"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

"Meetup to the People: How a Zebra could Rise from a Unicorn’s Fall"

In today's startup landscape, the concept of a unicorn company has become synonymous with success and dominance. These mythical beasts are valued at over $1 billion and are often seen as the ultimate goal for entrepreneurs. However, there is another breed of startup that is quietly rising to challenge the unicorn's reign - the zebra.

Unlike the unicorn, zebras are diverse, practical, and accountable to the people they claim to serve. They believe in the good of humanity, have a sense of possibility in bringing people together, and are committed to staying mission-focused. Meetup, one of the oldest examples of a zebra company, sits at the intersection of for profit and for purpose and embodies these values.

Zebras Unite, a collective of entrepreneurs and activists, has long admired Meetup for its ability to connect like-minded individuals and foster meaningful community engagement. They believe that genuine diversity cannot be achieved through superficial diversity programs in traditional companies. Instead, it requires rethinking how startups work, how they are funded, and who they are built for.

So, how can Meetup be transformed into a true zebra company? Zebras Unite envisions an "exit to community" model, where organizers and individual members have a say in shaping the pricing structure and are rewarded for the paid use of the platform through dividends. This not only empowers the community but also aligns their interests with the success of Meetup.

Another key aspect of the zebra philosophy is a democratic model of data ownership. Instead of users paying with their data for the free use of services, Zebras Unite proposes building features that allow users to get paid for their data and have control over who they lease it to. This would give individuals the power to monetize their own data and ensure that their privacy is respected.

Furthermore, Zebras Unite believes in building for the community, by building on it. Meetup has already shown its potential as a platform for collective power, but there is room for growth. By involving the community in the development process and incorporating their feedback, Meetup can become even more effective in connecting people and fostering meaningful interactions.

Now, let's shift our focus to the downside of being effective, as highlighted by productivity gurus. Efficiency is often prioritized, but effectiveness is what truly matters. As Peter Drucker once said, "There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all." In other words, it's important to focus on doing the right things, rather than simply getting more things done.

The 80/20 Rule is a popular concept in productivity circles. It suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. However, this rule can sometimes lead us astray. When we optimize for efficiency based on past experiences, we may miss out on new opportunities that could lead to future success.

For example, consider a successful businesswoman in 1967 who is highly effective in her current role. If she were to analyze the highest and best use of her time, volunteering for UNICEF may not appear to be the most effective option. However, by focusing solely on her past skills and opportunities, she may miss out on the personal growth and fulfillment that could come from taking on a new adventure.

The downside of being effective is that it can limit our perspective and prevent us from embracing new challenges and opportunities. Learning a new skill or starting a new company may initially seem like an ineffective use of time, but it is often these ventures that lead to personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, the rise of zebras in the startup ecosystem offers an alternative to the unicorn's dominance. Meetup, with its focus on community and meaningful connections, has the potential to become a true zebra company. By involving the community in decision-making, rethinking data ownership, and building on collective power, Meetup can foster genuine diversity and accountability.

As for the downside of being effective, it is important to remember that effectiveness is not solely determined by past experiences. Embracing new challenges and opportunities, even if they seem inefficient at first, can lead to personal and professional growth. Here are three actionable pieces of advice to keep in mind:

1. Embrace new opportunities: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and take on new challenges, even if they seem inefficient or ineffective at first. Personal and professional growth often comes from embracing the unknown.

2. Seek diverse perspectives: Surround yourself with people from different backgrounds and with different experiences. This diversity of thought can help you see beyond your own past effectiveness and open your eyes to new possibilities.

3. Focus on the long-term: Instead of solely optimizing for efficiency based on past experiences, consider the long-term impact of your actions. What may seem ineffective in the short term could lead to great success and fulfillment in the future.

By incorporating these strategies into your mindset and decision-making process, you can navigate the complex world of startups and personal growth with a zebra-like approach. Remember, it's not just about being effective, but about being open to new possibilities and building a better future for yourself and your community.