I got an email inviting me to vend at a Pop Up Sale at the Centre for Social Innovation, a launch pad for people changing the world. I had only heard of this center after getting the invitation. As I looked over their website and their Facebook posts, I was floored. Did a place like this really exist? Bravo! What a brave and noble endeavour. I hope they do well.
Thinking they were a start up, I was shocked to find a floor of dedicated YOUNG professionals. The workstations were full. The place was hopping. Greeted by a receptionist, you enter through the kitchen where catered lunch was being served, fridge and other necessities like a coffee bar were readily available. I noticed some sound proof meeting rooms, couched seating area and wall space to hang exhibits.
This is what I wanted to create in the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory, only less. The tranquility and supportive buzz I wanted in Women's WorkShop was replaced with high octane youthful exuberance - a dizzying pace, loud boisterous laughter, deep booming idealism, and those 20-something-sing-song hyper punctuated verbage. I loved it!
And I felt really, really old at the same time.
And as the day wore on, I came to earn the self-inflicted title of 'elder'. The two tables that surrounded me were newly formed businesses and the founders all under 30. As I spoke with the CEO to the right of me, I found myself being more candid than is my norm. Her self-assuredness made it easy to feel comfortable around her. She questioned me about my business. "So, that's your net?" After saying something, I'm not sure was right, she responded, "Get out! Shut up!" Not being business-minded, I was still trying to figure out what she was asking me when she moved on. She was a hyper-intelligent and critical-but-kind founder of a company that made and sold jewelry and donated a portion for micro loans in Kenya. She had studied for a time in Africa. She was inquisitive, and direct, passionate about her business. She wanted to learn all she could from me and others she had interviewed prior, trying to find the answer to the age-old-question, "How do you sell stuff?" I didn't have the answer.
To my left, the young man was starting to pack up his table. Before he could go, I asked him for his schpeel. He happily launched into it. He was an amazing orator. Difficult as it is for me to speak in public, when you ask me about the Ostrich Eggshell and the San women, I become eloquent as well, but this young man! Wow! He had a gift. The socks he produced in India were the finest quality and made in order to benefit the workers. He told me he wanted to set an example in the fashion industry of meeting Fair Trade standards. In addition, each sock design gives back - books for children, HIV AIDS treatment for women, planted trees, etc...What a great idea. Conscious Step had a brilliant marketing message. But before I got to ask him more about how he chooses the charities, he asked me the single most engaging question I've ever been asked. "So what is one piece of advice you would give start ups?" Without hesitation I said, "Be true to your mission. Don't waiver from your initial idea." As I saw his one product - socks - one type, five designs, I was envious. He had one single message to deliver and he did it well. I elaborated, "People will tell you to diversify. Don't. Just keep doing this." Which is what I think more and more I should have done.
No, I should have had the conviction and the business acumen of these young changemakers. They didn't just want to lead with their hearts. They were surging forward using their heads. Business skills were the gifts these young entrepreneurs had and that's why they will succeed.
As the social innovation jewelry CEO turned to me after making a sale, "It's so awesome here! People actually get it!" I looked at her standing there, jazzed, eager, and so very smart about how she was going about her socially conscious business. I looked at her and I totally agreed.
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