post your name after the question.
 * FAQ - Round 2 for Triangle Startup**

We're looking for people who think outside the box, so we're taking an unconventional approach to connecting with the best #BLUE applicants. You may have some questions, and we may have answered them below. Have a look, and let us know if there's something we haven't covered.


 * #BLUE Philosophy **

Q. What motivated the team to choose plastic pollution over other issues affecting the ocean?
 * A. This is a problem that is 100% driven by businesses and consumers and we believe we had the opportunity to initiate conversations, raise awareness, and drive real change through businesses for this problem.**

Q. Will #BLUE incorporate principles of a triple bottom line (planet + people+ profit) when operating?
 * A. Yes, the business has more stakeholders and goals than just generating revenue. We will establish internal impact metrics to see if we are moving the needle on the problem.**

Q. What is the consultancy's paradigm: Blue Economy? How well is the candidate informed of what B.E, actually is?
 * A. We have not studied Blue Economy in depth but from research this seems in line with this potential project. Our key paradigm is how do we reduce or eliminate plastic from a company's packaging and/or supply chain...while making it good for the company or business itself.**


 * What Are You Looking For? **

Q. In what areas are you looking for help and management?
 * A. The team is expected to drive the project, identify potential solutions, and validate them with the market by actually selling the solution and finding customers, essentially finding product/market fit. We are looking to establish a founding team that will truly treat this as a startup and give it the attention it deserves to drive progress.**

Q. Are there any prerequisites or skills I need before going #BLUE?
 * A. In any startup, the most important things are a passion for solving the problem, designing solutions around solving that problem, then finding customers for the solution. We have found that sales and marketing experience always help with early stage startups, although not necessary, as these are learned skills.**

Q. What is the expected % of PR, Savoir-faire and Hands-on of consultancy's expertise for Ocean related Projects direct implementation?
 * A. Initially, the team should be working towards a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to get to market and start receiving feedback from the market. Based on what solutions have been identified, the team can start identify the resource gap that exists inside the organization and can potentially look for outside help. There is funding available, with the potential to raise more funding, therefore the team will need to make decisions around how to manage the cash flow.**

Q. How will the individuals chosen for the #Blue challenge be measured for success?
 * A. Impact and revenue.**

Q. Outside of meeting with the team, am I required to travel?
 * A. Not necessarily, but some meetings with customers or clients could require travel. There are also many opportunities we are creating for the team to receive mentorship at various global events, so the team will likely want to and be able to travel.**

Q. What resources will I be expected to contribute?
 * A. Your dedication and persistence to solving the problem.**


 * Scope Of Project **

Q. Are we aiming to solely reduce plastic packaging, plastic bags and plastic bottles from the companies we work with, or do we want to eradicate them fully from those companies?
 * A. While the eventual goal would be to fully eradicate companies use of plastic, it is currently not practical as companies need an alternative before willing to switch. Our initial objective is reducing plastic in packaging and supply chain, then seeing how it can be removed. We also believe a lot of other companies will receive positive feedback and sales growth from their customers by sharing this message of plastic reduction. Changing consumers' decisions and attitudes can help drive business decisions.**

Q. If solely aiming to reduce number of plastics, how do we decide what benchmark is impactful enough?
 * A. The team can come up with this together, however we can evaluate how much plastic a company is using and what they are no longer using after working with them as potential impact scores.**

Q. Did the team that conceptualized the company have an initial geographical focus? If so, what was it?
 * A. No. It can be global.**

Q. Who are and where is the target market?
 * A. Right now the target markets are segmented based on various companies that use plastics. CPG (Consumer Packed Goods) companies, attractions, resorts, restaurants, etc. We essentially broke down various segments, but the team can validate which segment we can initially go after.**

Q. Will #BLUE also champion the need to clean oceans from the damage already done by plastics?
 * A. Yes, that could be a tie-in for the social impact a company wishes to take on to show their commitment to their customers and team (i.e. a team building service project).**

Q. Will #BLUE eventually expand to reduce or eliminate other forms of water pollution?
 * A. Possibilities are endless, but the initial founding team can help establish the mission of the company to help drive such decisions.**

