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Chicago
The place is a fortress and Harpo definitely runs a tight ship. We showed up at 7 AM and spent an hour and a half in the green room. For the first time in my life, I got airbrushed. By the time Jess and I proceeded into the studio, our faces were speckle free and mostly monochrome....ready for the bright lights and the intimidating gaze of Ms. Winfrey.
A team of highly professional and kind producers and assistants made sure we were prepared. We practiced our responses all morning. However, you never know what Ms. Winfrey might come up with. In the end, you better be able to throw your preparation out the door. She will look at you when it's time to begin.
We were in the audience. The show was focused on President Clinton's new book -- Giving. We assumed our seats in the front row. The President and Ms. Winfrey entered to great applause. There we were, in the front row, about arm's length away as the interview began.
We were in the 5th segment. I think that's right. The President and Oprah ushered us through 4 segments of emotional conversation and specials. I could almost touch them. Even so, it felt like I was watching a movie -- however more frightening because the characters could call on you at any time. You better be ready.
I couldn't pay perfect attention. About 45 minutes into the show, the Kiva segment began. A tape rolled highlighting Anne Brown, an artisan in Seattle who lent money to a seamstress in Ecuador. I didn't watch too closely because I didn't want to be too emotional as the biggest interview in my life would begin.
Then she called on us. Our most likely scenario was that Oprah would focus on Jessica, given that is a women-centric show. We were wrong -- she focused on me. How much has Kiva loaned so far? How does it make you feel? How long does it take for an entrepreneur to get funded? I could answer these questions in my sleep. However, they came out in slow motion. I didn't make any big mistakes. I was serviceable, not incredible. Since that time, I've replayed the answers in my head, second guessing every word. I'll probably never get the chance to address that many people again in my life. Thinking about it too much can drive you crazy.
She turned to Jess and asked about her inspiration. Jess got emotional. It was an emotional moment. She delivered a heart felt account of how we began Kiva. It was one of the more moving parts of the show.
The President and Ms. Winfrey spent the next few minutes talking about the power of the Internet and "the Kiva model." Watching this was truly surreal. If you had told me a year ago that I would watch these two people discussing Kiva in front of millions on TV, I would have laughed. I cannot tell you how ridiculous it would have seemed. It still seems imaginary.
The show ended. The President approached us to talk about Kiva and how he could help. He noted that Jess used to work for World Vision and had apparently read our bios. Are you kidding me? Is this really happening? President Clinton is an immensely personable person. He would have stayed all day and talked to every single person in the studio if reality accommodated that. The Harpo people had to remind him to move to the next venue.
Tactically speaking, this will be a big week for Kiva. Watch for the show on Tuesday, September 4th. It's bound to be another order of magnitude shift for our young organization. We will do everything we can to react.
oprah
I am a friend of Adam J's from the burgh. I also went to church with the J's way back in the day at Beulah. Anyway, I have been following this ongoing story these last couple of years. Great post here, and I look forward to watching this and seeing how Oprah's show brings even more people to lend through Oprah. Hope yinz are ready for a flood of lenders.
Yep. It's happening.
First time I saw the Kiva growth predictions in the office I knew they were way too conservative. I'm predicting Kiva will be at 500,000 users by this December 2007 with an average of $63 per loan. Even though loans are capped at $25 right now due to short supply of micro-entrepreneurs, something will happen. India or one of the other BRIC nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China) will wise up and let Kiva operate there.
This is awesome!! I'm so excited for you guys! Congrats on getting the attention Kiva deserves!!
Congrats on getting the exposure...
but you now need to make sure Kiva can handle the pressure...
Maybe it's worth making sure the website, which is so central to the concept, can cope with whatever is about to happen... Nothing can be worse than having so much attention and driving people away because of a poor surfing experience... (it's not bad at all at the moment, but it needs to be bullet proof... The invite system seem broken in the portofolio section, and login status is behaving weirdly)
Anyway, what you guys are doing is amazing !! And you've restored my faith in humanity !
Will this be on the net?
Is your except from the show likely to be uploaded to the Internet? If so, please post a URL.
The Kiva difference
Ever since I heard about KIVA last year I knew this was going to be a revolution.
Microfinance is THE WAY the world will make poverty history.
I think a lot of KIVA lenders understand that typical charity handouts, while appreciated, weren't going to get at the problem at hand. I know that hand-outs have only ever helped me so far. Give me a fish - I will eat the fish - thank you very much, but tomorrow I am still hungry. Now, giving me a fishing rod...that is quite the gift!
When I log onto my account at KIVA and see that I helped 4 people it makes my heart sing. Thank you for what you have done Matt.
Kiva!
Congratulations on a great show. I have been long interested in microfinance and this is the first time I have heard of Kiva. I would suspect that after the show the greatest challenge you will have is catching up with the growth the show will bring you. I wish the best for your organization and hope to see it become immensely popular. The way the website is set up is brilliant. It has the appeal of the personal "I know who I'm helping" that north americans seem to crave, and it provides a personal connection. Best
Amazing
There are no borrowers available at the moment.
I had to make 3 tries to find somebody today.
When I logged on Tuesday there were 61 "in need" applications, quite a few with low percentage amounts. By Wednesday that had shrunk to 14 & to-day there were 4 & now there are none.
That Oprah show exposure sure got results.
Jundee
any news?
It looks like servers are handling the load very well - can you share some stats as to what has happened in the last couple days?
Bill Clinton talks about Kiva on Morning Edition
Just after I read this blog posting on Friday morning, as I listened to Morning Edition I heard the voice of President Bill Clinton. He and the announcer were talking about his new book, Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World. Asked for an example of how everyday individuals can help change the world, he used Kiva as an example, describing the program, what it means to the borrower, and how a lender can see the impact of his or her loan. You clearly made an impression on him this week. Congratulations on all your success, and what you have done to change the world for borrowers and lenders.
"Oprah Proof"
Matt- I remember your comment at breakfast about goals for the coming year, and one was to make the site "Oprah Proof." Congrats on doing that and deciding not to change strategies to deal with spikes in traffic. Great to see the continuing smart growth and improvements at Kiva. Paul
oh oh oprah
I just watched the show for the first time (yay, tivo!) and I'm just in awe. I love your idea. I loved the segment---I thought you were personable and articulate. I'm blogging about it today (and no way will it affect your site crashing!). Thank you for your idea and running with it. I can't wait to get involved.
Is Kiva Ready?
Hi Matt. I just recently, today actually, learned of your blog site and Ill definitely be a frequent reader from here on out. The way you shared your experience with us on the Oprah show was really insightful and a pleasure to be informed of. I do hope the staff is prepared for what Oprah can bring. What she touches turns to gold, (though you dont need much help with that when it comes to Kiva), and it doesnt get much bigger than her. This really is an opprortunity that doesnt come to many, but you guys certainly deserve it and your supporters know you will do everything you can to capitalize on it. I am brimming with excitment to see what this weeks television notoriety might result in. Do keep us informed when time permits and thanks for opening yourself up to fellow Kiva members.