The following story is written by Harrison Tu, a member from Oceanside, CA. Harrison is a 21-year-old college student who loves to use Simbi and studies foreign languages at college. He loves Simbi because it’s an opportunity to meet new people, do the things he loves, and receive help in return. Continue reading“Harrison: “Willing and Able to Help””
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Maren: “How Simbi Helped Me Make Music”
The following story is written by Maren Elliot, a member from Edmonton, CA. Maren is a professional musician and singer with a degree in psychology and music. She has over 20 years of performance experience singing in choirs and playing in various classical, roots & jazz ensembles, as well as a background in West African drumming & music.
Starting a business from scratch is hard work. I am still learning, sometimes fumbling, and developing skills as I embark on a journey of self-employment in the arts.
There are a lot of obstacles and barriers to people who create careers in the arts. I have been told by some that it isn’t just worth it- that it would be easier in the long run to pick a path in life that is straight, clean, and clear. Nursing, perhaps? Some other kind of billable vocation wherein I will give up autonomy and find stability? The reasoning is that I can always ‘squeeze my passion in on the side’. I don’t know, perhaps it is just the stage of life I am in but that really doesn’t sit right. To have a calling shoved, between cracks, as an afterthought into the scaffolding of my life.
I am forging a path as an artist and music teacher, and it may be winding and unclear. I am learning more and more. Simbi has been absolutely wonderful way to connect creatively with others in a way that removes barriers to people starting their own business.
I joined Simbi in the spring of 2017 and taught my first Simbi music lesson via Skype to a woman in Quebec (I live in Alberta). It was really fun to connect with someone across the country who was so open and willing to learn, we even talked about brushing up our second languages (her English, my French, since we both speak both). I am looking forward to teaching more like this to students all over.
I have also made some deals with people from various locations all across North America. A graphic designer in Toronto, a writer from L.A., a Chicago-based entrepreneur. Even if members aren’t able to provide exactly what I need, or even if a deal isn’t struck, I have found people are still often willing to share some insights and point me in the right direction if I can. For those who have provided me with services, I feel I have a growing list of people who I can trust and come back to for the future.
I love the friendly atmosphere and the eagerness to be of service to other members that exists within the Simbi community. Everyone is just so nice! It is also really neat to browse services beyond what I know I immediately need. Sometimes I will see one and think ‘hey, that would be really cool!’ As someone who enjoys making connections and experiencing new things, I love being able to build a list of ‘favourites’.
I hope that Simbi continues to exist and grow a network of active members. I have been recommending it to many of my friends who are doing their own thing or starting up a new project.
Simbi helps shift the focus for people like myself- to learn, to connect, to create & to share.
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Emilie: “From Business to New Friendship!”
The following story is written by Emilie Nguyen, a member from Stratford, PE. Emilie is interested in photography, professional photo editing, graphic design, music composition, drawing, and web design.
I actually found Simbi through a Facebook ad! Normally I ignore ads in my news feed, but I felt drawn to this ad and actually ended up sharing it with my friends and coworkers! Simbi is so unique and different from the typical marketing system. I feel like it’s the start of a whole new way of life that focuses on working together and exchanging our own unique talents for other’s own unique talents. In my opinion, that’s how the world should be. I absolutely LOVE the concept of providing and receiving services without having money involved.
With Simbi, it’s so easy for real friendships to form from business deals. There’s so much communication, it’s easy to walk out of a business deal with a new friend and great business connection (which, might I add, has never happened for me before)! Presently, I am helping someone with proof reading their website and online store. While working on this project, I’ve made wonderful conversation with this person and have found we have so much in common! We’re Facebook friends now to say the least! This person quickly went from business partner, to a great new friend and I have Simbi to thank for that- from business to friendship!
Apart from completing other people’s requests, I am also able to easily find connections to help in my own requests! A few days ago I posted a request looking for people to help me learn new things along my spiritual journey. Within hours I received about 5 or 6 responses which was way more than I was expecting! I’m going to be receiving coaching from several people now; some professionals in that specific area, and it won’t be costing me a cent. There’s just no way I could receive this amount of coaching without a physical cost outside of Simbi, let alone I wouldn’t even know the first place to start looking to find them.
As far as what I would like to achieve using Simbi, I really just want to grow as a person. This platform gives me an opportunity to help people while also helping myself and getting educated. There is a really big community here that is willing to teach, so if there is anything you’ve ever wanted to learn, you’re more than likely going to find someone that is offering it. If by the off chance no one is offering, it’s just as easy to put in a request and have those people come to you.
