Community Men’s Shed practical startup approaches.
A Men’s Shed in a ‘Double Garage’ is not sustainable.
Men’s sheds in ‘Double Garage’ type facilities are inappropriate and unsustainable. Be sure that the buildings you choose align with the activities the men want. You may not be able to start with a shed as big as this one, but size will be critical.
Fortunately, the days of starting a shed in unsuitable buildings like a ‘double garage’ and expecting to attract fifty or more members are gone. They cannot handle the conflicting activities at the same time. Many men have better facilities at their homes than the local men’s shed. These issues must be addressed.
People without practical knowledge of health and well-being issues may struggle to know where to start. They should also have practical experience in how businesses and organisations work. To meet expectations, a shed of any type must also have experience with modern information technology and marketing.
There are many ways in which communities can commence a men’s, women’s or community shed.
Regardless of how the shed is commenced, it must have:
- A clear purpose and vision that is a good fit with the community.
- Strong leadership.
- Ongoing commitment from the community.
- An appropriate building for the planned activities.
- Be well-funded, and
- A good health and well-being program has outcomes.
Always be alert for new approaches to starting a shed. It is easy to see where value is added as ‘old baggage’ is replaced by comprehensive plans, skills, training, mentoring, and professional coaching.
Whatever you decide to start a shed, have a sound business model, business plan, value chain, and budget. Why not use a One-Page Plan to build a better shed?
Peter Sergeant’s personal experiences with sheds.
Having been responsible for the initial impetus of the first 300 men’s sheds in Australia and other countries. Reflecting on the emerging thinking of many men’s shed managers I talk with is interesting. Even though it is a non-profit organisation, my approach to treating the average man’s shed as a business has now taken root. Many original men’s sheds with their ‘double garage’ approach have disappeared or become dysfunctional.
Arguably, entrepreneurial activity is among the biggest things missing in developing sheds. You know the old saying, “A leopard can’t change its spots,” and they don’t without entrepreneurial characteristics being applied. The so-called ‘gurus’ continue to tell us that our behaviours don’t change without years of painful effort.
After working with men and their sheds for over 25 years, I know that extraordinary outcomes can be achieved. This is particularly so where business people with practical experience in starting businesses are involved. I know (because I’ve seen it first-hand) that change can happen in the blink of an eye.
Funding is always an issue with meshes, but with suitable approaches, there are ways to overcome these and other difficulties. Starting a men’s shed can be exhilarating and a lot of fun.
Your systems, tools and processes are a better way to achieve outcomes and progress in areas that are important to you. It can come down to the difference between aspirational goals and systems.
You may be petrified about starting something, as are many people I have met, but it doesn’t matter if you can secure the correct type of community support.
Quotable Quotes
“Be sure that the buildings you choose align with the activities the people want and need if you want a happy and sustainable shed”. Peter Sergeant
“Men’s Sheds are in a unique position in their ability to reach several priority populations for health intervention in Australia and result in proven improvements to their health and wellbeing”. Jeff Kennett