<p>We are experiencing a significant cultural shift. In tandem, we are in the middle of reinventing our business models. The past year has provoked most of us into reflecting on what is truly important. We’ve re-examined our values in the light of harsh economic circumstances, and although economists and forecasters report that things are looking better, that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll go back to business as usual. No should we. We've changed. Such is the nature of evolution.</p>
<p>An opportunity exists to use the recently gained clarity and the energy of renewal to upgrade our business models in a very intentional way. We’ve learned a lot about what we’d like to keep and what doesn’t work so well. For instance, we have seen the pitfalls and global ramifications of companies that become too big. We’ve seen what happens when we lose touch with what our customers want, as in the American automotive industry. Here is perhaps the most significant lesson for entrepreneurs: we’ve seen how interdependent each of us is and that it is in everyone’s best interest to help each other prosper.</p>
<p>In Daniel Pink’s book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446678791/biznik-20">Free Agent Nation</a>, he describes a model for project-based business ventures where people come together in teams bringing their unique experience and skill set to a specific objective. Once the objective is met, individuals might choose to work together again, become a part of other groups or take a few weeks to work on a solo project. </p>
<p>This idea is appealing on many levels. We gain flexibility to work on projects we are truly invested in with others who share our values. We can schedule projects and breaks to accommodate family time, vacations and volunteer projects that are meaningful. We can be portable and accept projects in other locations, broadening our perspective and professional network. As entrepreneurs we are already applying some of these ideas and we can expand in interesting ways. The model for these kinds of ensembles already exists in the film and music industries. Let us pluck the best practices from their examples of success. </p>
<p>The missing piece for having this work smoothly today seems to be the central hub and process required to put people together. There are sites like elance.com, but they seem to be skewed toward particular skill sets, like writing and graphic design. I’d like to see a place where projects and required skills were listed and matched with those wanting to participate on projects using those skills. Imagine having a new product idea and reaching out to a central network for collaborators who have listed skills, interests and availability.</p>
<p>Wouldn’t it be interesting to have networking meetings geared toward putting projects together in this way? Unlimited opportunities for dynamic combinations are within our grasp. Hopefully, we can spark ideas off each other in this forum.</p>
<p>We haven’t begun to tap our collaborative and creative capacity. I’m excited to see what we come up with over the next year. Let’s make this shift as fun and profitable as we can—together.</p>
2009-08-20T20:58:51Z
2009-08-22T04:32:06Z
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2009-08-22T04:31:31Z
2009-08-22T04:32:06Z
The cultural and business shift we are now experiencing provides the perfect opportunity to reinvent our business models, making them stronger, better, more fun and profitable.
Free Agent Collaboration
1
2009-08-22T18:16:50Z