Integrative Touch For Kids

Operational Business Plan

Future ITK Healing Center
04/02/2020

ITK 1 Consulting Group

TJ Hwang
Heather Kirkland
Alec Martinson
Robby Orona
Elle Parsons
Cody Settje
Table of Contents

Executive Summary 3

Appendix 1: Time Banking Additional Information 5

Appendix 2: Time Bank Handbook Mockup 6

Appendix 3: E-Commerce Additional Information 7

Appendix 4: E-Commerce Subscription Box Mockup 8

Appendix 5: Explanation of Costs and Revenues 9

Appendix 6: Timeline for Implementation 10

Appendix 7: Additional Research: Office Spaces 11

References 12
Executive Summary

Our team has analyzed the situation of Integrative Touch for Kids and developed two systems to ensure the financial
success of ITK’s new healing center. The two project scopes we have researched are Time Banking and E-
Commerce. Our Research shows by implementing these two programs, ITK will increase revenue company
wide and generate a sustainable healing center for the community. This executive summary will outline the key
research collected for Time Banking and E-Commerce; analyzing our research; providing a final recommendation;
and introducing a method of implementation for both Time Banking and E-Commerce.

Our team has been tasked to find ways for ITK to become financially sustainable while involving the community in
their new healing center. Our project scope focuses on E-Commerce and Time Banking. With the E-Commerce
Subscription-based service, ITK has the opportunity to expand and create a presence beyond the Tucson community.
Having children who use ITK’s services design these subscription boxes would create a connection between the
customer and the company. By creating a time bank, the Tucson community can be involved with daily operations at
ITK and create indirect revenue (Spitzer, 2019). Background research on E-Commerce and Time Banking suggests
involving the community through these two programs would save labor costs and expand awareness of ITK beyond
Tucson.

E-Commerce
E-Commerce has seen exponential growth in the past few years with advances in technology and the convenience of
shopping online and getting products delivered directly to one’s door (Petro, 2019). Companies like Dollar Shave
Club and Bark Box have adopted new business models with subscriptions. These companies have seen tremendous
growth based on this model, with influxes in customer retention rate and high cash flow available for the companies
to utilize (BarkBox, n.d.). With the ability to reach nearly anyone on the globe, this new avenue can be essential for
ITK to grow and expand their company and cash flow.

In order for the E-Commerce program to be functional, ITK will have to make minor changes to their website to
allow customers to purchase monthly or bi-monthly subscription boxes. Subscription box materials could be fully
customizable to peak customer satisfaction. Since ITK’s core mission involves broadening their community, each
subscription box could be themed around particular clients and patients at ITK. Each box would allow a different
patient or ITK community member to share their story. Extensive research proves this model to be the best way for
ITK to expand and share their story while increasing cash flow to sustain the healing center (Crate Joy n.d.).
Successful E-Commerce websites such as the Dollar Shave Club have revolutionized this business model and
proven the magnitude of success with proper execution. Another way for ITK to generate revenue at the healing
center will be through a Time Banking program.

Time Banking
Time banks exist all over the U.S. and range in size and function (Directory, 2020). One thing they all have in
common is their adoption of the five core values of Time Banking: assets, redefining work, reciprocity, social
networks, and respect (Cahn, 2015). The adoption of these values by any time bank ensures a strong foundation.
Time banks are unique in that no money is involved in the transaction of time credits for the exchange of services.
However, these institutions create value through meaningful relationships, valuing community-wide effort over
profits, and fulfilling a mission and purpose. Time Banking, alongside E-Commerce, could be particularly useful for
ITK in fulfilling their dreams of pioneering Integrative Touch therapy, becoming financially sustainable, and expanding
outside of Tucson (Integrative Touch for Kids, n.d.).
Time banks operate by simple functions in nature, but require thorough planning and implementation. In order to
start a time bank, ITK must first create a handbook, which ideally includes general rules and guidelines
pertaining to membership, credit exchanges, gatherings, and a description of the day-to-day nature of the time bank
(Long Beach, n.d.). Once the handbook is prepared, ITK should host an orientation for those interested in
becoming members of the time bank. It is during this meeting that members will be briefed on the handbook policies
and loaded into the software for exchanges. We understand ITK has previously looked into Ying as an exchange
software; Ying qualifies as a functional and user-friendly Time Banking service. Preliminary assumptions would
estimate the healing center time bank to coordinate with 200 members per year. Time Banking acts as a flexible
program that can be easily interwoven alongside other programs. At ITK, Time Banking could be instrumental in the
preparation of E-Commerce subscription boxes.

