Launching The Epiphany Lab Pop-Up

While I absolutely love being an entrepreneur, there’s no doubt that the life of a business owner can get lonely. To combat that isolation, I’ve built a network of colleagues who have valuable insight and can serve as great sounding boards when challenges arise. I also like to think that my perspective can prove helpful when my fellow entrepreneurs find themselves struggling with a public relations or marketing issue.

For example, a few months ago, a few of my colleagues were trying to figure out how to test an exciting new concept publicly. The duo – Janine Underhill and Dana Wasson – both graphic facilitators, were interested in piloting a new interactive event offering called a “Listening Lab Pop-Up.” The event provides a platform for attendees to share what’s meaningful to them, while their thoughts and ideas are captured on a Listening Wall that organizers can use to identify trends or themes.

When I heard about the idea, I instantly started thinking about all the different events where a Listening Pop-Up could prove useful – from community development forums where developers are trying to gauge reaction to a project from neighborhood residents to a focus group where a corporation might be trying to connect with consumers – the possibilities seemed endless.

Another obvious option was tapping the Listening Pop-Up for political candidates hoping to reach voters. So, I connected with Denver Mayoral Candidate Jamie Giellis, who I knew was going to be hosting a fundraiser to raise awareness about her campaign. I thought the event could serve as the perfect platform to launch the Listening Pop-Up.

Luckily, Jamie and her team jumped on the idea. Knowing that she would never be able to talk to each and every person who attended the event, Jamie viewed the Listening Pop-Up as a way to really “hear” what her constituents wanted to say even if she couldn’t interact with them all directly. She developed three questions for attendees and then Janine and Dana recorded their responses for Jamie’s future use. This approach allowed Jamie to gather so much more information than she could have done going door to door.

I’m excited to share that other mayoral candidates have expressed interest in hosting their own Listening Pop-Ups. I am also working with Janine and Dana to approach Governor Polis about using the format for his policy work. We see lots of opportunities on the horizon to share this special tool. For more information on the Listening Pop-Up, visit https://www.epiphanylabpopup.com

And remember, collaboration can be crucial in pushing new ideas from conception to implementation!