Flash Mobs & The Old Girl's Network
As I write this message, I am trying to figure out how to squeeze the best out of the last days of summer. I quickly decide to do half of what I originally planned and set aside some time for spontaneous activity (work). After all, I may decide to participate in a fun "Flash Mob" event. Flash mobbing has come late to Washington, D.C. - it seems the August congressional recess offered the perfect opportunity for our serious beltway insiders to enjoy the escapism and harmless fun offered by the latest global trend. (Read the August 21 Washington Post article "A fast moving fad comes slowly to Washington" at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23200-2003Aug20.html).
If you are still not familiar with "flash mobs," it's the newest craze among young adults who learn about short-lived, local gatherings through the Internet. They are instructed to show up at a specific place, perform a single thing en masse, then quickly disperse. I checked out some of the current flash mob activities for Thursday (8/21) and Friday (8/22) and found a couple of interesting opportunities (though not in D.C.).
For example, there was an event scheduled in Detroit, MI at 1:30 p.m., August 21 at the "Novi Lanes" (a bowling alley). Participants were instructed to show up, cheer loudly for bowlers in Lane 15, mill around sharing bowling clichés and ask each other about their bowling shoe sizes. After 15 minutes, flash mobbers depart.
At the Lenox Mall in Atlanta, prospective flash mobbers were instructed to converge at FAO Schwartz at 12:30 p.m., pretend to start rowing, and sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" then leave. Total mob time: 3 minutes.
The global flash mob phenomenon seems to be a fitting outlet for today's digitally oriented, time-conscious young adult in need of some harmless diversion from the stresses of world events. But like all good things, the "flash mob" phenom is reaching the end of its short-lived existence. Journalists are showing up at the events, and copy cat movements -- like "flesh mobs," "flash mugging" and "slash mobs" (supposedly just dark humor) - are robbing the original thing of its spontaneity and innocence.
Yet, the lasting tribute of the "flash mob" is a reminder to those of us who are a little more along in our years, and wouldn't in a million years consider participating in a flash mob event (unless, of course, someone paid us) to carve out some time for fun or simple relaxation. That's a goal worth pursuing for summer's last days and I hope you join me in catching a few of those "flash moments."
If you're looking for a solid read to end the summer on a productive (and remember, relaxing) note, I highly recommend The Old Girls' Network: Insider Advice for Women Building Businesses in a Man's World. Authors Sharon Whitely, Kathy Elliott and Connie Duckworth have written a comprehensive book that combines inspirational success stories with "brass tactics advice" on turning an idea, or start-up enterprise, into a profitable business. I especially like the "Digging Deeper" and "What You Need to Know" sections at the end of each chapter as they explore, highlight and remind about the key issues covered within each chapter, which include such topics as: passion, vision, tenacity, raising capital, leadership lessons and more. A substantial portion of the book is devoted to raising capital for early-stage businesses and firms at various growth and maturity stages.
A comprehensive "Tool Kit" at the end of The Old Girls' Network adopts and applies the book's contents to your unique business situation or phase of development. From my perspective, the book makes a great gift for a friend or relative who is considering starting a business. Starting and pursuing a business right, avoiding pitfalls and optimizing resources and personal strengths are also great lessons for both early-stage and seasoned entrepreneurs who will walk away with nuggets of wisdom to improve and expand their current businesses. You can purchase The Old Girls' Network on Amazon.com. If you are with the media and wish to speak with the authors, please contact Meghan Lantier at Sommerfield Communications at (212) 255-8386, or megan@sommerfield.com.
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Karen Kerrigan is President and CEO of Women Entrepreneurs Inc. and chairs the Small Business Survival Committee.