Time Banking and E-Commerce are two viable revenue-generating programs that could operate in conjunction at the
new healing center. When customers order subscription boxes from ITK, time bankers could prepare the
subscription boxes that would be sent out to customers. In return for their efforts, time bankers would receive one
time credit for each hour of subscription box preparation. These credits could be redeemed for services at ITK.
Those who do not wish to receive services for their time could donate credits to patients and clients at ITK.
Choosing to interweave Time Banking and E-Commerce will facilitate modest revenue for the healing center.

By using these two revenue-generating programs, ITK can sustain their healing center while remaining a non-profit
organization. ITK will need to make their essential oils and bath salts, which costs about $2-$3 per unit (Beider,
2020). ITK will create a box for the content to be shipped which will roughly cost $6 per unit (Pirate Ship, n.d.).
Each subscription plan will include a box with three essential oils along with other ITK products, totaling an
estimated cost of $20 to prepare each box. Subscription boxes will cost customers $30 per unit, which will cover
shipping costs (Horstmeyer, 2019). ITK can expect a profit of $10 for every box sold. Since time bank members will
prepare these subscription boxes, ITK will save on labor costs. Time bank costs include the software, Ying, costing
$35 per month or $378 annually (YingMe, n.d.). Training and retention of time bankers costs $10 per member per
year (Time Banks USA, 2016). Accordingly, if ITK trains 200 members, member costs will be $2,000 each year.
Approximately 50 boxes can be prepared each day by time bankers. If ITK can sell 1,000 boxes per year, they can
generate a profit of $7,622 per year from these two programs combined. (TJH)

By implementing the E-Commerce system, ITK will increase cash flow and retention rate of both volunteers and
patients. E-Commerce will also increase brand recognition and allow ITK to expand outside of Tucson. Time
Banking will increase community involvement with ITK and create value through volunteer work. The Time
Banking model we have created will allow ITK to achieve that strong sense of community valued in their
core mission. Additionally, Time Banking can be used in conjunction with E-Commerce to package subscription
boxes for customers. These two models will increase ITK’s revenue and create a sustainable healing center for ITK.
In order to take advantage of this valuable opportunity, our team suggests implementing E-Commerce and Time
Banking as soon as the new healing center is built and running. Awareness regarding these programs should be
instilled in the community’s mind well in advance of the healing center’s opening to ensure a successful launch.
Please direct all inquiries to Elle Parsons at ElleParsons@email.arizona.edu.

Appendix 1: Time Banking Additional Information

Highlighted in this appendix are various things to keep in mind should ITK choose to pursue a Time Banking system at their new
healing center. Creating a time bank is complex, so this will cover some small details that are not specifically outlined in the
Executive Summary. It is important to understand that these are not all of the details needed to create a Time Bank (as managers
and owners, you know best as to what will work for ITK), but they are important aspects involved in all time banking operations.

What Types of Tasks?

The first concern that would need to be established is, “what type of tasks will volunteers be completing?” Another problem that
stems from this is what training is going to look like. How long is training? Does the initial training session count as credit? Will
there be enough work available at any given time for volunteers to complete? Can time bankers come in and volunteer in
different positions each time they visit? If so, would they need to be formally re-trained? These are all important questions to
answer.

Our opinion is that the amount of tasks available is not as important as the actual nature of the tasks. It is supremely important
that tasks are not so marginal that a couple of workers can complete three months of production in three hours’ time. This will
make the time banking program useless. We must ensure that at any hour of the day, any day of the week, a time banker can
come in and work on a project that needs attention. This can be done by creating complex, team-oriented, disciplined tasks that
keep the time bankers engaged and eager to come back again to see their work come to fruition. If tasks like this can be
determined, and if they are valuable year round, the volunteers will be content, and the time-bank will work effectively.

