Pitt Business e-newsletter Issue 13, January 2009
Student Saving the Planet, One Click at a Time
In recent years, Facebook has become many college-aged users primary connection to friends and classmates, allowing them to reconnect with old friends, communicate within their social circles, and share information about their interests and activities.
Paul Trichon, a senior marketing student in the College of Business Administration, believes social networking could also be good for the planet.
Trichon has developed yougee.me, a social networking Web site that allows environmentally-concerned users to connect and share ideas, suggestions, and actions to become greener. The sign-up page recently went live, and Trichon is preparing to launch the Alpha version of the site.
Yougee.me also allows users to create profiles about what makes them green. In addition to offering a search for green services, products, real estate, and glogs, the site's term for green blogs, the site allows users to navigate a unique carpool utility where they can share information about their commute and search for other users with similar routes and schedules who are interested in arranging carpools.
"I've followed the idea that you need to make something better than it was, and the environment is no different," Trichon said. "One of my goals with this Web site is to increase people's awareness about being green conscious."
Recognizing that troubled markets are weighing heavily on people's minds, Trichon has also developed elements to address uncertain economic times. The site connects people interested in sharing their ideas and stories about cutting costs by being green.
In an effort to support his venture, Trichon attended the 2008 Collegiate Entrepreneur's Organization (CEO) Conference November 6-8, where he showcased his idea to both students and investors from around the country. Trichon made it to the semifinal round of the pitch contest—he had shipped 300 promotional t-shirts to the event and many of the 1,200 students from universities nationwide who participated in the conference were wearing his branded attire.
The University of Pittsburgh helped prepare students for the opportunity through workshops on various topics such as pitching an idea, networking effectively, and building the venture. This training, provided by Pitt's Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE), helped students create entrepreneurial opportunities that extend beyond their college careers.
"The event helped students who are embarking on new ventures gain real-life experience," said Michael Lehman, director of student services and PantherlabWorks in the IEE.
With a growing concern for the environment, Trichon believes that new and innovative solutions are necessary. If Trichon is right, yougee.me may become a primary connection for anyone interested in improving their environmental efforts.
