Building Sidewalks

At our first live virtual event, I told a story about how we intend to proceed with building this network.  We've built some "buildings" - a website, a registration process, a MeetUp group, some social media platform pages.  We charged our attendees to "start walking" - to access and engage with those resources so we know which ones will work and which ones won't.  Once the paths are well worn, we can "build sidewalks." By that I mean we will build up and reinforce those processes and platforms and dedicate our time and attention to them.  

One takeaway we have from last week is that while getting 500 registered to hold a live event is a great long-term goal (by the way, we are at 150!) , some of the people registered are fired up and ready to GO!  And that's great!  I've loved hearing folks use the language we've created to connect - we just need to make sure there is hope that those efforts pay benefits. So, We're tracking what codes have a critical mass building.  For example, we have NINETEEN women who are code 42!  We have SEVENTEEN that are code 25.  We have FIFTEEN women that are code 83.  Seems like we might be able to pull together a group email that pulls them together and then maybe we can have a get together, either virtually or in person?  

A second takeaway is that it might be a good idea to float out one trip idea - maybe a short Caribbean cruise or a getaway to a warm locale - and just see if some women want to go?!  We could puzzle together roommates in the most rational way possible given the data we have?

A third takeaway is that we need to make some data tables that tell Travel Sisters what other codes they might be compatible with because they are just "one variable" off.  If you knew what that variable was, based on the trip destination and itinerary, you might realize a Travel Sister with a "one off" code would be just as compatible as a perfect match.  For example, if you are a "strictly planned itinerary" person but the trip is a cruise that allows for a lot of individualization (as opposed to a group bus tour in Europe), you might get along just fine with a Travel Sister that prefers spontaneous and flexible itineraries.  We need to get that info in our Travel Sisters' hands so they can make the best choices for them based on specific circumstances, especially while we are small and growing. 

This will be a good week to lay the groundwork for some of those ideas since, unfortunately, Teresa's mother in law passed away Sunday.  It was not a surprise, and she lived a long and remarkable life, but you can never really be ready for the passing of the family matriarch.  So, we've canceled our weekly Travel Sisters meeting and we will hit the ground running on these ideas next week.  Feels like lots of families out there are doing their best in troubled times and we could all take a week to take care of ourselves and our loved ones.  All will take place in due time and there's a lot of hope that these are the darkest days and better ones are ahead.

Y'all be well and chime in if you want to weigh in on any of these ideas.  We'd love feedback!