More Ideas for a Model

An effective model should incorporate a few things outside of the handbook to make it run smoothly. Attempting to create
comradery between time bankers would make a great foundation for the program. Try to schedule workers to volunteer at the
same time or in the same groups they were in previously. This will make the work more meaningful, create the sense of
community and teamwork that Shay is looking for, as well as create a more productive healing center. The time bank should
attempt to create depth within the volunteering tasks. Having volunteers work throughout different departments of the
organization would make the work both spread equally amongst the company, and put volunteers in contact with clients and
workers throughout all of ITK.

Another valuable avenue to pursue would be creating a way for the volunteers to see their work come to fruition. Lastly, finding a
way for people to redeem their credits at opportune times for ITK is essential, meaning that a bunch of time bankers should not
show up at the same time to redeem their credits and receive services from ITK. This could cause the time bankers to take up
time slots where clients who are in greater need waiting to be served.

Finally, our team planned on approaching local University of Arizona groups to create a volunteering schedule to work at the
ITK time bank. This was never able to happen, as after Spring Break, the university was shut down due to COVID-19. Our idea
was to approach volunteering clubs, committees of the nursing and medical school, and Greek Life students to participate in an
annual time banking event. Whether this would be school-wide or just within each group, we had not yet decided. If this is
something ITK is interested in, the University Of Arizona Fraternity and Sorority programs is a great place to begin.

Who Else Has Tried This?

ITK will be the second fully operational time bank to exist in Tucson. The other time bank in the city is the Tucson Timetraders,
which features 230 members across five organizations. The Tucson Timetraders operate in a more traditional manner in which
members exchange time credits for educational, social, industrial, and teaching services. Lessons are also exchanged; these
lessons could be musical, educational, fitness-related, and more. The services, lessons, and experiences exchanged are endless.
Whatever skills members possess are fair game to trade in the Tucson Timetraders. This time bank abides by the Five Core
Values of Time Banking, and we suggest you do, too! For more information on the Tucson Timetraders, visit their website which
we have included in our references (Tucson Timetraders, 2020).

Appendix 2: Time Bank Handbook Mockup

Included below is a general mockup of a handbook that could be used at the ITK time bank. The information
contained below describes common guidelines used in time banks, many of which apply to ITK. This handbook acts
as a head start in the preparation of your time bank. These rules and guidelines can be adapted to suit the needs of
the organization and the program. The information in this handbook is what your future time bank members will
abide by in the ITK time bank.

The Five Core Values of Time Banking

The ITK time bank was built on the foundation of the Five core values of Time Banking created by Edgar Cahn, the
founder of modern time banking. Paying mind to these values helps to nurture a sense of purpose and reminds
members of the real reason the time bank exists: to fulfill our mission of developing the first of its kind, “Whole
Child, Whole Family, Whole Community wellness model.” The five core values are:

● Assets: Everyone is an asset; We all have something to give.

● Redefining work: The exchange of services does not have to be validated with the exchange of money. At
Time Bank ITK, the alternative currency of time is utilized. This initiative imparts a sense of community
within the time bank and stresses the value of alternative currency exchanges.
● Reciprocity: Relationships are a two-way street. Time Bank ITK operates by emphasizing the value of
collaboration and helping one-another to improve the organization and strengthen the ITK community.
● Social networks: People joined in a shared purpose are stronger than individuals. Time Bank ITK is a
community in which trust, friendship, and community act as the foundation for social networks and
understanding.
● Respect: Every human being matters: time bank members, ITK staff and volunteers, patients, clients, and
customers on the receiving end of our subscription boxes. Let the environment at Time Bank ITK reflect
our passion for collaboration, our mission, and each other.

Members’ Rights and Responsibilities

● Earn one time credit for each hour of service provided
● Members redeem time credits for services at ITK
● Time credits do not expire
● Time bankers may donate any desired amount of time credits to patients and clients of ITK
● Every member is to be treated with respect and fairness
● Be reliable and keep scheduled commitments

** Time bank handbooks typically include additional sections with information regarding the program’s code of
conduct, policies, and guidelines to get started. These details will be left up to the discretion of ITK as they pertain
to more specific details of the time bank’s operations. More information on creating a time banking handbook can be
found on the official time banks website, which can be found on our reference page (TimeBanks USA, 2016).

Appendix 3: E-Commerce Additional Information

Leading companies like Bark Box and Dollar Shave Club have provided a unique option for consumers to choose
exactly how often they want to receive subscription boxes. ITK should be able to implement this depending on
which website they are currently using. By adding a new product called, “subscription boxes,” ITK will have the
ability to provide options for either monthly or bi-monthly subscription box purchases. ITK should also take into
account the easy option for consumers to opt-in or out of the subscription.

