How do you talk about a dream and vision?
When I first opened Yield, online communications and descriptions focused on sharing information about just the recycling business. I was hesitant to share the big vision because I thought people may get confused and lost and that would be off-putting, leading to a barrier to signing up new customers.
But when I meet people in-person, I start with the big dream and what I imagine will be. Then I explain how the recycling pick-up service is foundational for bigger pieces of the vision. In-person, I have the benefit of a two sided conversation. I can answer questions. I can describe my ideas in different ways based on what the other person is understanding or not. I can find ways to connect what I’m doing and what I’m interested in to what they care about.
When a back and forth sharing happens, people get excited and want to know how to be part of the vision. This has gotten me to rethink what I share online. I’m still not quite sure how to explain it all in an easy to understand way. I’ll start with the short version…
I am building circular manufacturing supply chains in the Shenandoah Valley.
I envision all steps of the production process — from material collection, processing, and redistribution to product design to research and development to manufacturing to sales and more — all happening within a close distance.
Each part of the system will be nimble and flexible, utilize renewable energy, be regenerative, and be responsive to the people living in the Valley.
Each enterprise will offer living wages, career pathways, opportunities for ownership, and support new entrepreneurs, makers, doers, and dreamers.
People will feel empowered to go to work, customers will be excited to get the newest products, and the Valley will be healthier.
I realize this is full of jargon that excites me but may not be easily understood by everyone. It is very much “blue sky” thinking with no proof of success. But I don’t care.
I’ve always been on the fence when it comes to educating people, trying to convince people to buy into what I’m doing, versus working with those already “drinking the cool aid” (which I realize is phrase with not the best origins but it is one that I like).
So if you are intrigued enough to want to learn what all this means and what it looks like, great, check back here for more dreams and imaginings. And feel free to send me a message and let me know what questions you have, what excites you about the vision, and how you imagine we could work together.
And if you want to learn more immediately, check out Fab.City! This is the organization and network I refer to most, full of people working on the same vision. If the website is too much to take in, check out the Fab City Manifesto. Warning though, it is also heavy on the jargon :)
