Would belonging to a clan serve you?

Perhaps the most beloved clan (they even called themselves that!) in modern times was The Rat Pack. For those not old enough to remember, the group most often thought of included the great Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy David Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop.

Wherever one went, you’d see at least one other--and usually several of them. They’d show up—unannounced—at each other’s gigs, and delight people with unscheduled performances. They had parts in each other’s movies, and some of them were pretty certainly more popular for being in the clan than they would have been if they’d been on their own.

What you probably aren't aware of is that their clan also included such well-known fabulous women as Shirley MacLaine, Lauren Bacall (who gave the Rat Pack their name), Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland. Interesting, huh? Not only is that rarely talked about, but while all wildly successful, the women in this group weren’t thought of as their own power clan—doing the same sort of cross promotion and appearances as the guys did.

Makes you wonder a bit, doesn’t it?

Today, you can see this with internet marketers, speakers, infopreneurs, and other professionals, especially those who are deeply entrenched in the social web. If you don’t know what I mean, pay attention to the people you follow on Twitter or friend on Facebook. You’ll quickly see who belongs to a clan and who doesn’t. They speak at each other’s events, sell for each other (and from each other’s stages), they party together, talk about each other (and to each other) in social media, and, as with the Rat Pack, some of them are far more successful because of the alliances than they’d be without them.

Today, however, to be a part of a clan, all the people really need to be stepping up to the level of the others in the clan. No one lags back. The clan supports the individual accomplishments of each and every member. Today, chicks are as good at this as are the guys.

So the questions I wanted to ask you today are these: whether you have a clan, and if you do, how does it help you? How might it help you differently if you and your pals were to become even more clan like (in this context)? What might you have to do to develop a clan, and what would be the best practices for the alliance?

And these, too: how might it serve you to stay away from such a clan? What could you gain by growing your own presence without also having to grow someone else’s?

Bit O’Moxie: Know that you don’t need a clan (at least in this sense), any more than you need to go it alone. Success can absolutely be yours, either way.

Which appeals most to you? 

Comments

[Heather Villa]

You raised a good question. I can see how having a clan would benefit live performers as the original Rat Pack did.

Moving that idea to a social media world might be a little tricky - but still do-able. We all have our different social circles within social media, and we all know the heavy hitters within those circles. So to piggy back off of one another and form a clan is totally feasible.

I have noticed a few people on Twitter doing this. There are always the same group of people RT a very popular person's tweets day in and day out.

It is an awesome idea to gain network contacts and get in front of people! I don't see anything wrong with a Rat Pack inspired social media clan at all!

[Sandy]

I don't need or want to belong to a clan. I don't get the best feeling from the clan-like mentality. Part of that could be that I am not a high-pressure sales type person and that's the feeling I normally get.

What I do need and enjoy is community. For me community means support, understanding and knowledge sharing from peers.

I want to build my practice and reputation on me and who I am as a person and business owner.

[Mary Motz]

Oh - I retweeted this one! :-) It's a great question. On the one hand, it's proof that "life really IS like high school" - on the other, it can create a wonderful sense of belonging - which can be a godsend when you work virtually.

I think a clan will only work when there is genuine admiration and respect among its members - to the point where the "clan" forms accidentally. If it's contrived or calculated, it wont turn out so well in the end.

Great post, as usual, Stacy!

[Mikelking]

I think it is a simple facet of human natre to gravitate into groups or clans as you've labeled them. I also think that the desire to help the each other is an important factor in our success verses other species.

In any event a good write up. You raise some interesting thoughts.

@mikelking

[Stacy]

Hi, Mikel, welcome!

Thanks for adding to the convo in the way you have. I think we are, generally speaking, herd animals vs. fringe animals. :)

[Stacy]

Mary--I think the "belongingness" of a clan can be wonderful.

What I find difficult, as the recipient of a lot of "clan" email, is the sameness--the same programs (with different names), the same language used...it's almost like they're clones of each other.

That's the part that doesn't work for me. You?

[Stacy]

Sandy--thank you for creating the distinction between clan and community. Love it!

[Stacy]

Heather--maybe you could do a 10 about creating an appropriate clan! :)