Last night, @gisellegeneral requested a list of inexpensive or free businesses and resources for candidates who are looking to keep moving their campaigns forward, even if money is tight right now.

Below is a SUPER THREAD! #yegcc

Graphic design: Canva for social media and Venngage for infographics. Both have free versions with some limitations.
Social media management: Hootsuite is most popular, and at $30/month for the entry level version, not too pricey. Buffer is also reasonable ($15/month) and Later is free, but we don't have as much experience with these two platforms, so let us know how they are if you use them!
Website: We use Wix for our website, which is easy to use and offers domain options as well. Wordpress is also a good option.

Both of these offer free or low cost options, but you may want to upgrade your package once the campaign gets into swing to get better site analytics!
Databases: Lots of campaigns rely on Excel or Google sheets. Both will merge with your web platform easily. Excel and Google are more work to update but can be more flexible than your NationBuilders.

Whatever you choose, good data security is a must!
Software for Budgeting: Wave has a free version that is pretty good for simple accounting and can be upgraded for credit card payments.

If you are just looking for simple budgeting, Excel has been the friend to many a campaign!
Banking and account types: This one we aren't as familiar with! As a candidate accepting donations, you'll need an account set up in your name - if anyone has suggestions on good personal banking accounts for this use, hit us up!
Venues for physical meetings: Will depend a good deal on your Ward. Community leagues, EPL, Recreation centres, post-secondaries, the YMCA/YWCA all offer room rentals with a variety of rates. If you have a friend with a local business, ask them to use it for meetings after hours!
Affordable #yegbiz for printing material: As @bridgegeek_yeg suggested last night, @RatCreekPress is a good option. College Copy and ABC Press also come recommended!
PPE for doorknocking: This one is new for us too! We couldn't find free PPE, but we did find https://t.co/RaUngzN16d as an option - can't attest to quality though. Masks are also available cheaply on Amazon (we know, we know) for between $7-20 for a pack of 50.
Lots of local print shops and screen printers are also offering custom cloth masks at pretty reasonable rates, which could be a cute and necessary piece of campaign swag!
Getting nomination signatures: @gisellegeneral 's strategy of putting the call out online seems to have been effective, though we're sure it was a lot of work to set up all those meetings! If that seems too daunting, don't stress.
You have until September to get your signatures together, and candidates often start campaigning before they have filed their paperwork, so you don't need to pressure yourself to get that done ASAP.
Once public health restrictions lift a little, you can meet community members in more traditional ways: doorknocking, at community hot spots, or at events.

Don't forget a fundraising ask! If someone will sign your nomination papers, they might also be willing to donate!
That's our megalist! If you have suggestions for free or low cost options in any of these areas, or any other element of campaigning, drop it in a comment👇

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Introducing "The Balloon Effect"

Many businesses & creators have experienced a similar pattern of success.

From @MrBeastYT and @MorningBrew to @oatly and @Rovio.

Let's break down what "The Balloon Effect" is and examples of it in real life.

Keep reading 👇


1/ What is "The Balloon Effect"?

It is a particular pattern of growth.

It is not Instagram's growth trajectory.

It is not
https://t.co/5axsTUKek6's growth trajectory.

"The Balloon Effect" is defined by several years of hard work & grit complemented by slow, linear growth.

2/ And then one day, one month, or one quarter...everything changes.

A business hits a tipping point and its trajectory shifts entirely.

Gradual growth turns to exponential growth & your brand and your size explode.

Like a step function.

3/ Now, you're probably wondering.

Why is it called "The Balloon Effect"?

Because filling/popping a water balloon follows the exact pattern I just described (and so many businesses experience).

Long unsexy slog 👉 Exponential tipping point.

4/ Initially, you turn on the faucet & water takes up space in the empty balloon.

Through effort you open the faucet, yet the results are unexciting.

But it's what must be done for water (or growth) to happen at all.

It's not sexy, but it's necessary.

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THE WINNERS OF THE 24 HOUR STARTUP CHALLENGE

Remember, this money is just fun. If you launched a product (or even attempted a launch) - you did something worth MUCH more than $1,000.

#24hrstartup

The winners 👇

#10

Lattes For Change - Skip a latte and save a life.

https://t.co/M75RAirZzs

@frantzfries built a platform where you can see how skipping your morning latte could do for the world.

A great product for a great cause.

Congrats Chris on winning $250!


#9

Instaland - Create amazing landing pages for your followers.

https://t.co/5KkveJTAsy

A team project! @bpmct and @BaileyPumfleet built a tool for social media influencers to create simple "swipe up" landing pages for followers.

Really impressive for 24 hours. Congrats!


#8

SayHenlo - Chat without distractions

https://t.co/og0B7gmkW6

Built by @DaltonEdwards, it's a platform for combatting conversation overload. This product was also coded exclusively from an iPad 😲

Dalton is a beast. I'm so excited he placed in the top 10.


#7

CoderStory - Learn to code from developers across the globe!

https://t.co/86Ay6nF4AY

Built by @jesswallaceuk, the project is focused on highlighting the experience of developers and people learning to code.

I wish this existed when I learned to code! Congrats on $250!!