I’ve always been inspired by the power of community. While I’m all for individuality, we cannot thrive without relationships. It seems to me that so much more is possible and meaningful when we work and play together. That is why I was enthralled watching the TED Video with Rachel Botsman, a researcher in social innovation and considered one of the top 20 speakers in the world! She speaks about the concept of collaborative consumption and how the Internet is spawning companies that offer experiences or fulfill needs without a physical product. Collaborative consumption is about a different way of thinking about and doing business, while creating community at the same time.

Do we want the CD or the music that’s on it?

After watching the video, I had to read the book that Botsman co-authored with Roo Rogers – What’s Mine Is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption. And I was not disappointed. As a matter of fact, as my husband and I prepare to downsize our home, I am filled with ideas as to what to do with all of our “stuff.” And, even more importantly, how to think of ways to minimize what we consume in the future. Like it or not, the next generation is already moving away from “it’s all about me” (conspicuous consumption) and on the path to “it’s all about we” (collaborative consumption). They get it!

Reducing consumption will not decimate our economy. Instead, businesses will look much more service-oriented than product oriented. This type of economy will be better for our environment and for the fulfillment we get out of life too.

Access is better than ownership. ~ Kevin Kelly, Wired Magazine

Here are some examples:

Product Service Systems – are for products with high idling capacity (cars, tools), limited use (handbags), high cost (solar panels), or diminished appeal (movies). The rise of car and bike sharing is an obvious example. Take a look at Zipcar.

Redistribution Markets – are about extending the life of products, resulting in reduced waste and less new production. An interesting example cited was UsedCardboardBoxes.com, which is exactly what it’s title says. This company collects used boxes, packages them according to different moving needs, and ships right to you.

Collaborative Lifestyles – are about the exchange of less-tangible assets, like knowledge, time, workspace, creativity, homes, and gardens. For example, OurGoods is a barter network for the creative community.

Some examples use technology to help us build community right where we live, like offering ways to get to know and share things with your neighbors. Little did we know in our neighborhood that we were using the concept of collaborative consumption when four families purchased a snow blower for communal use. Ten years later, it is still going strong.

Collaborative systems are based on principles  of “the commons” – some resources belong to all of us and should be shared and maintained by all of us – and trust between strangers. My generation (boomers) sometimes has trouble with those principles, yet younger generations seem to be much more comfortable with them. That is why these types of systems are growing and thriving.

What do you think? Is this the way of the future? Which of these systems have you tried?

CCLab – A Collaborative Innovation Consultancy.
Collaborative Fund – Collaborative aims to be the leading source of capital and strategic support for creative entrepreneurs who want to change the world.

More Books on the Subject

** Books mentioned have Amazon affiliate links, meaning I make a few cents if you purchase through my link. I only recommend books that I’ve read.

The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk and The Mesh: Why the Future of Business Is Sharing by Lisa Gansky.