Real-Time Discussion
Categories
Subscribe to my Feed

About Chris
Links & Blog Roll
The Fine Print

Entries in chris labossiere (9)

Tuesday
Jun082010

Lets make a deal.

In three short days, a chapter of Yardstick Software will be behind us, as we move into our new office space down the street. The past 4 years of our company progress has been a very significant phase, one which might compare to transitioning from adolescence to young adulthood. We got to grow in an office that was conducive to openess, collaberation, fun and yet serious enough to leave the right impression with our customers.

So, as we move into our new digs, we leave behind an office which has a lot of soul; but perhaps more importantly, one-year left on a five-year lease. Marketing a property with one-year left on a very competitive lease has some special considerations. Either we will find a sub-lease tenant looking for short term space, or of course one that simply negotiates today with the landlord a longer term lease and ours is terminated.

We have had the listing out for a while, and we are now anxious to find someone to love our old space. But since we have not seen a lot of interest from our traditional lsting, and since we are not a traditional boring old company, we are willing to consider the following:

  1. Yardstick could INVEST in your cool idea for a business, or your local startup, and exchange a year's worth of rent and operating costs for some Equity/Debt in your business (A $40,000 value). With this, you get a cool office for your idea, and also a willing and helpful business partner who might be able to add more to youu new business idea than you might think. The COOL BAR in the office is a perfect place for you to host an informal advisory board discussion, or perhaps over the FOOSBALL TABLE we could leave behind for you.
  2. Yardstick could continue to pay for the space and DONATE it to a worthwhile charity who could provide a donation reciept. We love Edmonton, and we love giving back, maybe this might be the place for your worthy cause.
  3. If none of this appeals to you, but you might still be interested in the space, WE ARE READY TO NEGOTIATE for tenants who can live with a one-year space. That doesn't mean that you can't negotiate with our landlord today, but you could secure yourself somegreat short-term breathing room at a below market price.

Here are some pictures of the space, and also a PDF brochure of the office. Send me an email if you are interested, and Let's Make a Deal!

Ultra-Chic Open Layout

Boardroom with INCLUDED table, chairs and wall painted for projector

Awesome staff area with Bar, Foosball Table (Included), and pre-wired sound system / TV mounts

The current lease is as follows:

  • 1840 Sqare feet (with two offices and a boardroom)
  • Market price for same space today $18.00 per foot / NET (with no allowances)
  • $45,000 of leasehold improvements made by Yardstick, staying behind
  • Operating costs approximately $9.93 per foot
  • Asking Price - $3365 per month ($12.00 per foot plus costs)
  • PDF Brochure attached here
Monday
Apr052010

Flexible in the face of change. UnTech10 Unconference.

Below is an hour-long webinar we presented to over 100 various certification and licensure association executives on the topic of transitioning their certification testing and training program from an offline setting into an online one. I wouldn't normally post it here, as we will make it available on our ProExams.com website, but I found this event to be interesting for a couple of reasons, which are worth commenting on.

Basically, this webinar event was never meant to happen and was established in response to the cancellation of the American Society of Association Executives Technology Conference which our company was planning to attend in Washington DC at the beginning of February. The event was cancelled 2-days prior to the show's expected launch date due to one of the largest snow-storms to hit the city in the last 100 years. We had planned to have 5 people at the show, had shipped our booth and even had one employee stranded in DC when they made the call to cancel.

What I found amazing, in light of the last minute cancellation, was that there was an immediate effort by some of the Social Media enlightened in the ASAE group to create an "Un-Conference". There were of course people already in the DC area who had planned to attend the event, plus thousands who couldn't make it due to the weather, who still wanted to enjoy the connections of the conference. Within 24 hours of the cancellation, there was a website, twitter hashtag, Flickr photos, Slideshare account, basically an entire online community created around the UnTech10. Interestingly the community that was created online at that time has continued to persist with real relationships and business opportunities happening.

At the same time, the group recognized that many of the exhibitors of the planned conference will have missed the opportunity to present their company to the delegates, and a business opportunity was born. A company called Peach New Media which specializes in webinar, live training and online community work for associations created what they called the Technology Toolbox Seminar series and allowed 12 of the exhibitors to sponsor and present an online learning session on the topic of their choice. These new webinars were FREE to viewers and were marketed to tens fo thousands of association professionals.