I’ve come to learn Simbi isn’t just a place to market your services without the use of money, but it’s a really incredible place to gain strong business connections, form wonderful relationships, as well as gain an education and service you wouldn’t normally be able to receive – especially not for free. With Simbi, I am able to receive services I normally wouldn’t be able to afford out in the real world. I’m so thankful I found this service while scrolling through my Facebook news feed because in more ways than one, it’s changing my life in such a positive way. I can really see this platform being the start of something much bigger.
Thank you for everything, Simbi!
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Emmalee: “I Am Rich Without Money”
The following story is written by Emmalee Parr, a member from Porterville, CA. Emmalee is a musician and an artist.
Hey there! I’m Emmalee, a new Simbi user!
I just started using Simbi, and I love how easy it is to connect with people with similar hobbies.
As a young artist, I trade and sell art. On Simbi, I offer my art to people so they can sprinkle a little extra beauty in their lives. I love the idea of my art spread out across the world in millions of different homes. When I create my work, I feel incredibly joyful because so many people have told me how my art impacts their lives.
Selling my art for dollars doesn’t feel right- it devalues my work and experience behind a sketch. On Simbi, I’m not just giving my art for a service- I’m getting to know people behind the screen, their lives, and their stories.
People are becoming too greedy. When we do things for money, the transaction is superficial.
I learned that by putting myself out there, I received so much more than I ever gave. You also might be surprised by how much you’re able to help someone! I can only imagine what great things we can do! Free yourself from the limits of money.
Simbi helps people explore endless possibilities. People who can’t afford certain items in terms of money can simply exchange their services.
Everyone has a talent.
I am rich without money.
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Carleigh: “My Dream Exchange!”
The following story is written by Carleigh Kaiser, a member from Winchester, VA. Carleigh is a free spirited young adult, a constant spiritual seeker, constant learner, and a modern hippie at heart. She continues to explore, nurture, and share her unique giftings in the hope of building up others and making the world a better place.
I’ve always had a knack for exchanges. I had been waiting patiently to make my dream exchange.
So, when I discovered Simbi, you can only imagine how excited I was.
For years, I had been looking for these sorts of communities, but I never found one where I felt like I really fit in. Finally, Simbi gave me the chance to talk to different people from all over the world.
Needless to say, I started offering services right away-I almost used up all my simbi within a week! My boyfriend made fun of me for checking my phone every five minutes for a new deal.
“You won’t understand until you try it!” After hearing me talk about Simbi so much, he decided to give it a go. After making his first deal, he was hooked.
Not long after, my one of my biggest dreams came true! A massage therapist popped up in my search, offering her services. I immediately reached out and made a deal for both my boyfriend and me to get massages in exchange for my Creative Solutions consulting services. We got our massages the next week, and it was the most relaxing experience of my life!
Simbi is more than just exchanging services. I offer light language sessions, which are hard to get paid for in money. On Simbi, my sessions are in high demand. In giving and receiving services, I’ve found myself becoming more and more inspired by the positivity that the Simbi users offer.
When I use Simbi, I realize that so many of the most helpful, life-changing gifts and services on the site don’t have a pricetag in dollars. Simbi is full of both practical and creative services. And it’s already happening! One day, I hope to see people doing more of what they love and less of what they have to do. Little by little, exchange after exchange, our world will become much fairer.
There will always be more than enough to go around, because everyone has something to offer!
Thank you, Simbi!
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Tyler-“A Little Goes a Long Way”
The following story is written by Tyler Beavers, a member from Chatsworth, GA. Tyler is art savvy and loves to create. He is currently working on a business at the young age of 19.
Hey!
My name is Beavers. Tyler Beavers. (Haha, had to insert a Bond joke)!
So there I was. On my laptop, scrolling through Facebook as usual. Suddenly, a post came up- a rhino with a little bird sitting on it. Above, letters spelled out “Simbi.”
My curiosity piqued, I decided to click on the rhino. After clicking through Simbi’s site, I created my bio and started offering services. After a week, I was hooked.
What really draws me to Simbi is the concept of the Simbi badge. Earning my badges one by one really connected me to the Simbi community. I didn’t feel like I was mindlessly going through meaningless transactions. When you earn a badge, it’s not because of a single service or single interaction you’ve had with someone. A badge is received only after a cumulation of a number of efforts. I learned that small things added up into big results. Each service I provided led to a different experience, and the badges reminded me how far I’d come on my Simbi journey.
For me personally, Simbi helped me get my business on its feet. What once started as a pipeline dream slowly came into focus. All the ideas that had collected dust were now in action- and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing!
I want to give back as much as I possibly can to help each person find their place among so many talented people. I’ve come to realize that we aren’t just users, we’re givers, too.
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Jake: “How Simbi Helped Me Rebuild My Life”
The following story is written by Jake Johnson, a member from Fort Smith, AR. Jake describes himself as a “Jake” of all trades and loves sharing knowledge.
