Creating a virtual world - MiniMonos
After discussing the idea with several people, Melissa Clark-Reynolds started MiniMonos, a virtual world for children that promotes values of sustainability and caring for others. CNZ chats to Melissa to find out how she started her business.
I first started thinking about MiniMonos, a virtual world for children based on sustainability and generosity, in late 2006 and early 2007, says Melissa Clark-Reynolds.
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How MiniMonos began
A few thoughts came together in my mind. My then seven-year-old daughter is a digital native with no life experience prior to the Internet. I was increasingly horrified at the offerings available for children online, plus I felt an urgency to work on climate issues.
I knew that I wanted to create somewhere for children that expressed great values, and encouraged children to take care of each other and this wonderful planet, and didn’t sell them any plastic rubbish. I spent a year talking to everyone I could about the idea.
Getting feedback
A partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers met me often to ask hard questions, until I could explain the idea to people who knew nothing about the industry.
I took the idea to a number of Angel investors to ask for advice (rather than money at that point), and got about a year’s feedback on the business plan before I really got a team together to get started.
My business partners have created the business with me and have been an instrumental part of the process. In addition, one of the investors I mentioned earlier is now our chairman and has personally invested in the online business, while PriceWaterhouseCoopers continue to help with tax planning and budget modelling.
Other influencers
I went to MIT in Boston in 2007 and did a short course in Technology Entrepreneurship. Professor Ken Morse was my mentor for the first couple of years, and he gave me the huge gift of knowing that I can dream, and turn those dreams into reality.
Years ago I did a series of courses with Robert Kiyosaki. He remained one of my mentors for five years and has shaped my approach in business. He told me, “What other people think of you is none of your business.”
I obviously still want people to like me, but I don’t need anyone’s permission to get out there and fulfil my life’s work.
Another adage is, “Professionals get paid to practice”. Every now and then in business, we get a big pay day (like when selling a business). What I am really getting paid for is the days and days I rock up and perfect my craft.
Going to conferences has been hugely valuable. XMediaLab in 2008 and 2009 allowed me to workshop the project with a series of international mentors. Two of those mentors are now on our advisory board and another has been helping us with raising capital from Singapore.
I also went to the Games, Animation, and Special Effects conference, AnimfX, and sucked up every bit of advice I could from gurus about story writing, technology, team development, and purpose.
John Stephenson (director of Kung Fu Panda) has been a huge influence, as has Tim Johnson (director of Over the Hedge). I am still using notes from his 2007 presentation on the power of story.
Business Drill-down
Business type: Virtual world for children, based on sustainability and generosity.
Main products: Online space promoting green values for children.
Number of staff: 14 full-time.
Trading since: 2009
Main markets: New Zealand
Website: www.minimonos.com
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