July '25 Newsletter
The New Business Metric: ROM
If you have read this far, you might be just a little insecure! A new business metric? What? Why wasn’t I informed? That's the point. We know ROI, Return on Investment. Or ROC, Return on Capital. What’s this “ROM?”
Well, it's “Return on Me.” In today’s highly compressed business world, we are inundated with inflow from all angles, personal email, Slack or WhatsApp, internal biz intel, customer support, you name it, it's a busy world. And our peers expect us to measure the health of the company, and explain as well, preferably in financial jargon.
But ROM is all about you. I have often said “you are your network.” Are you actively developing your own network, culling and adding? Are you actively making time to harvest the intel from your network into your personal and professional development? Is your personal growth calendar in the bottom drawer of your desk or buried elsewhere under “things to do?”
Well, my guess is that your ROM is under performing, just like mine is. Most solutions are personal, but you can’t be a great leader without taking time for your own growth. Here at SDSI we offer our membership a solution: the most amazing digital rolodex of successful companies anywhere and the people who run them: brand leaders, executives, disruptors and entrepreneurs, all in this healthy living space, in a place we love, San Diego. We meet regularly. We present authentic speakers who might move your dial and represent an excellent ROM: founders from Reef, Quiksilver, prAna, Spy, Vuori, 100%...recently Adam Cheyer, Founder of Siri, and on July 31st, Guy Kawasaki, whose initial fame came from being the first marketing brand advocate for Macintosh, since as an entrepreneur, investor, creator, writer, Podcaster extraordinaire.
One fact about ROM or any return for that matter: must be present to win! Not a member? Learn more about membership and how to get you and your business involved. We even have a new “Citizen Membership” for entrepreneurs and disruptors not directly connected to a business. Interested in learning if the SDSI community is a fit for you? Reach out to Renne@sdsportinnovators to join us and Guy Kawasaki on July 31 - see for yourself!
New Views from the Bus Episode out now, with Justin Renfro at WeFunder:
In this episode of Views from the Bus, Bob and Justin discuss how raising capital can be possible through community rounds. Traditionally companies relied on angel investors and venture capitalist for support. Now, with the help of Wefunder, founders can invite their customers, colleagues, friends, and family to invest. The result? A much wider funnel of support, creating an engaged community of individuals who are literally invested in your success. Listen in to learn how community-backed funding could be your company's competitive edge. Learn more at Wefunder.com.
Listen here!
Welcome New Members VIVE create future, Sundoc Studios, and Jaclyn Mayer!
VIVE create future is an independent soccer brand with style and purpose, celebrating diversity and uniqueness within the global game. Defying the generic, instead they design unique and cool soccer jerseys, high-performance soccer balls, and fashionable lifestyle gear that empowers players to express their individuality on and off the pitch.
VIVE is the Soccer Brand for the Soccer Culture. Their commitment to the sport runs deep. VIVE is the proud jersey sponsor of the Changemaker Cup at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge, and we currently serve as the uniform and ball sponsor for semi-pro teams, elite soccer clubs, and recreational leagues nationwide - from New York to California. Beyond just gear, the 'Create Future' program fuels our social mission, actively making soccer accessible to kids by donating quality equipment. Their ongoing programs span continents, from the vibrant communities of Ghana and Kenya in Africa to vital local initiatives in San Diego and Tijuana, empowering young athletes and fostering a love for the game that transcends boundaries
Sundoc Studios is San Diego's creative studio dedicated to documentaries. Telling human-centered stories about athletes, change makers, and innovators, their documentaries have coverage across the sport and sustainability industries. The team has produced works for Netflix, Samsung, Google, and Adobe, among others. Their latest short documentary One Handed Fighter premiered at the NBA Summer League Film Festival & is now on tour in San Diego through September. Watch the trailer or find a screening here!
Jaclyn Mayer has been with Canyon for 5.5 years and is our newest Citizen Member. Throughout her tenure, Jaclyn has led and managed events, athlete race support, regional expansion, marketing operations, retail, service partnerships, customer service, and various customer experience programs. Canyon is a world-leading manufacturer of road, gravel, mountain, urban, fitness, and ebikes. Operating as a Global direct-to-consumer company, Canyon entered the US market in 2017 as a major industry disruptor.