My family has it pretty rough this past year and a half.
We ended up losing everything.
Slowly, bit by bit, Simbi helped me rebuild my life.
I’ve been able to provide my son with more than just the basics in life, but there were still some pieces missing. With Simbi I am able to trade my talents and passions and meet incredibly talented artists. Now, I am filling up the holes with beautiful art and inspiring people. He has a new dreamcatcher in the mail, which he will be using for his therapy. And I have made a wonderful new friend.
None of this would have been possible without Simbi.
Having had so much success just within my first month of using the Simbi service, I have now grown and am offering more than five separate services. Throughout my journey exploring Simbi, I’ve realized that you need to give back a little something. I was inspired by so many others who were offering services and the payment was simply, “pay it forward.”
That mentality, that one can share without reciprocation, other than knowing that they’ve helped someone else along life’s road that pushed me to offer services just to “pay it forward.” You see, I was using those services, and like everything else on Simbi, they were great.
Now, it is my turn to give back and pay it forward. A little bit of my time, a few nights a week, and my world collides with so many other wonderful people’s worlds. Our minds meet, and in a single moment, our personal spheres truly become one. Simbi fills me the hope that knowledge, experience, and wisdom do not come with a price tag and that they are still highly sought after today.
In the end, services like Simbi have their own place in this world. There are so many amazing people out there looking for the right venue to showcase their talents. They found a home in Simbi- but that’s just the beginning. More and more people will find a home in Simbi.
Whether it’s a fleeting thought, a nagging idea, an undiscovered talent, an untempered passion, or a pure drive to share, Simbi welcomes you with open arms.
—Jake
Simbiotic Stories are real anecdotes told by you and other Simbi community members. Tell us about your Simbi deals and experiences with other members. If your story is published, we’ll credit your account with 150 simbi. Submit your entries by starting a conversation with us via this link.
Introducing: Embeddable Web Widgets
The Simbi community is dense with super talented freelancers, business owners, and individuals, many of whom have personal blogs or websites. Our members asked us for ways to share their Simbi presence externally, so in response to our members’ enthusiasm, we created Simbi web widgets — the perfect widget for those wanting to link their personal sites to their Simbi profile.
Simbi web widgets are images which link to your Simbi profile, that you can include in your website. Furthermore, we’ve created various widget sizes and styles to suit your needs — from 200 x 200 pixel square banners for your blog, to 60 x 60 pixel social icons for your footer.
How It Works
- To get started, go to www.simbi.com/widgets (make sure you are logged-in).
- Click on the widget style you’d like to use.
- Copy the embeddable HTML code, then paste it into your blog/website.
And guess what? You’ll earn 25 simbi for each member you recruit through these widgets, plus 25 more when they make their first deal. Using Simbi web widgets on your site can create many new opportunities for fruitful exchanges and friendships that enrich your life. So give it a try, and let us know what you think!
Symbiotically,
The Simbi Team
How to break the Newbi shell
Why does Simbi have a “Newbi” system? Simbi is built on trust and reputation. We are growing quickly, so we need a way to screen new members before they can access more established members of the community. This Newbi system not only helps to protect our experienced members, it also allows Newbis to “learn the ropes” and ensures that they have at least one review before gaining access to the entire community.
Want to break that Newbi shell? It’s actually quite easy to become an experienced member. Here are some pro tips to getting initiated quickly:
1. Make proposals to multiple Newbis at once
Start various conversations, make many proposals, and see who’s willing to accept your proposal. The more members you reach out to, the faster you’ll land a deal.
2. Offer more services
The more services you have, the higher the chance that another member will reach out to you. Keep in mind that services with specific titles, reasonable pricing, well-scoped descriptions, and honest qualifications get 3x more inquiries.
3. Post requests
Ask the community for help by posting a request! If anyone helps you with a request, you’ll become initiated. The Simbi community is a very kind and neighborly one, so there are plenty of members who are always on the lookout for requests they can help with.
4. Help with Community Requests
Check out our Community Requests page and see if there’s anything you can help with. Newbis can help with anyone’s request, experienced or not. Once you provide help, you’ll be initiated. What’s more, you’ll earn the shiny Helper badge for offering your helping hand.
5. Reach out to members who have favorited your services
If an experienced member favorites your service, you can make a deal with them. You can find them under the “You’ve Been Favorited” section in our Matching Game page. Don’t be shy, reach out, and let them know that you’re interested in making a deal!
Remember, any deal you make, no matter how small, unlocks every service available on Simbi. Getting your first deal is fun and easy, as well as a good learning experience. So go forth, start some conversations, and get that first deal!