The Teams
The Small Business Community was a major project involving hundreds of people. Andrew managed the core and extended teams including eCommerce Technology, Design, Compliance, Information Security, Marketing and Supply Chain.
› Project: Create the first social media community website for Bank of America eCommerce to help the bank partner with customers
› Position: Consultant, Creative Director, Delivery Manager
› Year: 2007
› Project Summary: See below
The Details
Social Media
With group facilitation, Andrew helped the Core Team define a clear mission statement for the community and guiding principles. Andrew used the metaphor of preparing and planting a garden to help communicate the value proposition to the extended teams.
Rapid Prototyping
Akgold developed mockups that captured each of the main screens and interaction capabilities for the community. The quick prototypes and crystal clear presentation of vision engendered immediate buy-in from all key parties and enabled the core team to move fast.
Jive Partnership
Andrew helped Bank of America find the right vendor for the social media platform. Through clear specifications, vendor analysis, and scoring, the team selected Jive Software. To ensure quality and speed to market, Andrew worked extensively onsite with Jive professional services.
User-Centered
Andrew partnered closely with Bank of America User-Centered Design & Research teams. As Creative Director, he ensured that the design met the user needs. This was an exciting and new challenge for the visual, interactive and editorial designers.
Adoption Plan
Andrew helped the team with a multi-channel marketing plan to help it take off and ensure wide-scale adoption. Initiatives included general marketing and advertising through bankofamerica.com, banking center support, partnership with SCORE and through Business 24/7 Magazine.
Reap What You Sow
Since its inception, the Small Business Online Community has empowered small business users to connect, ask questions, give advice, share stories and interact with one another in a positive and supportive environment. This was a game changer that brought the power of social media to traditional e-commerce.
Endorsements
“Thank you so much for the incredible work you have provided to our team once again! Obviously, the SBOC would not be a reality today without your efforts.”
— Joe Helweg, Small Business Banking eCommerce Executive
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew for his leadership and excellent work on the Small Business Online Community launch. On the eve of national launch, I am so excited for the launch tomorrow and the following marketing and PR events. I could not be prouder of the website. And it would of course not be possible without Andrew’s passion, dedication, vision, and attention to detail. Andrew – thanks for brining us to concept through implementation flawlessly.”
— Ashley Ross, SVP, Small Business Banking eCommerce Solutions
“Andrew, it’s been great working with you – literally day & night on the Community! I couldn’t of asked for a better teammate. The site was developed in record time & meets all of our Gen 1 detailed requirements. The site looks awesome!”
— Sophia Tolsma, VP, Small Business Banking eCommerce Solutions
Summary
› Consulted with Bank of America Small Business as Principal Consultant for the Small Business Online Community
› Helped the world leader Bank of America launch its first social media property ahead of the competition
› Directed all logistical, design and development aspects of the project starting with facilitation and ideation in January of 2007 and leading it through to a Beta launch in July of 2007 and a national launch in October of 2007
› Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams and partners totaling more than 50 digital professionals
› Defined mission and vision of the project and ensured that the teams remained true to both
› Successfully completed project on time and in budget to the delight of all involved
› Added a third major success to track record of consulting with Bank of America eCommerce
› Directed all logistical, design and development aspects of the project starting with facilitation and ideation in January of 2007 and leading it through to a Beta launch in July of 2007 and a national launch in October of 2007
› Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams and partners totaling more than 50 digital professionals
› Defined mission and vision of the project and ensured that the teams remained true to both
› Successfully completed project on time and in budget to the delight of all involved
› Added a third major success to track record of consulting with Bank of America eCommerce
