Recently a number of Time Traders have recorded multiple transactions that took place over a month or two in one day.
This doesn't seem like a big deal, but it is. Why?
Because Time Trader is dependent on those numbers, and it helps that they are recorded in a timely fashion.
Each month, around the 8th, I sit down and run a report in Community Weaver. The report details the transactions for the previous month. Every TD$ exchanged is recorded, along with the people or groups involved in the transaction. The numbers are then entered into a spreadsheet and provided to my supervisors at Family Service Rochester and, ultimately, the Board of Directors.
The numbers tell the board how many new members have joined Time Trader. Board members can see not only how many TD$ were exchanged in transactions, but how many people participated in a transaction that month. They can see how many transactions involved Family Service Rochester, FSR Meals on Wheels, or FSR Right at Home Solutions. They also can see how Time Trader builds community by bringing together people who need services (like Meals on Wheels) and people who can provide those services.
In the future, we hope to use those reports and the numbers in them to help us demonstrate growth in the program, to show the impact Time Trader has had on programs FSR runs, and possibly in grant applications.
If you have transactions to record, it's ok to record them all at once; just be sure to record each individual transaction (not 8 TD$ for a "miscellaneous" transaction, but 2TD$ for gardening and 6TD$ for home organizing, for example), and try to have them recorded by the 7th of the following month.
And if you have developed a friendship or relationship with someone through Time Trader and you used to record TD$ but now you just watch each other's children or do mending for each other informally, it is still important to record those transactions. While it is wonderful that we have friendships which have grown out of Time Trader, it is ultimately the numbers that tell our story, and the numbers which can help us grow and flourish as a community.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
I got an email recording 0 hours. Why?
This scenario occurred in our old software, Community Weaver 1.0. As of November 1, 2011 we are operating on Community Weaver 2.0 and this scenario should not occur, as there is a delete function for messages in CW 2.0. If you have questions about this or are experiencing difficulties, please contact the Coordinator.
-Jennifer
Our software, Community Weaver, is a little picky. If I request a service and you respond to it but no TD$ are exchanged, your message stays in my inbox. Forever.
As the Coordinator of Time Trader, I get a lot of emails in my regular Inbox and in My Messages in Community Weaver. Periodically I need to clean out the CW messages so that I have less to wade through. To do that, I simply click "log hours" in the message, and I log it as 0. This triggers an automatic email to you but does not require you to take any further action.
Some reasons TD$ are not exchanged:
Once a transaction is recorded and TD$ credited, even if the number of TD$ is 0, the messages automatically move to your archives. This means you can still access them and may refer back to them at any time in the future.
Remember that if you have any problems or questions about how to credit yourself or someone else for TD$ you can always contact me and I am happy to help make sure it is correct.
Thanks Time Traders!
-Jennifer
Our software, Community Weaver, is a little picky. If I request a service and you respond to it but no TD$ are exchanged, your message stays in my inbox. Forever.
As the Coordinator of Time Trader, I get a lot of emails in my regular Inbox and in My Messages in Community Weaver. Periodically I need to clean out the CW messages so that I have less to wade through. To do that, I simply click "log hours" in the message, and I log it as 0. This triggers an automatic email to you but does not require you to take any further action.
Some reasons TD$ are not exchanged:
- multiple people replied to an offer but only one person was needed
- we exchanged messages but for whatever reason the transaction was not completed
- the service was provided but TD$ were not credited from the My Messages section using the "log hours" button
- multiple or similar offers/requests exist and the TD$ were credited on a different offer/request than originally specified
Once a transaction is recorded and TD$ credited, even if the number of TD$ is 0, the messages automatically move to your archives. This means you can still access them and may refer back to them at any time in the future.
Remember that if you have any problems or questions about how to credit yourself or someone else for TD$ you can always contact me and I am happy to help make sure it is correct.
Thanks Time Traders!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
But I don't have any skills people will find useful. What can I offer?
I get that question all the time as coordinator of Time Trader. So often we sell ourselves short, not recognizing the skills and talents we possess.
In the last couple of months several items in Community Weaver have surprised me; things that I never would have thought to ask for or to offer, yet were brought to my attention because TD$ were exchanged for those items.
Case in point: a Service Request asking for someone to teach them how to eat with chopsticks. The requester offered to provide a take-out Chinese meal and invited a Time Trader to come and teach them how to use chopsticks. Now, I have to confess that as fabulous as I think Time Trader is, and as talented as I know our members are, I would not have thought to put that request out there. The request was fulfilled and our adventurous eaters learned a new skill.
