Who's behind PlanBig?

Believe it or not, PlanBig exists because of a bank.

In fact, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank feel so strongly about helping people realise their dreams, they’ve been doing it in local communities for over 150 years.

How does PlanBig work?

That's simple too.

There really is no need to read some long winded explanation when you can explore the plans already up and going now on planbig.com.au Check out how others are using PlanBig or click and enjoy the tutorial video.

Who can make PlanBig work for them?

Maybe a better question to ask is "Who can't?".

PlanBig is open to anyone who has an idea that they’re keen to see grow or anyone who wants to help others make their ideas reality.

That’s the thing about PlanBig. It can help bring about change because it gives you the ideal way to connect with people who are interested in the things you’re interested in and are willing to jump in and give you a helping hand.

And because you’re sharing your ideas with an online community, it also has the possibility to evolve and grow and develop in ways you may never have thought possible.

What can you use PlanBig for?

Community projects, environmental change, music, arts, science, sports, fashion, education, business...the choice is yours.

Right now, there are literally thousands of people from different backgrounds with different interests, actively involved and getting real value from being a part of a community that cares. And that’s the thing about PlanBig - YOU choose how involved you want to be.

You can come up with your own plan and invite others to contribute their ideas. Or, you can get behind a plan that someone else has, lend your support and help make a difference.

So why not see for yourself how easy PlanBig is to use? Start by taking a look at some of the plans already posted and you’ll understand.

When is the right time to get started with PlanBig?

How about right now!

Here’s the thing about an idea. Unless you do something positive to get it out so that others know about it, it will only ever remain ‘an idea’.

But when an idea is shared, it can take on a life of its own.

That’s the beauty of turning your idea into a plan with PlanBig. With the help of others, your plan becomes a living thing that can take root and grow in ways you might not have imagined possible.

Once you’ve set up your plan, you can quickly and simply post updates, tell your supporters about the sorts of things you need help with, and much more. There’s no time like now to get your big idea off the ground!

What help can you give me to get my plan started?

We ask the questions that can help you get your plan off the ground.

One of the most challenging things with any plan can be knowing ‘where to start’.

We’ve provided Help Cards with tips on how to hustle and promote your plan, funding options and Government grants to name just a few.

There are auto prompts when filling in resource requests and creating plans to help guide you and sometimes it’s the comments and advice you receive from your supporters that will help you get to the heart of what you want to achieve with PlanBig.

When you communicate your plan simply, clearly, powerfully, you make it easier for others to join and support you.

Can I post video’s and upload documents to PlanBig?

Yes, of course.

PlanBig gives you the freedom to upload content – video, photos, documents, spreadsheets, plans – just about anything you can think of that can help you really bring your plan to life can be uploaded to your plan.

How can PlanBig help me get the word out about my plan?

That's easy.

PlanBig allows both planners and supporters to easily share and provide updates from any plan page to your favourite social networks (Twitter, Facebook etc). It’s a great way to keep everyone in your network in the loop and let them know how they can get involved in your big idea on PlanBig.

What's up with the PlanBig badges and points tallies I've seen on the site?

It's nice to be acknowledged for your efforts.

In the real world you usually get a thank you when you help someone out. On PlanBig it’s no different. Points and badges are earned for various planning and supporting actions. The more effort you put in, the more points you will receive, do it often and you can earn badges. More importantly though, the more you put in the more successful your plan (or one you are helping) will be. Nothing like a bit of friendly competition to get you going!

• First action on PlanBig
• PlanBig Regular
• Hall of Fame
• Wise guy
• Superstar
• Smarty Pants
• Big Heart
• Supporter of the Month
• Media Star
• Loud Mouth
• Plan of the Month
• Sticky Beak

Resources - How do I request or pledge them?

Sometimes getting your plan off the ground needs a little more than sound advice and strong awareness.

Via the Resources tab, PlanBig offers planners the ability to make specific requests for assistance from the PlanBig community in the categories of Goods, Services and Venues/Facilities. All members can respond to these requests with pledges of resources. The Pledges are then either accepted or declined by the planner.

Plan supporters will receive a notification when their pledge is accepted and it will also appear in the activity feed on the home page.

Points are earned for requesting and pledging resources and when the planner marks a pledge as received and a request as complete.

Planners can view and manage their resource requests via the tab on the Plan Page and members who don’t have plans but are keen to help, can view and search for all resource requests on PlanBig through the Help Out tab.

How do I use the PlanBig Help Cards I've seen on the site?

Sometimes you just need to ask an expert.

Feedback from our members told us that PlanBig would be even better with an injection of even more expertise. The Help Cards are just that - an expanding catalogue of cards, created by expert contributors on a variety of topics that will help planners with some potential roadblocks in their progress. Help Cards can be saved to your profile for quick access and ‘liked’ to let others know their value.

If you have a suggestion for a topic not yet covered in the Help Card section you can request one via the ‘Request a Help Card’ module on this page.