So, from a weather related disaster, to a very well attended webinar event whose audience was perfectly aligned with our product. NO TRAVEL COSTS, NO COST TO THE AUDIENCE, and DOZENS MORE SALES LEADS for us vs. the traditional trade show experience. In my opinion this is the future of conferencing and education. Of course attending trade shows will always be important, as shaking hands and looking into the eyes of our potential clients is important, but this is a very price effective second choice and will be used more and more to replace events.

If you have an interest in losing an hour of your life and learning about Psychometrics and Online Testing, fill your boots.

If you would prefer to read more about how UnTech10 happened, I recommend this great blog post.

 

Webinar Summary

Yardstick Software Inc. operates two business that specialize in helping Associations bring their examination / testing programs and online continuing education online. We hope to share with our listeners the fundamentals of an assessment program (online or paper-based), psychometrics 101, why online delivery works, and in some cases why online delivery may never work. We also plan to review some of the technical details that you should consider when making an investment in web-based exam and e-learning applications, and finally a rough idea of pricing for program delivery.

Seminar Objectives
1) Assessment Program Fundamentals & Psychometrics 101
2) Things to consider when transition from a paper-based to web-based program
3) How do you choose between online delivery vs. offline delivery
4) Technical / IT considerations when looking to take your programs online
5) Budgetary pricing ideas for online exam and online training programs

Speakers
Greg Sadesky, PhD, Senior Psychometrician - VP – ProExams As the big man on campus for our ProExams™ Professional Testing Service, Greg applies his expertise to ensure that your tests are fair, sound, and interpretable. He works with our partners to demystify the process at any stage of the assessment cycle. An avid hacky sack athlete, Greg is passionate about rock climbing and loves to play the upright bass.

Chris LaBossiere - Co-CEO of ProExams.com & ProTraining.com As one of the founders of Yardstick software, Chris works to see our company grow through satisfied customers and strategic partnerships. A pilot and motorcycle junkie, Chris is happiest when he’s riding around town or flying above it, hunting with his dog Murphy, hanging with his family, or simply enjoying coffee and the morning paper.

Friday
Feb262010

A Rebooting we will go....

I am typing this on my way to Reboot Alberta v. 2.0 in Kananaskis.

I am on a wireless aircard, accessing the internet, whilst Jill LaBossiere is driving her environmentaly friendly VW Turbo Diesel which consumes 4.6 litres per 100 km's, my kid is playing web-based applications on an iPhone with friends back home, and I am having concurrent conversations with people on Twitter from all around the World, (Oh, and checking work emails). So it seems appropriate that this post is about Reboot and PROGRESS.

I am very excited about this weekend for a couple of reasons. First, we are coming as a near-full family. Jill will be part of the events, and our youngest daughter is coming to take in the swimming pool and they will both enjoy some skiing at Nakiska. Secondly, there will be a more evolved discussion from the first Reboot, where we will get talking about real solutions and ideas for improved citizen involvement in government.

Much work has been done by the Reboot organizers to help define "What is a Progressive?". This is important as it will help people better understand how we are similiar, and what we want from our government. But my big wish from this weekend is the important discussion on specific ideas and actions that might define what a better government would look like in 2010. Government, AND Governance, not necessarily Politics. 

If we can accomplish that, then that would be PROGRESS in my little mind. Which may just be my simple definition of a progressive. In one of my favourite blog posts from the past, where I tried to define myself better politically, I wrote this brief description:

Progressive to me means changing with the times. Adapting our policies, laws and values with the advent of new information and technology.

Basically this sums it all up for me. I just don't think that the same old political solutions and structures will solve the problems of a far more complicated World. As we learn about new environmental problems; as information is shared openly and in real-time on the internet - breaking down old geographic, institutional and political barriers; or as science changes our understanding of humanity and increases our individual potential; we must adapt.

Our political systems must adapt with the following.

  • We must use technology to increase transparency in government
  • We must use "full-cost" accounting when considering how our government pays for things like healthcare and other public services
  • We must take many of the important decisions made by our 4-year elected officials and place them into the hands of people who think beyond "winning the next election"
  • We must find a way to implement better direct democracy, where our elected officials can act for their consituents, instead of always having to tow the party line
  • We must find a way for Albertans to feel relevant in thier own governance.

