Say Hello World Inc., led by CEO Brian McCraw, is proud to announce the upcoming beta launch of its innovative social platform, Say Hello. Scheduled to debut on December 15, the app is designed to address the growing loneliness epidemic by facilitating real-life connections in a fun and stress-free environment. By leveraging technology to eliminate the anxiety associated with modern social apps, Say Hello paves the way for authentic human interactions anytime, anywhere.
“Say Hello is turning the world into a neighborhood,” says Brian McCraw. “Our goal is to break down the barriers that technology has inadvertently built and bring back genuine human interaction.”
A Vision Born from Personal Experience
The inspiration for Say Hello emerged during the pandemic when McCraw grew concerned about increased screen time and impersonal social app experiences. After hearing his son describe a lackluster encounter through a popular platform, McCraw realized something was missing. “It was lacking that personal touch,” he recalls. Further research revealed a broader issue: one in three Americans report feeling lonely, according to the American Psychiatric Association, and among Gen Z, that number jumps to 73%, as noted in a Cigna survey.
“While many entrepreneurs are trying to solve this problem with more technology, I asked myself: if even the smartest AI in the world still needs human editing for a personal touch, why do we think technology alone can dictate our relationships?” McCraw explains.
Reflecting on his perspective as a 58-year-old, McCraw adds, “It takes someone from my generation to see the full picture. Meeting new people has always been challenging. In the ’90s, socializing was limited to school, work, or community gatherings. Today, you can have millions of online followers but never meet anyone face-to-face.”
McCraw believes that people are “80/20” – sharing 80% common interests and 20% differences. “That 20% is where the magic happens,” he says. “Unfortunately, technology has created echo chambers by focusing on that 20% to form smaller niches for greater profits. Even news divides us. Instead of letting technology dictate our connections, I designed Say Hello to remove barriers and encourage conversation.”
How Say Hello Works
Say Hello operates by notifying users when another app user is within 20 yards. If both users accept the notification, their profiles and shared interests are revealed, prompting a brief face-to-face introduction. A simple smile and a hello are all that’s required. Users can then swipe a provided QR code, generating a pin on the Say Hello map to mark their connection permanently. Declined connections remain anonymous to avoid any feelings of rejection.
After the initial meeting, the app prompts users to take a selfie to associate a face with their connection. A few hours later, both users receive survey answers that showcase more about who they are, along with confirmation of any romantic or business matches, if indicated during profile setup. If both opt to stay in touch, a secure in-app chat is provided to protect personal details until both parties are ready to share more.
This delayed delivery of survey answers and match confirmations removes any awkwardness from the initial greeting and provides ample information to start a conversation later on.
Incentivizing Genuine Connections
To encourage participation, Say Hello offers monthly prize drawings. Every user gets one entry for the monthly drawing, with opportunities to earn extra entries by accepting initial connections, taking selfies, and accepting chat invitations. This gamification adds an element of fun and shifts the focus from the meeting itself to the excitement of potential rewards.
Early users have expressed enthusiasm for the app’s potential to transform social interactions. “We tried your beta at our freshman party; it was amazing! Can you release it yesterday, please?” says Cali B., a student at Vanderbilt University.
Expanding the Vision: Hello Hangouts, Hootsas, and Hookups
The initial beta testing confirmed the app was on the right track, but McCraw and his team realized that random connections alone weren’t enough. To enhance user experience and provide more opportunities for meaningful interactions, Say Hello introduced additional features: Hello Hangouts, Hootsas, and Hookups.
Hello Hangouts are designated local businesses—ranging from coffee shops to retail stores—where members of the Say Hello community can gather, knowing they are in a space welcoming to connections. Businesses can register as a Hangout for an annual fee of $299. “I wanted to ensure even the smallest businesses could afford to participate without worrying about return on investment,” McCraw explains. “This program gives local businesses exclusive access to our community for under $25 per month, creating tremendous advertising value while providing our members with numerous venues for connection.”
To bring additional value to both users and Hangouts, Say Hello introduces “Hookups”—exclusive discounts and offers provided by Hello Hangouts to app users. These Hookups are displayed on the “What’s Happening” page within the app, allowing users to see real-time promotions and events happening around them at all times. “Hookups not only incentivize users to visit Hangouts but also provide businesses with a direct way to engage with the community,” McCraw notes.
Hootsas are scheduled meetups or events at specific times, hosted by anyone in the community. Whether it’s a bar hosting a happy hour, an individual throwing a party, or a club planning a kayaking trip, Hootsas give members a chance to plan ahead and meet others while engaging in activities that align with their interests. “Hootsas allow our members to connect in an organic social setting,” McCraw notes.
Ambassadors Program: Building a Community Together
To expand the reach of Say Hello while maintaining budget efficiency, the company established the Ambassadors Program. Ambassadors are regular individuals who recruit local businesses in their area to become Hello Hangouts. For each business they recruit, they receive $100.
“We believe being an Ambassador is one of the best gigs in America,” McCraw states. “If an Ambassador works just five days a week and averages a little over four Hangouts a day, they could earn $100,000 a year. By visiting their Hangouts at least twice per calendar year, they continue to receive residual income as long as the Hangouts renew, allowing many to build a lucrative business.”
A Personal Journey of Resilience and Purpose
Reflecting on the journey behind Say Hello, McCraw shares, “These past four years have been the hardest of my life. In the middle of development, my wife of 28 years was diagnosed with ALS. I paused development until one day she reminded me why I was doing this. So I restarted after two years. It started for my children, but it’s more than that now. It’s a true social platform that will remind us of what makes life special—the people we meet along the way.”
As McCraw often says, “When you’re feeling lonely, activate Say Hello, unplug, get off your app, and say hello.”
About Say Hello World Inc.
Say Hello World Inc. is a technology company committed to combating the modern loneliness epidemic by fostering genuine face-to-face connections. Founded by CEO Brian McCraw, the company leverages innovative technology to encourage real-world interactions, making it easier for people to meet and connect in meaningful ways.
Media Contact
Company Name: Say Hello World Inc.
Contact Person: Brian McCraw
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Country: United States
Website: https://www.sayhello.world