PSFK's contribution to internet week is a mixer event meant to bring together entrepreneurs who need creative help and freelance creative people who want to work.
There will be a couple of talks and then an opportunity to mingle. Sounds like a good opportunity to try something new.
It is happening this Friday at the Art Director's Club. Doors open at 3:30.
Only a few tickets left. Go to eventbrite for more info and tickets.
I really like the creativity of this idea. So I emailed David, the man who wants to be your walking partner, to see what it was all about. Here's the exchange:
Me: This seems like a really creative way of earning some extra cash in this economy. Is this what brought this on?
David: It is both a creative project, and a potential business. I want to do the initial walks for free. But when I start doing more, if I go to the point where it becomes full time, then I'd start charging. So, yes, it is a creative entrepreneur move. Do something free now, with potential for the future.
Me: Why now? (what’s going on with you, or with NYC, or the world in general that make this the ideal time to start doing this?)
David: People need to slow down. Walking is great because it slows things down, but is productive, not unproductive. It is a mental stimulant. You can also learn a lot about the city. But also, its a good activity to think about things in any kind of situation. Especially now, when people might be down b/c of money issues, walking is free, and a good mental and physical exercise. You can resolve ideas, and think of new plans for the future. And right now the weather is great.
Me: Why you? (What special conversational or walking skills do you have that make you the ideal walking partner?)
David: I have been walking all my life. I know the city very well, but also, I know how to appreciate walking as an activity, and not just a mundane in-between thing. I hope that I can teach this knowledge, and therefore people would be able to walk on their own with a new mindset. But then that would defeat the purpose of the business. A major factor to keep people coming would be the synergy and fun and spontaneity of walking with another person.
Me: What value do you hope people will see in the initial free walks that will make them want to start paying for it?
David: Get them addicted to it, and then when I need to assert myself as needing to make a living, then I think it can happen. Also, free walks now, and that can spread through word of mouth, and then newcomers who come I can charge.
Me: Do you hope to schedule regular walks at regular times with regular customers?
David: That is not my hope, but that would be a good outcome. If anything, I just hope for varied and new interest, so i am not just doing it with the same people all the time, but both familiar and new faces.
Me: Is it all year round or just summer?
David: I recently started advertising this publicly, it will be all the time where ever I am. I sometimes travel, and want to start doing it in other places. Where ever I am any time.
I think he's onto something. Walking and talking is severely undervalued.
Thanks David. Great idea.
Good for you Winona. We agree. Interestingness is much cooler.
Read the rest of the quote on Jezebel.
I really like the idea of going against throwaway gadget culture.
I'm not sure I like the idea of trying to make it cool. Seems slightly hypocritical.
Ira Glass dedicated one entire episode of This American Life to explaining the banking crisis without the political spin we hear everyday in the news. It's worth listening to. Key quote:
"If we let the banking system fail, no one will talk about the 'Great Depression' because this will be so much worse."
Listen to the podcast here.
Wish I could give credit for image, but don't remember where I found it.
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