Second case: a Time Trader has an offer out there titled "Nit Picker." This was something that surprised me; it isn't a skill one would think of looking for on Time Trader. However, it turned out our intrepid Nit Picker was called upon to offer her services. A Time Trader had a case of head lice in the household and needed help. What to do? How to get rid of them both on the head in question but also in the house? And could it be done without using those awful, toxic shampoos sold commercially?
It turns out it could, and the advice offered by the Nit Picker helped to calm fears (is your head itching yet?) and provided websites with additional information as well as follow-up emails to make sure all was well.
What does any of this have to do with YOU, you may ask. Well. Maybe you learned how to home can pickles from your mother or grandmother. Now you may not look at this as a special skill, but there are many people out there interested in growing and preserving their own vegetables. You might be just the person they need to get started.
Perhaps you enjoy gardening. Again, people might be able to use your help in choosing appropriate plants for a flower bed, planning a vegetable garden, or caring for those lovely but oh-so-fussy roses. Or maybe someone just needs help in weeding a garden. Perhaps it would be a way for you to get to know another Time Trader, get a little time in the sun, and dig in the dirt, even if you live in an apartment or have no space in which to garden yourself.
In choosing what to offer, think of things you enjoy doing and things that people compliment you on. Maybe you are a great party planner. Perhaps you can make beautiful and delicious appetizers. Maybe you just like to putter around outside and wouldn't mind picking up all of the dog "land mines" left in someone's yard after the winter before taking a rake to it.
Oftentimes people get stuck thinking they must be an expert in things they offer. That is not the case -- explain yourself in your Service Offer, that you love to plan parties or want the exercise of raking someone's yard -- and let other Time Traders know you're available. You may be posting a service someone needs but that they would not have thought to ask for.
On the other hand, if you need help with something you think is just a little too odd or "out there" for Time Trader, consider posting a Service Request. You just never know who might have the skill and time to get the job done for you, and you could make a new friend in the process!
In the last couple of months several items in Community Weaver have surprised me; things that I never would have thought to ask for or to offer, yet were brought to my attention because TD$ were exchanged for those items.
Case in point: a Service Request asking for someone to teach them how to eat with chopsticks. The requester offered to provide a take-out Chinese meal and invited a Time Trader to come and teach them how to use chopsticks. Now, I have to confess that as fabulous as I think Time Trader is, and as talented as I know our members are, I would not have thought to put that request out there. The request was fulfilled and our adventurous eaters learned a new skill.
Second case: a Time Trader has an offer out there titled "Nit Picker." This was something that surprised me; it isn't a skill one would think of looking for on Time Trader. However, it turned out our intrepid Nit Picker was called upon to offer her services. A Time Trader had a case of head lice in the household and needed help. What to do? How to get rid of them both on the head in question but also in the house? And could it be done without using those awful, toxic shampoos sold commercially?
It turns out it could, and the advice offered by the Nit Picker helped to calm fears (is your head itching yet?) and provided websites with additional information as well as follow-up emails to make sure all was well.
What does any of this have to do with YOU, you may ask. Well. Maybe you learned how to home can pickles from your mother or grandmother. Now you may not look at this as a special skill, but there are many people out there interested in growing and preserving their own vegetables. You might be just the person they need to get started.
Perhaps you enjoy gardening. Again, people might be able to use your help in choosing appropriate plants for a flower bed, planning a vegetable garden, or caring for those lovely but oh-so-fussy roses. Or maybe someone just needs help in weeding a garden. Perhaps it would be a way for you to get to know another Time Trader, get a little time in the sun, and dig in the dirt, even if you live in an apartment or have no space in which to garden yourself.
In choosing what to offer, think of things you enjoy doing and things that people compliment you on. Maybe you are a great party planner. Perhaps you can make beautiful and delicious appetizers. Maybe you just like to putter around outside and wouldn't mind picking up all of the dog "land mines" left in someone's yard after the winter before taking a rake to it.
Oftentimes people get stuck thinking they must be an expert in things they offer. That is not the case -- explain yourself in your Service Offer, that you love to plan parties or want the exercise of raking someone's yard -- and let other Time Traders know you're available. You may be posting a service someone needs but that they would not have thought to ask for.
