Rob Mies: The Organization for Bat Conservation

The expansion that Rob Miles took is innovative as well as useful and fun. By giving people a chance to see what his organization sees in bats, he's giving them a chance to come to love them, as well as help to save them. Starting with the education of students and clubs was ingenious; by providing students with a chance to learn more about bats, they are allowing the students to form their own judgment on the benefits of bats. I think that the expansion to the internet, especially the ecommerce, is brilliant and a valuable tool in earning money to support his non-profit organization. Starting at the seminars was a good idea; bringing examples of their products to allow people to purchase was a great idea. One of the key problems to the conservation of bats right now is lack of knowledge; people are simply focused on what they perceive bats to be like and are unaware of all the good that having them around brings. By educating the students, having the information available in book format, as well as accessible through the internet, Miles and his company are sure to gain a reputation for being informative, as well as fun. And having things available to view and purchase was the icing on the cake; the last little bit that would bring the customers in and allow them to see what good they could bring to the environment by helping out Miles and his organization. I especially liked the bat shirts; what a great way to promote a great cause.

It is inspiring to see a person like Rob Mies come so far in his efforts. I would tend to say that most people are scared of (or at least don't like) bats. However, Rob made some good points about how bats are important, and how they can benefit people. Rob started furthering his efforts by building bat houses; these houses can benefit the community in a lot of ways, by controlling the insect population, or moving them out of people's homes and into the bat house. Since the bat houses were becoming such a success, it was thought that they could expand the efforts by selling more than just bat houses; they created toys, posters, books and all other sorts of bat related paraphernalia. People who have a great interest in bats love the stuff and Robs company is definitely innovative in this way; not many company's are devoted to just bats.

The story behind this non-profit organization is actually quite inspiring. Rob Mies is correct in saying that it's can't be easy to raise money for bats. Usually, unless you're a complete animal lover, most people aren't huge fans of bats. They're either turned off by them or even afraid of them. The inspiring part is that the organization didn't give up and they've been in business since 1997 so they must be doing something right. I didn't realize that 40% of bats are threatened; I didn't know the percent was that high. I absolutely love how the organization started with an idea of conserving the bats, to bat houses, to bat books and toys, anything and everything bat related. Now that is being innovative, and making it expand in such a way is genius!

I guess everyone has an itch to scratch. It is also an interesting take on conservation and running a not-for-profit business. Normally logic would say that you would look at not-for-profits to get an idea of your financial model, but looking at for-profits is an interesting take on a different idea, especially when trying to advocate for an animal that most people are afraid of or dislike as a pest.

This video shows how a small market can be expanded with use of the web. Rob took his idea that had limited support in any given region and expanded it through use of the website. He found a way to market his idea to people and grow the non-profit organization. This is truly an inspirational story of innovation and of technology. The use of the website was to market to put on educational programs, receive grants from organizations, and develop a form of ecommerce. This is a good case to study from and see how to exploit the internet to promote a company, especially one that works with a subject that is not especially popular. Rob also did not want to limit his ecommerce portion of the website and continually expanded the product line. The Organization of Bat Conservation is also a good example of not limiting a business or organization and to allow continuous growth. This did not just help grow the organization but it did help with spreading the message of the organization. When people buy the products they are more likely to view the mission statement and learn more about bats and the organization. This sort of works as an enlightened self-interest, since the message is getting absorbed by more people than it would have without the site being created. Then with the message reaching more people, the organization gets more support and it gets helped out in multiple ways, and it also makes it so people are more willing to help with the cause.

I think that this idea of having a bat conservation is a wonderful idea. Bats are often looked bad upon because of many movies and this is most likely why be why so many people have such a great fear of them. Also, because they fly and their own out a night and the crazy belief that they "drink human blood," is why many sterotype and absolutely dislike bats. I believe that if people would leave some of the sterotypes be, bats could have a better shot. The exhibit will give people a chance to give bats a chance. This way people will come to the exhibit and learn about bats and how they are needed in the world. When you think about it, every single animal in the world has a specific purpose. They control the insect population, especially, without bats insects would take over the world, literally. Bats, also, help pollinated plants and there dung a used as a fertillizer. Because bats are so important to the environment, it is imperative that they are safe. With many species on the endangered species list, it is vital that something like the conservation becomes neccessary. The reasons that they are endangered are rainforests are being destroyed and caves are being blocked or torn down. These two reason are also the cause of their lack of food. The State of Michigan has a law that protects bats and their home. In one of my apartments, about 4 years ago, there were bats living in the exhaust vent right above my bedroom. Because their protected by law, they could not be moved physically or touched. When they left at night, is the only time the apartment complex could use something to seal the entry way for them. Well, it turns out that they ALL never left. I dealt with it the best way I knew how; I kept the fan on in my bedroom for white noise and it helped. Then, I eventually moved, the bats were still there safe, sound, and untouched. The conversation can be used for school field trips, in which children and teachers can learn more about bats. I can, also, see PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) getting envolved to help the conservation become a success. Thank you for allowing me to comment. Christina Harris

The Organization for Bat Conservation is an example of a organization that recognized and became proactive in the solution to an environmental need. In my opinion this is an example of the type of organization that represents the most honorable and best in entrepreneurship. The major hurdle that OBC encounters is that the public at large fear and are not educated on the benefit of bats and view them as a nuisance pest and a danger to their health. Through it's programs OBC seeks to educate people on the benefits to the greater good that bats offer and to teach tolerance of these animals whose habitats are dwindling due to human encroachment. OBC uses health information on the rarity of rabies in bats and the greater likelihood that humans will contract this disease from their most beloved pet the dog very effectively to show the public that its fear of bats are unfounded. With about 40% of North American bats species threatened or endangered there is a very real danger that we will lose some of these beneficial species. OBC created presentations that schools could pay for to bring in the organization and educate their students with. By focusing its efforts on educating younger rather than older generations who can be inflexible with their perceptions OBC is using its resources very intelligently. Upon realizing that this funding could not support its goals OBC recognized the benefits of the internet and set up a website. On this website educators have access to resources for their students and also offers bat houses for purchase and many novelty items to help support their conservancy efforts. This type of mobility demonstrates one of the strengths of smaller organizations with their ability to recognize an opportunity and pursue it without the endless debate that stymies larger organizations and prevents them from taking the steps necessary to meet their goals. One piece of information that I was unable to locate on OBC's website was the percentage of revenue that goes directly towards bat conservancy. In these tough economic times individuals that donate funds want to make sure their dollars are being used for the cause they support and that the members of the organization are not being compensated at to great a level. Scott Keller

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