Currently, there are a couple of other companies who make essential oil subscription boxes. Companies like
Bombay & Cedar are charging around $30 per month per box. These boxes include essential oils and other beauty
and lifestyle products.
Two things that differentiate ITK from the rest of the industry are (1) ITK will be fully customizing their boxes by
sharing a story of families who have gone through their practices, and (2) there are no other non-profit organizations
in this industry.

Appendix 4: E-Commerce Subscription Box Mockup

Many subscription boxes and services currently saturate the industry, our belief behind the ITK subscription box is
that this box will create an experience for your consumers. Children suffer from life limiting illnesses worldwide,
searching for sparks of joy to distract from their normal
schedule of treatments. We are honored to have the opportunity
to create a box to share these stories, as you spend your time
healing, your subscription boxes will spread the wonderful
work done by ITK across the nation.

Please see a mock brochure we have created for guidance in

the creation of your first box:
Please see a mock box design, curated on PackLane:

As outlined on the mock brochure the subscription boxes will include a curation of items by the child of the month,
with help from ITK staff and family. This gives the consumer an idea of the child, and an inside look into a life
positively affected by ITK. We know all of the wonderful work you do, and would love for your stories to be shared.
This box includes Mint, Peppermint and Orange essential oils, a notecard, puzzle and ITK branded notebook. This
monthly distribution method allows you to change boxes contents monthly.

Appendix 5: Explanation of Costs and Revenues

Explanation of Costs
According to the Q&A session, ITK makes their essential oils and bath salts for about $2-$3 per unit. Using Pirate
Ship through USPS, it would roughly cost $6 to ship our subscription box anywhere throughout the U.S. (Pirate
Ship, n.d.). Each subscription box will include ITK essential oils, bath salts, and other products including shipping,
which was estimated to be about $20 to create each box. We understand ITK has already looked into a Time
Banking software called Ying. Their website states they charge $35 per month or $378 annually to utilize their
services. ITK will also have to invest into their members. On Timebanks.org it states, “At a rough estimate, they
add $10 per timebank member per year for generalized support.” If ITK coordinates with approximately 200 time
bank members, it would cost around $2,000 per year to train and retain their members. ITK will spend a total of
$2,378 each year for their Time Banking members. This cost still saves on labor costs by using the time bank
members to create subscription boxes.

Explanation of Revenues
Gravy Solutions suggested each box can be sold for $30 because of the content and the possible amount of
subscribers who would be interested in signing up for this subscription (Horstmeyer, 2019). If each box was
estimated to be worth $20, ITK can make a profit of roughly $10 for every box sold. If ITK could sell about 1000
subscription boxes every year, there will be a generated revenue of $30,000. This amount was found from using this
equation to give an expected revenue. (# of boxes sold) x (Retail Price) = Total Revenue. Depending on the actual
amount of boxes sold could vary in different revenues. ITK pays for their expenses on products and members, they
would make a total profit of $7,622. This amount was found from using this equation (Total Revenue) - (Total
Costs).

Appendix 6: Timeline for Implementation

The implementation of E-Commerce and Time Banking will give ITK the opportunity to generate a modest revenue
stream while getting the Tucson community involved. The timeline for the implementation looks as follows:

1. According to the Integrative Touch Healing Center PowerPoint, ITK is expecting to take 2 to 3 years
fundraising, planning, and developing a capital campaign. The following 6 months will be focused on
market research and building purchase. The final step will be to renovate and construct the new healing
center, which is expected to take up to 1 year. After the building is complete, they will be ready to open
their doors and work on outreach and marketing.

2. For the materials and design of the subscription box, ITK will need to reach out to local suppliers for their
shipping materials. This could be done within the opening, outreach, and marketing phase, which is said to
 take 3 months. After a supplier is found, ITK could have a child that is involved with ITK design the
subscription box. This should take no more than 1 month. The design of the subscription box should be
done at least once a month from there on out.

3. In the E-Commerce subscription set up, an additional page or option will need to
be added to the current E-Commerce website. This should give the customer the
option to subscribe to a product of their choice. This could take up to 6 months and
should be worked on while the suppliers are being found. The addition of the
subscription website should be finished after subscription boxes are designed and
ready to be used.