On the other hand, if you need help with something you think is just a little too odd or "out there" for Time Trader, consider posting a Service Request. You just never know who might have the skill and time to get the job done for you, and you could make a new friend in the process!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Free Stuff Event
We tried a small-scale experiment on Sunday -- a Free Stuff Event at the UU Church in Rochester.
The concept was simple -- bring stuff you don't need anymore, like clothing in good condition, household goods or toys, and take what you need from the piles of others' unwanted items. It was the ultimate expression of "One person's trash is another person's treasure."
So how did it go? Well, we had some great stuff there. There were some brand-new brushed nickel table lamps with the tags still on them, a floor lamp still in the box, lots of books, some toys and games, kitchen items like Tupperware and margarita glasses, shoes, clothes, and much more.
There were snacks and drinks, and the people who attended had a chance to meet other Time Traders, chat, and make some connections in our community. Since COMMUNITY is really what Time Trader is all about, the event was a success.
At the end, all of the items were dropped off at Goodwill so everyone only took home the things they wanted and needed.
We'd like to do it again, but we need YOUR input. What would make you come out for an event like this? What would make you invite your friends (or better yet, bring them along)? What kinds of social and community events do you want to see that would motivate you to participate more actively in Time Trader? This community is only as strong as its members' relationships.
As Coordinator, it's my job to strengthen those relationships. But it is also YOUR job as a member of the group. Successful TimeBanks are often run by their members, some with a Coordinator who does marketing and community outreach. This is YOUR TimeBank. What do you want from it? If you want a specific feature, service or event, chances are someone else is looking for the same thing.
What can you do to help our TimeBank grow and continue to find new ways of serving its members?
Can you:
*help to plan events
*recruit someone who can perform services that are in high demand (like massage)
* help do orientations to bring new members in
*do a presentation about Time Trader at your church, community group, or to your friends
*come up with a creative idea to help that isn't listed here
Contact me at 287-2040 ext. 3022 and let's work together to find ways to strengthen our community and serve our members better.
It's up to YOU.
The concept was simple -- bring stuff you don't need anymore, like clothing in good condition, household goods or toys, and take what you need from the piles of others' unwanted items. It was the ultimate expression of "One person's trash is another person's treasure."
So how did it go? Well, we had some great stuff there. There were some brand-new brushed nickel table lamps with the tags still on them, a floor lamp still in the box, lots of books, some toys and games, kitchen items like Tupperware and margarita glasses, shoes, clothes, and much more.
There were snacks and drinks, and the people who attended had a chance to meet other Time Traders, chat, and make some connections in our community. Since COMMUNITY is really what Time Trader is all about, the event was a success.
At the end, all of the items were dropped off at Goodwill so everyone only took home the things they wanted and needed.
We'd like to do it again, but we need YOUR input. What would make you come out for an event like this? What would make you invite your friends (or better yet, bring them along)? What kinds of social and community events do you want to see that would motivate you to participate more actively in Time Trader? This community is only as strong as its members' relationships.
As Coordinator, it's my job to strengthen those relationships. But it is also YOUR job as a member of the group. Successful TimeBanks are often run by their members, some with a Coordinator who does marketing and community outreach. This is YOUR TimeBank. What do you want from it? If you want a specific feature, service or event, chances are someone else is looking for the same thing.
What can you do to help our TimeBank grow and continue to find new ways of serving its members?
Can you:
*help to plan events
*recruit someone who can perform services that are in high demand (like massage)
* help do orientations to bring new members in
*do a presentation about Time Trader at your church, community group, or to your friends
*come up with a creative idea to help that isn't listed here
Contact me at 287-2040 ext. 3022 and let's work together to find ways to strengthen our community and serve our members better.
It's up to YOU.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Writing Effective Service Offers
by Debi Neville, Freelance Writer and Time Trader, January 2011
Four basic items need to be addressed in each offering:
1) identify the problem or need
2) offer a solution to the problem
3) explain how YOU can provide the solution
4) call to action
Example:
1) Dream of cinnamon rolls like Mom used to bake?
2) A dozen can be delivered fresh to your door
3) I have 20 years baking experience and a wonderful old fashioned recipe, can be made with whole wheat and fruits if you want to try something a bit new, will deliver same day!
4) This weekend curl up with a good book, a cup of coffee and delicious, warm sweet rolls; call to order today!
