For some, book clubs serve as a way to leisurely enjoy works of fiction or hold intellectual discussions about how a character has developed over a few chapters. For others, book clubs are more serious.
Although “Professional PIGS and Social Moguls” may appear to be a silly name, the Hoboken-based book club has a serious goal: to develop leadership potential for members, especially those affected by a job loss.
The group often reads books about motivation and leadership. It’s open to anyone in the metropolitan area.
Robin Sampson is a certified life leadership coach who also happens to have a passion for reading. Using Hoboken’s only bookstore, Symposia on Washington Street, as the backdrop, Sampson leads a book club filled with business people looking to share professional secrets and read texts about leadership and personal development. The book club is free and open to the public.
The group meets every last Saturday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9.
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“I’ve never had a no-show,” Sampson said. “When I first got the word out, we had about seven members, and now it varies.”
In a time when the average length of unemployment is approximately 39 weeks according to The New York Times, the club has been gathering interest in the community.
So who takes part?
“These are people who are specifically in career transition and are business owners looking to learn,” she said.
The club meets on the last Saturday of every month for two hours. It’s open to anyone with an interest in reading and networking.
“People come to the functions just for discussions, but there’s also a networking aspect to the activities,” she said.
The group has read texts such as “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott, and “Leadership Gold” by John Maxwell, but members are free to suggest any books for the club.
Hoboken’s only book store
In addition to serving as an outlet for the book club, Symposia is also the last remaining bookstore in Hoboken. Last year, Barnes and Noble, the city’s largest book seller, closed down. Jersey City also has been losing bookstores.
As the warmer weather approaches, pedestrians are greeted with books on tables outside of Symposia.
The club is not a fast paced one, as members read approximately one book per month. The books are chosen by the members of the group by way of a ballot.
In a 2011 world, 2011 versions of texts are often welcome.
“I have had people bring in their Kindles,” Sampson said. “Whatever they want to read it on, I have no problem with that at all. And then there are people that don’t bring the text but just engage in the discussions about the themes.”
Some members of the group have recently lost jobs and are looking for a new career. Sampson believes the book club helps those people.
“The goal is to really develop leadership potential in individuals,” she said. “They may be lacking in terms of confidence which may have been taken away from them by way of a job loss. They’re trying to regain a sense of who they are.
Different book clubs have different objectives, but Sampson believes the goal of P.P.A.S.M. is to help those who may be struggling and looking for career advice.
“Reading helps sharpen your mind,” she said. “You get a chance to meet people outside or within your industry. We also try to share that you should live the principles in the books, not just read about them. There are also activities designed specifically to share how you are living the principles in your day to day life.”
Sampson ultimately believes the group serves as a “valuable resource” to those looking to expand professionally.
The group meets every last Saturday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Symposia Book Store, 510 Washington St.
Although the club officially “ends” at 9 p.m., Sampson said that this often doesn’t stop members from staying late and networking.
“I’ll usually have people stay until about 10:30 p.m. and they’ll get a chance to talk about their careers,” she said. “People often exchange business cards; it’s a very loose networking.”
On the choice of Symposia, Sampson said it was simple.
“I was looking for a place that’s easy for people from New York and New Jersey,” Sampson said. “Plus, it’s in a professional neighborhood, and it’s pretty quaint.”
Ray Smith may be reached at RSmith@hudsonreporter.com