For the Individual
Brand Expansions
AS1 - Some to set it all up
Type: Service
Name: Someone to set it all up (AOL Home Helper Group)
Introduction: Technology has had the effect of widening the generation gap because of a lack of understanding amongst older generations on the proper way to set up and use the technology many already have.
Description: A “geek squad” that will go older people’s home to help them set up and use their technology (i.e. computers, modem, wifi networks, phones, etc.). They will then periodically check back in with these people.
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to connect and educate people, in this case with people to their technology.
Similar to: This idea is similar to a number of companies costumer support departments, in particular the Apple Care service, Amazon Home Service and Best Buy’s Geek Squad, without the prerequisite of purchasing the products from that location and by offering a more personal touch and prearranged follow-ups.
Ties to: This links to AOL’s goal of using technology to help people connect.
Technicians will not only set up technology for customers, but also teach them the proper way to use it.
For a lot of seniors, new technology is daunting, having someone available to ask questions to will be crucial.
Being better able to use their technology will allow many seniors strengthen their connections with family and live a fuller life
AE1- Learning to do it yourself
Type: Event
Name: Learning to do it yourself (AOL Technology Self-Sufficiency Seminar)
Introduction: Technology can be confusing limiting its usefulness. Learning how to best use the tech we already own, is an important step in preparing people for the modern digital world.
Description: Geared towards people with greater mobility, they will be arranged meetings where experts help people with technology they bring including phones, computers, etc. The seminar will be held in a group setting so that people from the community can work together to better understand. Experts will also give talks at these seminars.
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to connect and educate people, through group workshops
Similar to: This idea shares similarities with the personal development business sector with relying on creepy self-help gurus. One company that shares similar practices is Landmark Worldwide, however this will rely more heavily on collaboration as opposed to one strong personality leading a group of people.
Ties to: This shares similar goals with the Home Helper Group just in a community setting. The better people understand technology, the easier it will be to stay connected.
Learning new technology can be scary and overwhelming, doing it in groups can make success more obtainable
Learning how to use new technology can open new opportunities and make connections easier
“Aging is not ‘lost youth’ but a new stage of opportunity and strength.”
Dedicated mentors and teachers will help people at everyone’s own pace.
AC6 - A place to learn the next step
Type: Center
Name: A place to learn the next step (AOL Career Planning Workshop)
Introduction: A one stop shop where people can get help with resumes and other career services. There will also be vocational workshops to help people with skills that will allow them easier integration back into the workforce.
Description: The job market and distribution of careers has changed dramatically over the last couple decades. As the number of manufacturing jobs plummet there has an equal rise in the number of jobs in technology and related fields. The Career Planning Workshop would help both people new to workforce and those looking for a later life change of careers..
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to educate people and build better communities through building a better prepared workforce.
Similar to: This idea shares similarities with other career planning services such as EducationPlanner.org, Career One Stop, and Mapping Your Future. However it differs in the personalized touch in an individual career plan and the fact that the center will cater to people of all ages.
Interviews can be stressful experiences, our advisors can run mock interviews and help you prepare.
There are few things are as scary and exciting as the first day at a new job.
Workshops focusing on brainstorming, collaboration skills, and other things to help find success in the work force will be central to the AOL Career Planning Workshop..
ADDITIONAL EXPANSIONS
FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
AS5 - Someone to teach the important stuff
Type: Service
Name: Someone to teach the important stuff (AOL Life Skills)
Introduction: There are a number of skills that are very important to living that are not taught in schools
Description: A place where people can go to learn important life skills not generally covered in traditional education such as how to do your taxes, understanding a mortgage, etc. This will be largely geared towards people just leaving college who may not be fully prepared for life in the real word, but would be a useful for anyone who needs help.
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to teach people and foster stronger communities..
Similar to: This idea shares similarities with programs that exist at a number of public libraries, such as the one is san jose, and also a number of websites such as balance careers. Where it differs is that it would combine on-site and online learning by offering classes as well as having an online portal for refreshers.
AS12 - Someone to help us learn
Type: Service
Name: Someone to help me learn (AOL Online Tutoring)
Introduction: A service that provides students with tutoring and school help through individualized plans.
Description: A service for students to get individualized help on classes on regular intervals. The tutor will help the students develop organizational skills and proper study practices to help them skills that will help them succeed. The individualized lesson plans and on-call help will push students to do their best in school and life.
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to educate people and strengthen communities.
Similar to:The most obvious similarity are skooli and tutor.com, however the main difference is the scope of tutoring available and the on-call nature of the tutors.
AS9 - Someone to speed up the home office
Type: Co-branding Service
Name: Someone to speed up the home office (AOL WFH connection portal)
Introduction: A Service that would provide workers with improved security, speed, and technology to improve WFH efficiency.
Description: The opportunity to work from home is a perk of the modern work space, however often times the ability to work from home is limited by the strength of internet connection and other technology available at home. By partnering with verizon, AOL can provide companies and there employees secure networks, stronger connection speeds and tech necessary to increase productivity at home..
Mission-focus: Ties to AOL’s desire to connect people.
Similar to:This idea of Working from Home is something that a lot of companies allow their employees, the difference here would be by utilizing Verizon, companies could offer employees technology that would make WFH easier, faster and more efficient than ever.
