A Year Later the PowerPot Demonstrates the Power of Kickstarter Crowdfunding Campaigns

By Robert Hoskins

Power Practical, a Utah-based company, has developed a game-changer for backpackers, campers and environmental preparedness enthusiasts alike. The innovative product, called The PowerPot, transforms heat into DC electricity. The new twist on a lightweight backpacking pot will provide electricity where solar options do not: at night, during storms and indoors.

 

The PowerPot was introduced last Spring on Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding platform. The product’s 30-day campaign smashed it’s funding goal of $50,000 and went on to earn six-figures. Riley Swenson, the company’s VP of marketing said the company is in a very different a year later. “The PowerPot was a mysterious idea that gained a lot of traction last year on Kickstarter. This season, it is an established product, with numerous independent reviews, retail-store availability, and is proudly owned by more than 2,000 happy customers in 40+ countries.”

The genius of the PowerPot is that it charges any USB device. The personal USB device market is literally exploding. From portable lighting to smartphones to ham radios, there seems to be a new USB-charged device everyday of the week. This makes the PowerPot attractive to people going on long-term adventures with a rechargeable gear-set. In some cases it can replace several pounds of batteries.

The device also has vast potential in developing nations. “There are over 200 million people in Africa that use cell phones but lack access to electricity. Some must walk over a mile and spend over 15% of their monthly income just to charge their phone,” said Power Practical VP of Sales Caleb Light. “It is difficult to keep in touch with loved ones or do business off-grid. Since most people faced with this problem cook on an open fire, the PowerPot fits perfectly into their routine.”

Power Practical says it was able to donate roughly 100 units of its innovative PowerPot to NGOs working in developing countries. The units have been donated to groups working in Ghana, Uganda and other locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company hopes to expand its humanitarian operations into the subcontinent of India, southeast Asia and elsewhere.

Power Practical is a Salt Lake City-based group of 8 engineers, entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts who emphasize diversity in energy resources by developing innovative, effective and affordable energy products. While the grid that supplies electricity to most of the World is generally reliable, everyone experiences the occasional power outage and there are vast areas of the World that are simply off the grid. The problems posed by imperfect and/or unavailable energy resources are what drive Power Practical’s research and development.

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Top 5 Tips on How to Produce a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign Pitch Video

By Robert Hoskins

Kendall Almerico, ClickStartMe‘s CEO, released a video explaining five things every good crowdfunding video should do to maximize the chances of success. Almerico speaks not only from his experience operating the hottest new crowdfunding site on the Internet, but also from his background as a television and radio producer and host.

“A good video is a necessity if you want a successful crowdfunding project.” Almerico says. “More than 50% of crowdfunding projects with a video are successful. Conversely, only 30% of those without a video succeed.”

Almerico’s new video explains the five things that make or break a crowdfunding video. “Your video doesn’t have to be a Spielberg epic to be a good crowdfunding video,” Almerico notes. “But, it needs to follow five simple rules to give you the best chance of success.”

Here are Almerico’s five tips:

1.     Good video and audio quality make a difference. While a good quality crowdfunding video can be shot on an iPhone or with a camcorder, care must be taken to assure good lighting and audio. Recording a video in a well-lit room or outdoors makes the lighting part easier. The sound is another issue. If using a phone to record the audio portions, speak loudly, clearly and not too close to the phone, or too far away from it. Listen to a sample. If it sounds too hollow or if words that start with a P make sound “pops,” do it over. Also, beware of echoes. If shooting outdoors, this is usually not a problem. But recording indoors in a room with wood or tile floors is asking for trouble. By trial and error, it is easy to find a room that works.

2.    Plan the video in advance. Trained public speakers or actors can turn on the camera and talk without a plan. For others, this is is a recipe for disaster. Write a script, and try to stick to it. When writing the script, think about how a journalist tells a story. Give the “who, what, when, where and why.” In addition:

a.    Tell the story.
b.    Talk about the rewards.
c.    Give people a reason to get excited.
d.    End with “the ask” and a thank you.

“The ask” is the portion of every crowdfunding video at the end where the project creator asks for donations.

3.     Only talk about two or three rewards, not all of them. People do not want to hear about every reward being offered. Highlight some of the best rewards. Pick one from the low end, one from the middle range, and one high-end reward and discuss them. Remind the viewer that there are other rewards they can see by reading the project text. Most importantly, get excited to pitch the rewards. Excitement is contagious, and the viewer will also get excited about it if done correctly.

4.    Add update videos as the project continues. People should update their crowdfunding project constantly, adding rewards and trumpeting their successes. Consider posting additional videos when these things happen. Not only do videos get more interest for the crowdfunding project, but they get lots of additional plays on Facebook and social media when they are posted. An update video is particularly effective down the home stretch, when trying to get everyone excited again to fully fund the project as the end approaches.

5.     Keep it short and simple, but end with a bang! The video should be no longer than 3 minutes unless absolutely necessary. The last 10-15 seconds should be “the ask” where the project creator requests donations and ask for help spreading the word. This should be clear, carefully worded, and create a sense of urgency and action. Tell people what to do, and do not leave it up to them to figure it out on their own. Check out these examples:

Bad Ending:     “Thank you for watching my video and for your attention.”

Good ending:    “We only have 30 days to raise $10,000 and we need your help, now! Donate today and, just as important, spread the word by sharing our project with everyone you know. Thank you for helping to make our dream, a reality.”