The Best Management Book Ever

Austin has a large population of busy-intersection, clever sign panhandlers. Today I pulled up to an intersection and a gentleman had a sign that said simply:

Native American
(Hand-drawn picture of an eagle)
God Bless.

Of course, the words "hand-drawn picture of an eagle" weren't on the sign, there was actually a hand-drawn picture of an eagle. So...this guy's entire pitch was that he is Native American. Not a homeless Native American. Not a hungry Native American. Just a Native American. I assume the guy's asking for money, but he wasn't making the case. Which got me thinking of similar signs.

Asian American
(Hand-drawn picture of a dragon)
God Bless.

White American
(Hand drawn picture of a double-wide)
God Bless.

Of course, this proliferation of identity signs will only happen if the Native American is successful. That's one of the rules from the "Panhandler's Guide to Management." You see, I have an awful, million dollar idea for a management book. ("And the Grinch got a wonderful, awful idea!")

I have a great deal of sympathy for the homeless. And whether the guys on the corner are getting money for alcohol or to make ends meet, it occurs to me that the management world could learn an enormous amount from these guys.

Panhandler Rule #1 Location, location, location
This is the no-brainer most important rule. Setting up shop on a residential corner will likely get more police interest than change. Choosing and keeping an intersection is critical.

Pandhandler Rule #2 Keep it fresh
No one wants to donate to the same guy on the same corner with the same sign. Mix it up, tell different stories. And don't be afraid to crack a joke, leading to...

Pandhandler Rule #3 Keep them laughing
"Why lie? I need a beer" will work with some people. "Some change will do me good" will work with others. But most customers are looking to give because they want to help.

Pandhandler Rule #4 Adapt your competitors' best ideas
The guy at the opposite corner playing a banjo? Get a clarinet. He brings out a dog - you bring a puppy.

These guys are pure capitalism at work. Which is ironic, because what they need is a society that's not.