• Fara Warner's 'Innovation To Go'explored how wireless technology is changing the emergency fire business. Take a look at Firedispatch.com to see how the San Mateo Fire Department use the web and PDAs in their work. Then organize a cell trip to the local fire department or hospital to see how new technologies are working in these businesses. A national database of fire department listings is available at Rescue-Net.com, and a partial listing of both American and international hospitals can be found at The Internet Hospital Directory. Discuss what other industries could also benefit from wireless technology. Invite a worker from the local police department's forensics unit to discuss how technology has changed their line of work. Could it be possible for police officers to confirm the fingerprints of a victim or suspect by using wireless devices and not having to leave the scene of a crime?
• Create a fun, but business-focused evening out of Jill Rosenfeld's Big Baton and Cheryl Dahle's Taste, Bud. Start the evening with a group outing to the orchestra. A national directory of orchestras can be found at OrchestraNET.com. If these selections aren't within your cell's budget, look for smaller musical arrangements, such as amateur orchestras or performances by high school philharmonics. During the performance observe the leadership skills of the conductor. At what points does the maestro lead the group? Does it ever appear as if the group is leading him? After the performance it's time for some ice cream. While it may be easy to find the local 31 flavors, try to seek out an independent ice creamery where the product is made on premises. Arrange a special session with the person in charge of making the sweet stuff, and inquire how their tasting process works. If this sounds like overkill, you can use Edy's flavor directory to find the nearest store that matches your cell's taste buds (no more worrying if they carry Mint Chip and Scooby Snack). If your cell is very passionate about their gelato, consider chipping in and ordering an ice cream machine for some homemade post-orchestra dessert.
• Change agent Seth Godin questions if our demand for efficient and consistent service has created an unauthentic culture of chain stores. Have your cell analyze the degree to which chain stores have penetrated the consumer market in your town? How 'authentic' is your town? Pick a heavily commercialized area of your city and map out the independent local stores versus the national and multinational chains and franchises. Hold your next cell meeting at a private restaurant and analyze the surroundings and service. How do they compare to the accomodations at a comparable, non-independent restaurant? Do all chains deserve the stigmatization of being unauthentic? Invite a representative of a local independent bookstore to discuss the state of authenticity in the bookstore business. How can an independent business owner retain integrity without appearing snobbish?

Daniel Richards contributed this month's Next Steps.

July 2001 Connexus | Flash Points | Next Steps

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