What Are Special Interest Groups?

spe·cial in·ter·est

noun

plural noun: special interest groups

1.   A group of people or an organization seeking or receiving special advantages, typically through political lobbying. 

   a group that tries to influence the people who run a government in order to help a particular business, cause, industry, etc. A community within a larger organization with a shared interest in advancing a specific area of knowledge, learning or technology where members cooperate to effect or to produce solutions within their particular field, and may communicate, meet, and organize conferences.

   Many people have no idea that they are actively participating in special interest groups because they have no idea what a special interest group involves.  Most texts will tell you special interest groups involve political lobbying for the interest of big business or public policy but there is so much more that special interest groups influence. When you have individuals that network their resources (time, expertise, money) for a common purpose, they form special interest groups. In that vein, co-workers participate in special interest groups every day when they combine their time and expertise at their workplace. Consumers combine their money every second of the day to make purchases at various business. Motorcycle clubs consist of members who all share an interest in motorcycles and traveling on the open road. 

  As technology evolves the ability to network with people all over the globe has become increasingly easier and special interest groups are taking advantage of this newly found freedom.The 21st century has ushered in a new era for special interest groups, no longer are these groups exclusive to individuals with access and influence to manipulate political figures. Today members of special interest groups have been able to make financial strides towards social mobility.  One of the fastest growing segments of special interest groups today are investment clubs. Members actively participate in the purchase of businesses, stocks, commodities and anything members feel are a good return on investment. Another popular segment of special interest groups are purchasing clubs, members of these groups are able to make high dollar purchases at an ideal cost by simply pooling their money together at the time of sale. 

  No longer can individuals expect to retire or achieve social mobility without belonging to one or more special interest groups. The cost of living goes up each day forcing individuals and families to make serious life decisions on how they will make it through the next bill cycle. As traditional sources of capital dry up entrepreneurs are increasingly finding it harder to turn their ideas into an actual business or to obtain access to credit for their existing business. Crowdfunding has stepped up and is now one of the largest sources for entrepreneurs to obtain startup funds. Crowdfunding has also become the new way entrepreneurs are able to show proof of concept and obtain market share prior to bringing their offerings to the market. Overall crowdfunding is the largest and most profitable form of special interest groups for entrepreneurs, artist, and activist.