I know that this sounds like a long list of unicorns and rainbows, and one that most people think may be impossible when we are speaking about government. Even worse when we think in terms of politicans. BUT, I have no doubt that the only way to PROGRESS, is to start with passionate people having organized discussion in a respectful manner. So, this is why I am excited about Reboot.

If you want to read a much better series on "What is a Progressive", I suggest reading DJ Kelly's great posts.

Saturday
Feb202010

The Alberta Party is a game changer, at least for me personally. 

Let me share with you my personal thoughts and experiences on the recent "re-launch" of The Alberta Party. These are not official thoughts of the Party but of one person who has chosen to participate in, and support it.

I have been a member of the Alberta Party Board of Directors now for over a month. I joined the Party and the Board, in advance of the recently announced "merger" with the Renew Alberta movement; although I certainly supported the idea if it was done with some conditions. I say movement because Renew was not and never has been a registered party. That said, the people behind it are a passionate and sophisticated bunch, who have expressed the same concerns I have about the way politics and power have interfered with good governance. I like that they don't talk in the old partisan language of left vs right. I like that they seem to see a more complicated World, where simple "pick a side" mentality gets us no where.

I joined the Alberta Party for one reason, it was an opportunity to help be part of something truly different. I met and talked with each of the Board members over the last few months, and was very comfortable that they represent what I would call average Albertans; who cared. Contrary to the typical uneducated first-response to what people THINK the party is about, I found a group of people who are actually quite reasonable and non-agendized, but simply concerned with the future of Governance and Democracy in Alberta. They reaffirmed that by being open to working with the Renew Alberta movement since it had much of the same goals. Of course everyone had their own special reason for why they were involved, but it was important to everyone that the party would feel comfortable to all Albertans. At least those who are open-minded, tolerant and cared about democracy.

You will hear from those who don't actually know this group, that the Alberta Party is a right-wing fringe party, which doesn't align with a more moderate political spectrum. That is simply not the case. In fact, if you know the unique and interesting history of this very small group of people, they have actually resisted time and again the "right-wing factions" that have tried to merge with them. The current Wildrose Alliance Party (called the Alliance Party at the time) being one of them.

But let me also be clear, I am "right-wing" on some things, and more centrist on others. Old style labels don't fit me anymore. And I will be careful not to apply them too broadly here. But a parties actions and it's policies will have to be what defines them.

The other major misconception in the early days of this announcement, has been that the Alberta Party has thrown out it's policies, and by doing so has shown disrespect to the long-standing party members who helped develop them. Again this is simply not true, and typical of an opposition that must find something bad about it's competitors instead of recognizing this for what it really is.

The real truth is that the Alberta Party Board (not Renew Alberta) unanimously accepted a resolution to suspend the existing policies, while the party engages in a very sincere and grassroots campaign to engage as many Albertans as possible in what is being labeled The Big Listen. The Board actually showed great vision and humility, and agreed that the small set of policies that they had in place, were the ideas of a very small group of Albertans developed over the last 25 years, and may not actually reflect what so many more Albertans would want to see in a party that really listens to it's constituents. They also showed openness and humility in accepting that perhaps Alberta has changed as well. Within the resolution, the policies that were suspended will be reintroduced at a policy convention in the future, and considered again with all of the policies that will percolate from the Big Listen campaign. They smartly recognized that Renew Alberta has the passion and ideas to run this campaign successfully, with the support of and under the guidance of a new and bigger, more diverse board.

The great thing about The Big Listen, is that you don't have to be a party member to say your piece. You will be asked what concerns you, your family or your community about government today. It is recognized that 60% of Albertans chose not to vote last election, and less than 95% of Albertans choose not to join a political party. These folks still have concerns, hopes, and a vision for Alberta, and they should have a say in how our government functions.

Every other political party has a completely different model, and one that creates distrust and barriers for the disengaged to participate. Here is what you hear time and again from existing parties; "If you want to change our policies, join our party and contribute your ideas. Submit a policy resolution into our process and good luck convincing the established biases, power centres and special interests which have already formed within our party" (Cynicism added where I think it is often applied by people like me).

Thanks, but that doesn't get me too excited. Especially since my personal experience, at least with the PC Party, is that this process sounds good on paper, but it hits a brick wall if the idea is contrary to the existing power structures holding onto self-serving power or influence. (Bill 44 was my personal example).

