Networking with a Sweet Lemony Twist: How Join inCrowds Lemonade Program is Empowering Businesses to Earn About Fundraising News Fundraising News is a leading publication dedicated to exploring innovative fundraising strategies, programs, and tools that empower organizations to meet and exceed their goals. We provide insights, success stories, and expert advice to non-profits, businesses, and individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Our goal is to be the go-to resource for anyone involved in fundraising, helping them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy and community engagement. _______________________________________________________________________________ Interview with Joseph Haecker, Founder of Join inCrowd - September 4, 2024 Jeff Jensen (Fundraising News): Joseph, it’s great to have you here with us today. Before we dive into your latest update, could you give our readers a brief overview of what Join inCrowd is all about? Joseph Haecker (Join inCrowd): Absolutely, Jeff. Join inCrowd is a digital contact card platform that’s designed to make networking easier, more personal, and flexible. Our platform allows users to create digital contact cards that can be shared seamlessly in any situation, whether it’s for business or personal connections. What sets us apart is our commitment to allowing users to share their contact information in a way that suits them best—be it through LinkedIn, WhatsApp, or now Instagram, for example. We believe that networking should be about more than just exchanging business cards; it’s about connecting on a deeper, more personal level. Jeff Jensen: That sounds fascinating. How did Join inCrowd get started? What was the inspiration behind it? Joseph Haecker: Join inCrowd was born out of a simple realization: traditional business cards were becoming outdated, and there was a need for a more modern, dynamic way to share contact information. I’ve always been passionate about technology and community-building, and I wanted to create a platform that wasn’t just a digital version of a business card but something that could evolve with the way people network. So, in 2019, I spent a few days hammering out the initial concept and wireframes for what would become Join inCrowd. We launched in 2021, and it’s been growing ever since. Jeff Jensen: It’s clear that community is at the heart of what you do. What would you say is the mission of Join inCrowd? Joseph Haecker: Our mission is simple: to empower people to connect in the way that best suits them. We want to facilitate meaningful connections—whether they’re business, personal, or somewhere in between. We also believe in supporting our community, not just through our platform’s features but also by giving back and helping others grow. That’s really what drives us—helping people build and maintain relationships that matter. Jeff Jensen: That’s a powerful mission. Now, let’s talk about your latest update, the "Lemonade" program. Could you give us an overview of what it’s all about? Joseph Haecker: Of course! The Lemonade program is our brand ambassador and affiliate initiative designed to allow businesses, non-profits, and influencers to earn money as they help others connect through Join inCrowd. The idea behind Lemonade is simple: just like a lemonade stand where you’d earn money selling lemonade on a hot day, our affiliates earn a 50% commission from every new membership, advertising revenue, and branded background purchase they generate through their unique affiliate link or QR code. It’s a way for us to share our success with the community that supports us. Jeff Jensen: That’s an interesting name—why "Lemonade"? Joseph Haecker: The name "Lemonade" is a nod to the idea of making money the old-fashioned way, like kids do with a lemonade stand. It’s about taking something simple and making it profitable, while also bringing a sense of community and sharing. Plus, we wanted a name that was fun and easy to remember—something that encapsulates the spirit of what we’re trying to do, which is to create opportunities for our members to earn and grow alongside us. Jeff Jensen: How exactly does the program work? Joseph Haecker: It’s pretty straightforward. Once you sign up for the Lemonade program, you receive a unique affiliate link and QR code that you can share with your network. Anytime someone signs up for Join inCrowd through your link or makes a purchase, you earn 50% of the revenue. This applies not just to memberships but also to our advertising services and branded background options. It’s a great way for organizations and individuals to generate income while promoting a tool that helps people connect. Jeff Jensen: That sounds like a fantastic opportunity. What types of businesses or organizations would be interested in this program? Joseph Haecker: Lemonade is a great fit for a wide range of organizations—basically anyone who values networking and community building. This includes non-profits, small businesses, startups, influencers, travel agencies, and even educational institutions. We’ve seen interest from co-working spaces, tech meetups, professional associations, and more. If your organization thrives on connecting people, then Lemonade is an ideal way to add a new revenue stream while enhancing your community’s experience. Jeff Jensen: What are the benefits for participating businesses or individuals? Joseph Haecker: The biggest benefit is the potential for significant passive income. By simply sharing your affiliate link or QR code, you can start earning money without much extra effort. Additionally, it strengthens your relationship with your network by offering them a valuable tool for making connections. And since Join inCrowd is all about flexibility, you’re not locking people into one way of networking—they can toggle between their LinkedIn, WhatsApp, Instagram, and more. It’s all about making networking easier and more versatile, which people really appreciate. Jeff Jensen: Could you give us a real-life example of how two different types of organizations might use Lemonade to generate revenue? Joseph Haecker: Certainly. Let’s say you’re a non-profit organization. You could add your affiliate QR code to your event flyers or email newsletters. When attendees or supporters sign up for Join inCrowd using that code, you earn 50% of their membership fee and any other purchases they make. For a small business, like a coffee shop, you could place your QR code on your counter or receipt. Customers who are already connecting over coffee might be interested in a tool that helps them keep in touch—and every sign-up through your code generates income for your business. It’s a simple yet effective way to monetize your existing customer base. Jeff Jensen: That’s a brilliant strategy. Why does this program matter, and why are you so passionate about it? Joseph Haecker: Lemonade matters because it embodies the very essence of what Join inCrowd is all about—community, connection, and growth. I’m passionate about this program because it allows us to give back to the community that has supported us from the start. We’re not just another tech company looking to maximize profits; we genuinely care about helping people succeed. By sharing our revenue with our members, we’re creating a more sustainable and supportive network where everyone can thrive. Jeff Jensen: Joseph, thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us and share this exciting new program. We appreciate it. Joseph Haecker: Thank you, Jeff. It’s been a pleasure to talk about Lemonade, and I’m excited to see how our community will use it to grow and succeed. Interested in joining the Lemonade Program? Learn More and Sign Up Here: https://www.joinincrowd.com/lemonade _______________________________________________________________________________ About Join inCrowd Join inCrowd is a community-driven digital contact card platform designed to help people connect, make new friends, grow their network, and stay connected. Unlike traditional business card platforms, Join inCrowd offers flexibility, allowing users to toggle between different social media and contact sharing options. With innovative programs like Lemonade, Join inCrowd is committed to empowering its community by sharing revenue and fostering meaningful connections.