Many Loupers reached out to answer last week's question, what is the Zeitgeist (essence) of this decade? There are lots of responses to choose from, but I think Louper Fred D. nailed it … connectivity! We are linked to one another in ways that our predecessors could never have imagined. Historically, networks and relationships based upon trust took years, sometimes generations, to establish (a la the good Stark name from Game of Thrones). However, the digital age has ushered in incredible ways to find, connect, and ultimately trust people through other means. We can find and connect with people who were (at some point in our lives) sorta friends or even friends of friends. People can even implant themselves in many networks by building up trust that can be digitally tracked. This decade brought us the ability (and comfort) to rent a room from a stranger (AirBnB) or get in that same stranger's car (Uber). This, of course, can be both good and bad, depending upon your perspective. This week’s Loupe celebrates connectivity!

GameTime
App, Web

Friends are people you can call for plans the day of an event and not feel weird. Last week I was in the unenviable position of having to find a replacement for my wife to go the Dead & Co. show featuring John Mayer at Madison Square Garden. My wife, who compelled me to purchase the tickets in the first place, decided to chaperone a teenage birthday party. I had paid a decent premium for the seats, didn't want to take a (significant) loss, and would have rather have gone to the show. So there I was, thinking about who I could invite? They would have to be a good friend, someone who wouldn't judge a change of plans, someone who is spontaneous, and ultimately someone that I would want to spend 4 hours with! That brings me to the GameTime app. This app is meant to highlight last-minute deals on events (sports, concerts, Broadway, and more). It even has a simple method for sharing tickets rapidly. I sadly ended up selling the tickets at a reasonable price because I was too late in finding a buddy (or don't have enough people that fit this profile)!

Borrow
App

What are friends for if they can't help you when in need and vice versa? This extends to all aspects of life, including borrowing a Halloween costume, an extravagant piece of jewelry, a car, or god forbid ... money. We also know that friends are just like everyone else; they are forgetful. Often, the person who borrows something has a shorter memory than the person who lent them the item. That is where Borrow comes in! You can track all the items that you either borrow or lend. You can take a picture, record the quantity, condition, and when it was borrowed. Borrow helps to keep track of your generosity (or reciprocity) and returns! Of course, reciprocity isn't required for true friends, but returns are! This is especially good for sisters or mother/daughter combos!

Artists & Fleas
Retail

I had the good fortune to reconnect with Amy Abrams after a long absence. We were friends in high school, and both of us now call New York home. There is always something comforting about people who you have known for a long time. Well, Amy has created a fabulous space of connectivity called Artists & Fleas. It is a place where creators can connect with customers and transact. She has been in operation for 15 years with her husband Ronan in four locations. Amy joins me on Loretta to discuss where she is and where she is headed.

Make new friends, but keep the old! Consider GameTime, Borrow, and Amy Abrams of Artists & Fleas Found!

Make New Friends, But...