4. You will need to get your time bank ready by creating a handbook. Creating and
adapting to the handbook that we have created for you based on the needs of your
organization should take around 2 weeks. During this time, you should be
marketing for your time banking orientation, which should be held after the
handbook has been implemented.

5. Time Bankers will then be ready to prepare orders for the subscription service.
This will be ongoing for as long the subscription service is running.

6. ITK should be ready at this point to submit credits earned into Ying so time
bankers can receive their earned credits.

7. With the time bankers receiving credits, they will be ready to exchange these
credits for services that ITK offers, or they could donate them back to ITK to give
to a family in need.

8. With the subscription orders being sent out, ITK will earn revenue on subscription
boxes while also expanding the dream of ITK beyond the Tucson community.

Appendix 7: Additional Research: Office Spaces

Below is our combined research on office space rentals, which could be useful for ITK to consider. We understand
from our previous presentation that you gave feedback about concerns regarding office space rentals, and we took
that into consideration. However, our team believes this information could benefit your healing center in many
different ways. We are aware of risks and problems of leasing office spaces, so we have included some options to
consider to use available space effectively and sufficiently.

Previous Research to consider

Based on local areas in Tucson, average office space rentals range about $1.50-$2.50 per square foot every month.
In previous research we concluded that ITK should charge $2.50 to maximize revenue, however ITK could charge
anywhere between $1.50-$2.50 to generate revenue. Based on the initial healing center blueprint we were provided,
our group estimated the total office spaces to be about 1,200 square feet. In our previous presentation, we suggested
ITK could have 10 office spaces with 120 square feet per office. Research shows that 120 square feet would provide
the amount needed for care providers requiring less space who rent the office. Physician’s Practice states, “A good
size for a primary care exam room is 10 feet by 10 feet, but a little larger is better if you can manage it.” ITK could
generate $3,000 every month and $36,000 every year if all 1,200 square foot of office space rentals are leased and
rented at $2.50 per square foot per month.

Other options to consider

From our previous presentation, we were aware of the risks ITK may face with the availability of office space. One
factor that is important to consider is the location of the healing center, and another factor is who would be willing
to lease out the spaces. We understand that the office spaces could be available and no one would be willing to rent
these spaces. So, we came up with an idea for ITK to consider when thinking about the available office spaces. ITK
could use this available space to increase sales from their E-commerce website. There could be a work area for time
banking members to create the essential oils and bath salts. There could also be another work area for other time
banking members to create the subscription boxes along with the essential oils, bath salts, and other ITK products.
Time banking members could use yet another space to create shipping labels for these subscription boxes, and
another area for the subscription boxes that are ready to be shipped and delivered to subscribers. ITK could use any
remaining office space as storage for their unfinished and finished E-Commerce products and subscription boxes.
(TJH)

references
Beider, S. (2020). ITK Q&A. Retrieved from D2L https://d2l.arizona.edu/.

Cahn, E. (2015). The Time Bank Solution. Retrieved from https://ssir.org/.

Crate Joy, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cratejoy.com/.

Directory of Time Banks, (2020). Retrieved from http://community.timebanks.org/.

Horstmeyer, T. (2019). Pricing Your Subscription Box to Get Top Revenue. Retrieved from
https://www.gravysolutions.io/.

How BarkBox Works, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.barkbox.com/.

Integrative Touch for Kids. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.integrativetouch.org.

Long Beach Time Exchange, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://lbtimeexchange.com/.

Petro, G. (2019). Why Subscription Boxes are Here to Stay. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/.

Physician’s Practice, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.physicianspractice.com/.

Pirate Ship, (n.d.). Pirate Ship Shipping Rates- Customized Boxes. Retrieved from
https://www.pirateship.com/rates.

Spitzer, D. (2019, December). IBISWorld Industry Report 62139B. Alternative Healthcare Providers in the US.
Retrieved from IBISWorld database https://my-ibisworld-com.ezproxy3.library.arizona.edu.

TimeBanks USA, (2016). What is Time Banking? Retrieved from https://timebanks.org/what-is-timebanking/.

Tucson Timetraders, (2020). Retrieved from http://web.metasofa.org.

YingMe, (n.d.). Retrieved from https://yingme.co/membership/.