Step Up

By Jeff Neff

I'd like to make this a bit more personal (maybe even fly solo), speaking as a new team member with ILoveAltoona.com, or ILA. Last week, there was a meeting of the minds, so to speak; and we talked about what we each thought about ILA's vision and potential.

One thing is for certain, and that is that there is potential for growth and positive influence in the Altoona area here on this website. How so?

A few ideas were tossed up, but one that stuck with me was the possibility of inspiring things to happen in the community through a direct or indirect affluence of opportunities and resources through ILA.

ILA, of course, is a business, but remember that businesses cannot operate without people - so I would like to ask you, the reader, what could ILA do that would inspire you do be more involved in Altoona and surrounding areas in an entrepreneurial or civic sense? The vision that this site was built upon needs input from you.

You don't need any business skills or background, just a vision. The first step to building on your idea is by getting the motivation to do something about it. Suppose you had an idea (and I know you have or will at some point). What's next?

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, what can ILA do to help you take the next step in seizing that moment right here in Altoona? An entrepreneur isn't limited to a "businesslike" status. You could be interested in starting a new book club, Bible study, an annual event, a new sports team in your neighborhood, or support group. What about a gardening club?

Would it be encouraging to you if you could solicit your new club or community event on ILA, knowing of its 1000's of visitors each month? Some people say that there is nothing to do in Altoona. Wrong.

Being in business doesn't always have to be about making a profit. I believe that if ILA were in business for anything less than a vision for Altoona; then inspiring separate civic and community entities into existence action wouldn't have even been brought up at all.

So get involved, share your thoughts, and make a difference. Tell us what we can do to help you because ILA is a business that is here to help people, and people never go out of business.