You know me. I’ve got lots of things up in the air at all times. But, I’m trying to get better at that. I’m really trying to unify the themes a little bit, so that I can prove that when squinted at, in the abstract, this all makes some kind of perverse sense. Meanwhile, I have a real-world friend who’s trying to get me into an old-fashioned brick and mortar business. The contrast is interesting, especially when considering how I’m attempting to work on Grasshopper New Media.
Old: We’re looking at storefronts to set up a business wifi center with cafe.
New: I’m emailing people I’ve never met, asking them to do virtual workload with me.
Old: We have to get permits, insurance, licenses, and more.
New: I’m trying to collect smart people and passionate communicators.
Old: We’re talking over how to furnish the business, which foods will sell better.
New: I’m testing out my new recording devices for podcasting, editing video I’ve taken.
It’s not that one way is good and another is bad. I think both businesses are viable, though on slightly different planes. The old business will be lots of work and will not really net me a salary. Instead, it might help me pay for a tiny recording studio, if we can get it up and running.
The new business is a lot more abstract, and it involves all kinds of unknowns. In lots of ways, the old school business is a lot more comforting. It’s filled with quantities I know and understand, though not really my bailiwick.
So, why am I focusing so hard on Grasshopper New Media?
For one, YOUR response. I’ve received lots of interesting communications over this in the last several hours. I’ve got a few people on board without question, willing to co-brand their stuff, and eager to get participating in the new platforms, once we launch those. I’ve reconnected with some old friends who’ll be helpful. There is just an overwhelming sense that we can make something out of the basic premise, and that’s exhillarating.
As I’m going along, I’m learning a lot about some interesting ways to do business. I’m building up new models of asking for help, of receving the help, and of making things work in non-traditional, non-linear ways. I’m also blowing through mistakes at a rate that would stagger the brick-and-mortar business. Thankfully, in cyberspace, no one can hear you cry.
I’d like to share those thoughts and ideas with you here, on [chrisbrogan.com]. Does that sound alright to you? Is there any interest in learning about a bunch of new ways of doing business in this “we’re all indivuduals tying ourselves together over informal networks” world? I want to know.
I’ll be launching the first of the new Grasshopper New Media products (not counting this site) in a few days. Or maybe tonight. It depends how much I get done before I fall unconscious.
Stick with me, kids.