Cash Mobs
Many interesting and innovative ideas and movements are springing up all around the world to help boost local economies during these strange days upon the planet. Times are tough all over for small, independent business people as giant corporations wallow in their own greed and excess and smash small businesses “in the name of progress” all over the world.
Citizens who want to save their communities are fighting back with some great campaigns. One idea that has been sweeping through North American cities has been what is called a “Cash Mob.” These are similar to the so-called “flash mobs” where a group of strangers arrange to meet at a pre-arranged location through social media such as Facebook and Twitter. They then perform some frivolous but entertaining activity such as dancing.
Cash Mobs organize themselves through the same means, but their purpose is serious. Their goal is to support and invigorate locally owned and independent businesses with a quick injection of cash.
The rules are simple: The “Mobsters” arrange to meet at a designated small business in which everyone will spend $10- $20. It’s a small amount individually, but for a struggling small business the sudden influx of a couple of hundred dollars, depending on the size of the crowd, can make a huge difference.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone! The Mobsters get to perform a good deed and meet new people or connect with old friends and the business makes a little money. In fact, it is traditional for the Mobsters to move on afterwards and gather at a pub or café to admire their new purchases and get to know each other. So typically, two businesses get a nice little boost from the Mobsters.
Visiting a small business with a Cash Mob not only helps that merchant financially…it also gives the merchant a big boost in energy and love from the visitors!
