Cash Mobs & LookLocal: Have Fun & Do Good Locally

Cash mob’s are to generating cash for local businesses as flash mob was to spontaneous “planned” happenings at train stations, family parties, or events.  I first saw Cash Mob on Facebook and thought what an inspiring way to help locally owned businesses. 

The goal of Cash Mob is to encourage local shoppers to go to a small, locally owned businesses and spend $20.00 on a specific day. This creates cash flow for the local business, is FUN because you’re participating in something bigger than yourself and stimulates your local economy. Facebook your friends and target your favorite store!!

Two people are credited with starting Cash Mob’s. The originator was a blogger, Christopher Smith of New York in Aug 2011 and Andrew Samtoy, an attorney, independently started his own version in Nov of 2011. 

If you’re looking for a local Cash Mob business to support, Intrinsic Elements at 1214 J Street, downtown Modesto is hosting one on June 26^th from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. No set amount to spend, just go in, meet the owners Susie & Michellen!!

Along the same “stimulate the economy” lines is the 3/50 Project or LookLocal. There are a number of Modesto businesses involved: The Green’s, Bonnie J’s, Intrinsic Elements, to name a few.  “If ½ the working population spent $50.00 a month three times at locally owned businesses, on a national level, 64 billion dollars would go back into the economy.” (from 350 Organization).

So, go have FUN and do GOOD!! 

Women in Business: Keep Your Foot on The Gas Pedal!

 The 1.6 Billion Dollar woman in business, Facebook’s second in command, Sheryl Sandberg says “women need to keep your foot on the gas pedal and aim high.” Ms. Sandberg who was recently speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and her subject was women! Should Facebook’s launch go as planned Ms. Sandberg will be worth approximately 1.6 billion.  She’s one of a very few self-made women billionares. Go girl!!

Sheryl Sandberg is to the promotion of women in business as Steve Jobs was to the promotion of Apple. Her focus on women makes perfect business sense for her role in Facebook as 71% of daily fan activity and 62% of all activity is driven by women*. Women need role models who aim high and are super successful. Young women flock to hear her speak because she’s so passionate about empowering them.

All high profile people generate some backlash and there are those that say her wild success is because, as a woman in business, Ms. Sandberg has had luck and advantages others don’t have. It’s true, most women in business don’t attend Harvard or Harvard Business School. But she’s noted to be “super smart and savvy,” has obviously put to good use her business education, training and “luck,” and she’s dedicated to supporting more women into upper echelon positions.  Here’s a link to a YouTube video where Sandra talks about why women don’t make it into top positions and what to do about it. Excellent. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18uDutylDa4  (*NY Times, Feb 5^th 2012 The $1.6 Billion Woman, Staying on Message)