Q. What steps or requirements will the #Blue accreditation process consist of?
 * A. This has not been fully finalized yet. We only have this as a direction, but the team will ultimately help drive what this looks like.**

Q. Will adopting to the #Blue label provide carbon offsets for companies so they can operate in accordance with the Paris Climate Accord?
 * A. This could be a possibility for the team to decide.**

Q. How will we gauge what is a proper price point for a #Blue consulting of a company?
 * A. Many factors go into pricing but one main factor is how much is the value to the company? ie. is it worth $1 for them to gain $5 in growth.**

Q. What content will a video consist of?
 * A. We have a working concept right now where we educate the public through celebrity influencers.**

Q. How autonomously does the team work from the Maverick project leaders?
 * A. We have not established this, however, the team will probably have a slack group to be able to communicate and receive help when needed, while establishing biweekly calls (twice a month) to check in on progress. This is all open for discussion.**

Q. Will the initial team of 3 have the opportunity to add more team members as #BLUE grows? If so, when can people be added?
 * A. Absolutely, as any company grows, we will need to hire people or add volunteers to sustain and scale the growth.**

Q. If the team of 3 expands, do team members have input in adding new people?
 * A. Yes, the founding team will ultimately be leading this process as you all have to work together.**

Q. Have preliminary profitability/timeline requirements been determined, and if not, who will determine this?
 * A. We would like to make our first dollar before the end of the year, however these goals can be established once the team is onboarded.**


 * Time Investment **

Q. When does the project start?
 * A. We are looking to start as soon as the founding team has been onboarded.**

Q. How much time will this take on a weekly basis?
 * A. As with any company, you receive what you put in. If you do not have at least 15 hours a week to dedicate to this project, you will likely not see the progress. However, we focus on results. If you can do that in 1 hour a week, then it's not necessary. This will be ultimately be determined by the team and your other co-founders.**

Q. How long will I be working on this project?
 * A. Ask yourself the question, do I see myself working on this problem for the next 10 years. Although you might not necessarily be working on the problem for that long, it's good to set expectations with yourself that this is a startup, not just a project. Startups take time, and real businesses solving meaningful problems take time to build.**

Q. Will team members need to travel to meet during the project, and if so, how often?
 * A. Most work will likely be done remote. This will be determined once the team is onboarded.**


 * Compensation **

Q. Is there any sort of payment?
 * A. There are funds available for a stipend, however, once the company is revenue generating, the team can make a draw from the company. The faster the company is revenue generating, everyone can get paid.**

Q. If this is a volunteer effort, could this lead to a paid position?
 * A. If you are looking for a job, this is likely not a good fit for you. We are looking for startup founders.**

Q. Are there more details on the equity breakdown between team members vs other stakeholders?
 * A. The team will receive the lion share of the company's equity based on performance KPIs and a vesting schedule.**


 * Support **

Q. Who will we be working with?
 * A. You will mostly be working with your other team members. You will also have access to a network of other young entrepreneurs who have already successfully generated 6 figures in revenue, Maverick NEXT. We also have a board of advisors that include successful serial entrepreneurs.**

Q. Who is the consultancy reporting to?
 * A. This discussion will take place with the team.**

Q. What will be the roles of Ocean Unite and Virgin Unite as cause partners?
 * A. The organizations exist to help introduce us to world class experts and to help open doors to other partners that are aligned with the cause.**

Q. Will we be meeting with Richard?
 * A. There is an opportunity to meet Richard as long as the company reaches a level of traction.**

Q. Who will the winning team be coordinating with?
 * A. There is a board of advisors who have invested some hours of preliminary work. We will all coordinate together.**

Q. What will be the role of governments, if any?
 * A. TBD**

Q. Do multi-national organizations have a role to play in #blue work (ie. UN and SDGs)?
 * A. The team can identify key partners as necessary and we can help facilitate these relationships and introductions.**

Q. How often will the winning team be in contact with Mentors?
 * A. As much or as little as wanted.**