Many Hands Make Light Work

Published: Nov 19, 2004

Application

Cooperative groups abound in most business communities, going under such umbrella names as Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development agencies and Business Improvement Areas.

Often localized or neighborhood concerns become diluted in these larger groups. Neighborly identification becomes less personal. Issues become diffused with compromise. As a result, cooperation is less vigorous, less personal or controlled.

The early pioneers applied the many-hands solution to individual homesteaders with barn raisings, working bees and the sharing of equipment. Why can't this concept be applied in the 21st Century? Why not in your immediate neighborhood?

One industry that could benefit from this concept is the home-based industry where a geographic location is not always the binding force. Also, most home-based businesses are operated by one or two people and budgets cannot accommodate contracting out. If a particular project that is beyond the capacity of one or two individuals can be accomplished by group, successes could lead to enough cooperative ventures to repay everyone.

Stories

Let's Go Help Jake

One summer I worked as a farmhand when I experienced an enlightening event. It was an old-fashioned barn raising. On the morning of the long talked-about project, after local chores were completed, my employer's family joined a parade over to Jake's farm. Amid the odor of fresh baked bread and the sound of barking dogs, all sorts of equipment was rattling down the dirt road that served about a dozen farms. The excitement and work continued at a feverish pitch until the framing and roof of Jake's new barn was complete. The parade departed down the road in time to finish the evening chores on each farm.

I wondered how Jake, the beneficiary, re-paid the favor. That was until I heard the stories about similar projects which the neighbors had previously conducted in this prosperous farming community.

Submitted by: Nephew Gerry

The Unofficial Mayor of Block 200

Long after a retailer had amassed millions of dollars worth of real estate, he continued to clean the sidewalk in front of his shop early each morning. He was leading the other retailers by his example. Over the years, he nurtured the younger retailers who joined 'his block.' The joint marketing campaigns he organized created a special image for that set of shops in the downtown area. He inspired these complementary and competing merchants to cooperate for their common good.

This retailer accomplished many great things. His beloved 'Block 200' was the one of which he was most proud.