Words to use which conjure up emotions, wants, answers, memories, needs, etc. which are more likely to get a response:
Warm Depend
Organized Memory(ies)
Clean Creative
Spic-span Unique
At your fingertips Experience
Solution Fun
Finally Quality
Friendly help Searching
Desire Direct
New Now
Vision This is the year
Worry free Recycle, reuse
Express yourself Thoughtful
Cross off your to do list Dessert
Problem solver Do!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Time Trader Spotlight: Mike's Pumpkin Creations
Time Traders often ask to see photographs of the work people offer in Community Weaver. It makes sense -- if someone is offering to make something, seeing a photo of their past work can help you decide if they are the right person for the job.
Periodically we will feature Time Traders here, offering descriptions of their Service Offers along with photos of their past creations. If you are a Time Trader with a talent you'd like to see in the Spotlight, email your photos to timetrader@familyservicerochester.org along with any descriptive information you'd like included. If you have been happy with a service provided by a Time Trader, please feel free to email the same address and any photos you may have along with a request that they be Spotlighted. We will be happy to post these items to encourage the community to take advantage of all the amazing talent Time Trader has to offer!
That said, let's get to our Spotlight:
Have you ever seen those amazing portrait pumpkins on the national televised morning shows? The ones where people's likenesses are carved into the pumpkin? Or the beautiful Martha Stewart styled monogrammed pumpkins? Believe it or not, we have a very talented Time Trader who can do pumpkin carving like that!
This pumpkin has carvings on both sides. One image glows eerily while the reverse side of the pumpkin casts a shadow on the wall.
Mike can also carve watermelons for events in the summer time, with words:
Or images:
Or even creating a 3D stroller/fruit bowl for a baby shower.
He does lovely portraits. This animation shows the process from photograph to completed project. Amazing!
As you can see his portraits are spot on.
The pumpkins above and below are actually the artificial ones that are available at most craft stores in the fall, so they can be saved and used year after year. The pumpkin below is black but as you can see the inside is light colored and it looks amazing when lit from inside.
Mike says, "A 3 sided birthday pumpkin (cake, balloons, photo) takes about 1 to 1.5 hours per side for a total of 3 to 4 hours. A Welcome pumpkin using a previous design took 3.5 hours to cover the full surface. (New designs and photos take a little longer.)
And here's a photo of Mike so you can say hello to him when you see him at a Time Trader event:
Thanks Mike, for sharing these great photos with us and for sharing your tremendous talent with our community.
Periodically we will feature Time Traders here, offering descriptions of their Service Offers along with photos of their past creations. If you are a Time Trader with a talent you'd like to see in the Spotlight, email your photos to timetrader@familyservicerochester.org along with any descriptive information you'd like included. If you have been happy with a service provided by a Time Trader, please feel free to email the same address and any photos you may have along with a request that they be Spotlighted. We will be happy to post these items to encourage the community to take advantage of all the amazing talent Time Trader has to offer!
That said, let's get to our Spotlight:
Have you ever seen those amazing portrait pumpkins on the national televised morning shows? The ones where people's likenesses are carved into the pumpkin? Or the beautiful Martha Stewart styled monogrammed pumpkins? Believe it or not, we have a very talented Time Trader who can do pumpkin carving like that!
This pumpkin has carvings on both sides. One image glows eerily while the reverse side of the pumpkin casts a shadow on the wall.
Mike can also carve watermelons for events in the summer time, with words:
Or images:
Or even creating a 3D stroller/fruit bowl for a baby shower.
He does lovely portraits. This animation shows the process from photograph to completed project. Amazing!
As you can see his portraits are spot on.
"In 1998 I used my young daughter as an excuse to carve a couple of non-standard pumpkins. (She didn't really care and did not understand anything about what was different.) Who cared that where we lived we had no trick-or-treaters that year! I just had an excuse to do something that sounded fun. From there it has been growing to more complicated creations.
"I have figured out that over the years creative things tended to leak out of me at times. I finally realized how much skill and real interest I have over the last 8 to 10 years. Looking back, I can see some of it was going on as far back as high school and even grade school. Some of those old items included carved candles - one of which took more than 10 hours for just the carving.
"I find that I end up doing many things that are ephemeral. Food carvings, pumpkins, window murals will all be gone after a small amount of time. Like life, they are to be enjoyed while there and hopefully remembered fondly afterwards."
And here's a photo of Mike so you can say hello to him when you see him at a Time Trader event:
Thanks Mike, for sharing these great photos with us and for sharing your tremendous talent with our community.
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