Is the new entrepreneurial model for business success the old United Order? Can a colony prosper more than the same number of people acting independently?

How do poor, uneducated people come to America with little or nothing and become the wealthiest people on earth? Most do it by teaming up, sharing living expenses and pooling resources to buy homes and businesses. This immigrant mentality is entrepreneurialism at its best and may be needed now more than ever.

Throughout history this unique entrepreneurial model has manifest itself at different times according to the circumstances of the people. There have been times when communal economic models have thrived. Individuals have given up personal prosperity for group benefits. Early Christians grew rapidly with such unity. An ancient American civilization had unsurpassed peace and prosperity for more than 200 years using this model. Utah's pioneers arrived with very little and blossomed collectively. Eventually, however, their "United Order" changed to an independent model. What power and wealth would have developed during the past 150 years if they had stayed together? What would things be like during the next 150 years by following such a model?

In most instances, political or social forces intervened to disrupt these early efforts at communal living. But when they stayed intact, they have had impressive results.

In today's economic climate, it may be time for aspiring entrepreneurs to again adopt a model that will bring them abundant prosperity. Only instead of individuals, it may be groups of individuals who will prosper, grow and survive.

Is it possible for people to work together this way? Although it has been proven to work in the past, people today wonder if it can really work. Not too many are willing to try it. But there are many examples of collective entrepreneurialism that can provide insight and inspiration.

Amish communities, for example, live modestly on what they produce and sell or trade their excess. They don't pay insurance, do without many costly items and stay out of debt. Members of 400 to 600 Hutterite colonies are among the most prosperous of such communal groups. They own all property in common and pay cash for everything. They own huge tracts of land and operate the best equipment, have substantial investments and are debt free.

I'm not necessarily suggesting that we all live as the Amish and Hutterites do. But is there something in their experience from which we can learn?

If our families do as generations have done in the past, the children will go their separate ways, own their own homes and cars and everyone will travel long distances to celebrate holidays or be together on weekends. But what if they pooled their resources and worked together? They could live in the same neighborhood, share resources and prosper together. Child rearing would truly be a family experience. Excess resources and profits could be pooled for more substantial and prudent investments. If everyone worked together like this, material appetites might change and families may have more time together.

Run a few numbers and you'll be amazed. It looks great on paper. In fact, it looks phenomenal! How many will adopt this model out of choice rather than necessity? Perhaps only the most progressive entrepreneurs will take advantage of these opportunities.