So, for me personally, this Alberta Party has at least provided a place where I can try to improve my Province, and feel that I can actually make a difference. Of course I am not naive and will be wary of the same command and control power struggles developing within it. However, since at least this Party is approaching politics from a bottom up perspective, I have that much more confidence that me and the rest of the people who are willing to participate in The Big Listen and eventually in policy development, will be able to bake-in some real and lasting cultural, policy and technical differences that can change the way the game is played.

Finally, there are those who will argue that this will actually harm the process by vote splitting or distracting the electorate with too many choices. I am sorry, but in my personal opinion, these folks are stuck in the old mindset of winning is everything, even if it means accepting something we are unhappy with. I couldn't disagree any more. I'd rather be part of something that I believe in.

Winning an election is less important to me than changing the way we govern and allow our citizens to participate in democracy. But of course, if the latter is done properly, the former should take care of itself.

Saturday
Nov282009

I just rebooted myself... and it feels good.

I came to the mostly "Progressive" Reboot Alberta event as the second part of a two part introspection series on what politics means to me. The first part was to commit to listen to the PC Association of Alberta, of which I have been a member and/or supporter of for nearly 20 years, by attending their Annual General Meeting last month in Red Deer. Sadly no new ideas and vision came from that event and in many ways I actually saw some very troubling indications of a party that seems only interested in holding onto power, and not reinventing itself regularly.

Most of you who read this blog know that I found myself reeling from the actions of my own party when they forced the Bill 44 Legislation through the house, and in my opinion set-back the image of our Province in the eyes of the world. But the eyes of the world are not who I had to feel accountable to, but the eyes of my own children, one of which is a high-school student and compassionate in her own right. She, her friends and her teachers were equally offended and felt set-back by my party.

I could talk endlessly about how the Bill 44 issue was not only bad policy, but really bad politics. Our Premier lied to Albertans and promised that the 3rd and final reading of the bill would be a "Free Vote". I have heard so much speculation and positioning from cabinet ministers, their staff and regular caucus members that there were a number of my party who wholeheartedly rejected the legislation. Yet every PC MLA that voted, voted in favour of the legislation. Many have speculated that the Premier has been over-handled and perhaps even set-up to allow the social conservative movement to take root within the party. I'm no Oliver Stone, and I avoid conspiracy theories, but he has had every opportunity to make this right for the thousands and thousand of people who were offended by this legislation, and he hasn't.

It is not just Bill 44 that disturbs me about the party, as I have very serious concerns about it's willingness to question itself, say sorry when they screw-up (spelled H.1.N.1.), and engage the moderate party members. They seem scared of the political pressure from the upstart Wildrose Alliance Party, and are swaying towards them on policy and gesturing. Leaving the moderate and Progressive part of the Progressive Conservative movement feeling awfully insignificant.

So tonight I resigned from my constituency association board of directors, as well as from the board executive. I will also withdraw my 2009 PC party membership, although I have no idea how I actually do that. So this will be mostly an exercise in gesture until I can figure that out. I am very sad that it came to this, but only because the people I served with, and our MLA, are very dedicated and hard-working servants of our constituency.

So, where does that leave me? I am now in a very refreshing position where I can evaluate how I might want to stay involved in politics, or if I even do. But I can do it, without having to always apologize in advance for the party I was a part of. I am tired of having to put an asterix on why I was an active PC party member. to paraphrase someone today in a session about "Rebooting Alberta", I can get back to looking my freinds and family in the eye, and start talking about what might be a better way.

Also, there is nothing more inspiring than being around people who genuinely care about bettering our society and today gave me a renewed interest in trying to find a better way to meet the needs of most everyone in our province. I care about the economic well-being of our province, but I also care about the disenfranchised and homeless, about creating an environment of innovation and a knowledge economy, sustainable urban design and development, protecting individual human rights and not pandering to special interests, and finally I care about my kids, who DON'T care about sexual orientation, religion, gender and race in any way influencing how we govern. I know that the PC party says that it cares about those things too, but until I see actions that inspire me to return, I think I will be busy "Rebooting Alberta".

As always, I need to point you to three of my favourite bloggers, and their thoughts on the today. Like them, I am reserving these as my initial thoughts on the subject (mine being more abrupt I admit), and I will try to follow up with more insight into the actual compelling discussions today about HOW we Reboot Alberta.

Alex Abboud  -  Reboot Alberta - Instant Reaction

DJ Kelly  -  You're about to get rebooted

Dave Cournoyer  -  Reboot Alberta