Searching for the "community business model"

Small business success stories of the future may be community small business models.

Baby boomers may have the fast track on investing, family life, and retirement, but generation XYand Z are changing the way we think about business.

Recently a young (early 20’s) student of mine shared with the class his proposed business model for 2010. Since most the class was aged 30-50, Roger’s idea threw us for a loop.

The only name I can think of to describe his idea is: a community small business model.

Like the self-serve car wash or Laundromat, Roger’s concept was built on the premise that his business would provide the tools, the expertise, and the location.  The customer would provide the work.

In the last decade, we have seen many paint your own ceramic studios open with this concept.  The photo above features Vikki's Clay Art Studio, It is freshly stocked and ready to handle the DIY folks willing to pay for the pleasure.

It’s a model very similar to a social network online. Everyone comes together and works on their idea, problem or project in a collected environment. All the resources you need to get the job done are provided. The business makes money providing you the opportunity to do it yourself. The "community" shares ideas, tips and tricks to assist others, and asks for help when they need it.

Here are some ideas to play with:

• Greek food restaurant: you and some of your friends or people you don't even know, go into the kitchen, use the hand sanitizer, pull on an apron and get busy cooking. Everything you need is there, including servers to serve the dishes that your community prepared. When all is said and done, you pay to make your own dinner, but have fun in the process.
• The theatre: We no longer pay professionals – it is "reality theatre" at it’s best. Whoever is there that night does the performing, and then pays to enjoy the privilege.
• Appliance Repair: You bring your failing toaster to the shop.  Tools are provided, there is a coach on site, and it's your job (pleasure?) to fix your own gadget and pay for it when you leave.
• Pizza: Build your own pizza at the shop, bake it, pay for it, and bring it home. In the meantime, you spent time with others and learned new recopies for a Canadian family favoritemeal.

I may have gone too far, but have I sparked your imagination?

Do you know of a business that favors anything close to the community business model?   I would like to continue to cover this subject  in much more depth. Your tips are greatly appreciated.
Email : Harmony wants to know what you know, or even better, leave your comment below so everyone can read it.

Next time you call the cleaning service, you might want to double check on who actually does the cleaning, and who pays to do what.