Think Tiny. Dream Big. Live Free.

Yesterday a group of us launched Alaska Tiny Homes, asking people to Think. Dream. Live.

Hiding in plain sight within the tiny home movement is the concept of freedom. Freedom toward something or freedom from something. Either way, freedom is at the core.

Freedom to move.

Freedom to explore.

Freedom to be on your own terms.

Freedom from debt.

Freedom from commitments and obligations.

Freedom . . . freedom . . . freedom.

As we move forward we endeavor to bring the stories of our clients (those who want to share) to our followers. Every person has a wonderful story to share -- filled with inspiration, encouragement, redemption, growth, setbacks, perseverance, and awe. We want to share those with you.

Visit us at Alaska Tiny Homes to take your first step toward freedom.

www.alaskatiny.com

Alaska Tiny Homes (www.alaskatiny.com)

What does freedom look like for you? How would you define it?

For thousands of people, big freedom can now be found in tiny places -- like tiny homes.

The Tiny Home movement is growing. And, then there is Alaska. Known as The Last Frontier, there is an aura and allure to this state that is growing too. All you have to do is turn on Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, or any other station and see all things Alaska.

So, what could be better than combining the great State of Alaska and tiny homes -- enter Alaska Tiny Homes.

Alaska Tiny Homes (www.alaskatiny.com) is a collaboration between five people who believe in the freedom that comes with tiny, and desire to share the beauty of Alaska with others.

Our team is in the process of designing models to select from with the first three being the Yukon Model, Denali Model, and Kodiak Model -- each having their own style, flavor and feel.

However, we can also custom-build the type of tiny home you want and desire, and add a touch of Alaska for you -- whether you are building in Alaska, or the Lower 48.

One area we are extremely excited about is we are building partnerships with local Alaskans, Native Alaskans, and others who fall under the state's Made In Alaska protocol, and bringing their craftsmanship to our tiny homes. Our desire is to share these artisans and experts, along with their art to other Alaskans and those in the Lower 48.

We are excited to launch this new company, and invite you to explore Alaska Tiny Homes at www.alaskatiny.com.

And, if you know of someone interested in wanting to build a tiny home, do let us know.

Thank you.

www.alaskatiny.com

Tiny House Nation and virtual schools

There's a great movement in America right now toward tiny homes. People are giving up the old American dream, and re-imagining it as 500 sq ft or less. Tiny House Nation and all of the other television programs are beginning to tap into this growing phenomena.

It's fascinating to watch as Zach and John, hosts of Tiny House Nation, welcome new families into the tiny house tribe. Zach spends his time building the tiny homes (and coming up with some amazing solutions to the limited space) while John spends his time working with the new tribe members helping them come to a better understanding of what it means to own a tiny home.

So, how does Tiny House Nation relate to virtual schools? The real question is what can virtual schools learn from this FYI program?

1. Small giants 

Tiny homes are not for everyone. Yet, the people who are committed to them, to the lifestyle can thrive far beyond the traditional American home, and mortgage.

Tiny House Nation is not out to convert anyone and everyone to this minimalist way of living. What they are doing is tapping into a growing movement and searching for those families who are open to the possibilities, and are willing to commit to it.

In essence, they are serving a niche market -- one that is growing.

One of the tenets of my Virtual School Manifesto is Be a Specialist. Tiny House Nation represents this concept nicely. They know who they are, who they want to serve, and they are focused on people like them. They are not seeking converts as much as they are working to uncover those who have converted already.

Virtual schools can mimic this approach by knowing who they can best serve, then serve them the best they can. In turn, the niche will continue to grow.

2. Authenticity

Part of what I appreciate about the program is John's effort to demonstrate to these families what it means to own a tiny home before they step foot in their new abode.

He puts families through tasks, has them pare down their belongings, and works hard to show them what it will really be like in their new tiny home -- shared space, lack of privacy, etc.

The goal is not to sell them on tiny house living but rather to provide them the type of granular information they need to be committed to this lifestyle from day one.

If only virtual schools would do a more authentic job of educating families about what it means to be a virtual school family -- giving them the real, granular information they need to make, not just an informed decision, but make a commitment to this new lifestyle. If only.

3. WOW factor

This is where Zach steps in. His solutions to the desires and requests from the families are simply brilliant. He actively searches for ways to WOW the customer. He loves what he does, enjoys sharing it with others, and wants to serve the wants and emotions of the customers, not simply meet their needs.

The correlation here is obvious with virtual schools Proactively seek ways to WOW their customers -- the students and families. Pay attention to the details, plus the experience along the way, and actively pursue a relationship with each student in order to make the experience a WOW one.

It's time for virtual schools to think beyond academics in order to build something remarkable.

houston@figment-consulting.com