Comments on: ABC News Discovers the ‘Burst’ Economy!

By: Dave

Dave — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:14:03 +0000

“The other lesson is that it is absolutely essentially to staff up with 100% motivated, self-starters…with the ability not only to work and thrive remotely, but also the intuition, drive and proactive ability to stay connected to the hub or base.”
More buzzwords I see … and a dis of those who left? You must be a joy to work for …

By: Joseph Jaffe

Joseph Jaffe — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:10:24 +0000

Running a remote/virtual office is not without its challenges, but the model and the vision is sound.

The advantages and disadvantages for a small business are simple: advantages – no overhead; disadvantages – need to be able to invest more aggressively in collaborative software and tools.

The other lesson is that it is absolutely essentially to staff up with 100% motivated, self-starters…with the ability not only to work and thrive remotely, but also the intuition, drive and proactive ability to stay connected to the hub or base.

Old fashioned top-down management doesn’t work in this model.

As you see from the ABC piece, I was taped from within a glossy conference room. In fact, we were in New York and the majority of the crayonistas were still operating from a physical space. We’re in the process of leaving our NY office (we were subletting) in order to truly give the remote model a chance. I think another shortcoming was that some of our staff were benefiting unfairly from face-to-face contact…bottom line: to give the remote model a chance, everyone has to be remote.

We’ll continue experimenting and would be happy to share the successes and missteps along the way…

By: Dave

Dave — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:20:33 +0000

I think its actually five of them resigned … Crayon has no office, no HQ and now no people (or clients).

By: Bjorn

Bjorn — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:33:56 +0000

The “Virtual Office” obviously isn’t working too well … two of the senior Crayon guys just resigned(!)

By: Jon Husband

Jon Husband — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 17:44:06 +0000

I believe that we are all watching, moving towards, and of course participating in the “mass customization of work”.

By: Rob Paterson

Rob Paterson — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 19:24:54 +0000

Yes and think of the cost savings for all involved – commuting gone. My commute is the 5 minutes that it costs to get my coffee downstairs and hug the dogs. One car versus 2 = minus $10k. I work in my house clothes and sometimes not even them. I eat at home a lot – even $10 a day is $2,000 a year after tax for coffee etc.

I get back maybe 10 -15 hours a week compared to a commuter. Say 1-2 days of my time a week!!! Between 50 and 100 days a year – could be equivalent to 3 months of time that I can use to do more work or look after me and my needs. Hey maybe I could have a half decent family life!

This is huge.

I can do all the other stuff that is part of life because I am paid for results and not time spent.

This has to be more of a meritocracy – more controllable by me therefore better for how I feel.

So I get more time that is controllable by me and I am in control of my results = a more adult and much less stressful life

My employer gets more of my energy and talent. Hence I bet better results. My employer is not paying for offices and all that is connected to that. His overhead and all the shit that managers have to deal with in looking after “children” at work goes away.

We are not having meetings all day – its all about results. When we do meet it is usually very intense and social and involves as much partying as work – I know my colleagues usually better than in traditional setting

I have red hot technology and I know how to use it and do not need an IT department.

With good social software – the effort and cost of being in touch has vanished – even the phone costs are nil.

What’s not to like about this? Who wants the old way of indenture?

By: Carlos

Carlos — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 17:37:27 +0000

I think this is great – love the idea of a “Burst” economy. As a BabyBoomer I have definitely been guilty of “presenteeism” in the past… That said with regards to Crayon,
you should be aware that they do have a cramped corporate office where they all sit (except one Bostonite) and they rarely visit the metaverse except Thursday mornings. One of them has even set up a group called “Away on Crayon Business”, which tells you something. Love the Burst, still aware of the Hype!

By: Anne Z.

Anne Z. — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 16:27:43 +0000

Very cool. The burst economy is good for employers *and* for workers. Thanks for the shoutout (again!)