In August the MAC has its second birthday. We are now up to 15 members, with an additional two just about to come on board. Some of our original members have moved on due to job changes or relocation. In Internet years, this might mean the MAC is coming of age. Things are evolving. We miss our colleagues who leave but we welcome new blood and the strength it gives the group.

BILL:

The same happens in our small businesses. Customers we had at first, go somewhere else. Employees we hired at first, move on. And we reminisce about how wonderful the “old days” were. Maybe they were wonderful, but they’re in the past, and businesses that are successful relentlessly focus on the future. In other words, nostalgia’s not good for business (unless you’re an antique dealer).

Yes, I remember my first big client. It was thrilling and rewarding. But what was exceptional for me then, is normal now. In fact, I’ve come to believe firmly that the best clients I’ll ever serve have not yet presented themselves.

I remember my first big hire. I was so excited to steal him away from a large corporation. But again, as wonderful as he was (and still is), attracting top talent to small business quickly became my new normal.

LAINIE:

And yes, we remember with fondness–great fondness–the first members of the MAC. They are wonderful, talented, creative professionals, every one of them! But the best MAC is yet to come, which challenges all of us to be our best.

And that’s good for business.

Lainie Turner
Bill Zipp

Bill Zipp is a sales and marketing veteran who loves to help independent business owners master the business side of their business. Apparently he also loves to write, and we’re soaking up every bit of it. Bill’s brand name is Summit Small Business, and here’s his Matchbook profile.

Ali Smith is a terrific portrait photographer who does business under the name Thistledown Photography. Ali has a background in textile design and hails from across the pond. Listen closely and you might hear a hint of that great British accent. Here’s Ali’s Matchbook profile.

We’re excited to have Ali and Bill join our group — two more nice people who do good work.

This Friday, April 23, the MAC is having its first-ever office furniture and electronics sale. We’ve gathered a bunch of stuff that’s been collecting dust… er, uh I mean quality, valuable items that you probably can’t live without. Read all about it on Craigslist… and we’ll see you Friday starting at 10am.

Our resident photographer, Danielle Anthony, known for her huge talent behind more professional cameras, is getting lots of questions about these simple 10 second pics. She snapped a few for us at the Collective recently and posted them up on her blog. While you are there, keep an eye out for the man in the suit.

Now, Danielle knows how to frame a shot, so your results may vary. But still, after hundreds of shots, your cat pics could use a little something extra, am I right?

Welcome aboard, Kevin! We’re happy to have you part of the crew.

That’s why your dog loves the MAC.

You come when you need to be here, leave when you don’t. There are no mandatory office hours, no mandatory meetings, no mandatory anything really. So go home. Give Rosco gets his 2:00 pm squirrel chase and and keep him happy.

That’s not to say we don’t have rules. On the contrary, we strongly require encourage collaboration. You just figure out the best way to make that happen.

You see, this is not your typical office. When you become a MAC member, you commit to keep your individuality as much as committing your individual talents. The MAC is about doing the best work with the best people working at their best. And sometimes that means taking some time for your labradoodle.

So join us in changing things up. We’re out to create a new kind of workspace and a new kind of agency. And a few happier dogs.

Madison Ave. Collective is always looking for talented, independent contractors who provide creative/tech services to join our group. We're big on collaboration, so naturally any new member prospects need to be a good fit in terms of services offered and personality, too. If you're a nice person who can play by the rules, here are the steps to becoming a member.

1. Get yourself listed in the Matchbook talent directory. There you’ll find graphic designers, photographers, web developers, copywriters and others with skillsets we look for in new MAC members. Once your Matchbook profile is complete, feel free to proceed to step 2. 

2. Download our new member kit. It contains a membership application (with rates and membership plan options) as well as a sample copy of our membership agreement (so you'll know just what you're getting yourself into).

3. Bring or mail your completed membership application to the MAC. If we’ve never met, we encourage coming by to introduce yourself before applying.

4. Interview with current MAC members. If your application looks good we'll schedule a time with you for a cup of coffee. We may or may not bring the Rorschach cards.

5. 60-day trial period. If you get through the interrogation interview process, a trial period may be offered. This gives us all a chance to know each other more, and hopefully you and other MAC members will have the opportunity to work together on a project or two during that time.

6. MAC members vote. At the end of your trial period we cast lots to determine whether or not to issue you an official membership badge and door key. If you see blue smoke rising over the building, that's a good sign. Red smoke, not so good.

7. Initiation ceremony. Papers are signed, secret handshakes are traded, we put your mug on our website. Congratulations! Now, get to work.