Crowdfunding vs. Crowdinvestment
Time and matter are two things that cannot be created. Matter (the things we touch) is never created (like energy) but only shifts in form and concept (feel free to nerd out here). When we “make” a cup of coffee we really are growing beans, roasting beans, grinding beans, running water through beans and drinking the byproduct of that filtration (probably not the sexiest way to describe coffee, oops). When we make anything, we are essentially converting raw materials into a different form and bringing them together. Nothing “new” is ever created. Though time is consistently “happening,” more of it will not be made. One minute cannot expand into more than sixty seconds and we cannot add more hours into a day (though we may want the desperately). Nor can we harvest time, save it in a bottle and use it when we are at our most stressed. The only thing we can do with time is utilize it.
How do we best utilize our limited resources and time?
This question is at the core of our Kickstarter campaign. Before we go any further, I would like to advocate for a small, but significant change. Our Kickstarter is not about crowd-funding. It is about crowd-investing. Am I splitting hairs? Maybe. Let me explain to you my thought process.
Crowdfunding is a closed loop. Something needs funding, it becomes funded and it is completed. Resources are given to develop something, that thing is developed and then everybody moves on. There is nothing wrong with crowdfunding! It is a genius concept. Kickstarter, IndieGoGo and so many other places have revolutionized this concept and we are reaping many of the benefits (I prefer my kittens exploded). But there is more to our Kickstarter than this closed loop.
We see every dollar of support in Embers Coffee Co. as an investment. When we reach our goal, distribute rewards, complete our storefront development and open our doors, that is only the beginning of the benefits not the end.
So, why the science lesson at the beginning of this post? Because the answer to our question (How do we best utilize our limited resources and time?) is to invest it. Create something that offers a return, a further benefit, a continued value rather than in something static. Funding the Embers Coffee Co. Kickstarter will result in the creation of a community pillar – one that cares for the community and offers high quality products at the same time.
Can I take this a bit further? An investment in Embers is not just an investment into the community, but also into your community. We are hyper-connected through our devices, but we often lack strong person-to-person relationships. Investing in our shop is an investment in a place to gather (Want a table for three hours? Take it!) and a space to cross paths with others in the community. Rekindle friendships. Make a networking connection. Learn about coffee from incredible baristas. Bring your laptop and smartphone, but connect with people, too.
If you are anything like me, you don’t have stacks of cash lying around to invest and reap quick benefits (if you do have stacks of cash lying around, feel free to hit me up. My…uh…friend has an investment opportunity for you). With Embers Coffee you can invest now and experience a return on your investment every time you come in for some coffee, utilize our recording studio, meet a new friend or just sit at your favorite booth and enjoy the aroma of coffee that surrounds you.
