Building Bridges, Not Walls: How to Create A Super Community You Actually Want To Be Part Of
Jamison Ernest
Co-founder/Co-Ceo/Chief Creative Officer/General Partner at Blue Scorpion Investments at Blue Scorpion Investments, L.P.
Building Bridges, Not Walls: How to Create A Super Community You Actually Want To Be Part Of
I often think about the depth of meaning in the Beatles lyrics for “All the lonely people”?
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely people (ah, look at all the lonely people)
Where do they all belong?
I'm going to preface this article by saying the following, focus on what you can GIVE to your communities and NOT what you can take from them. If everyone is focused on contributing and helping each other, NO ONE will have have to worry about helping themselves. There's more then enough to go around and for everyone to feel fulfilled and satisfied, lack is a state of mind.
I had a pretty great life in NYC, I was plugged into everyone and everything I found interesting, I knew the greatest people from all different walks of life.?In NYC I had an all access pass, I never had to wait in line for a club, a lunch or dinner reservation. That all ended when I moved to Florida in 2020, I'm basically starting from the bottom again. Treated like an average guy just like everyone else here except I don’t wear khakis and polo shirts. Now I know how Henry Hill from Goodfellas must’ve felt being in a witness protection program. This won’t last for long, I’m slowly building my community here and it seems that every 6 months more and more friends are relocating here too. I’m lucky that I have my girlfriend Roos, my dog Harley, my close friend and muse David, his very kind parents Lisa and Richard (on season), the fabulous Sal and Grant founders of Hampton Sun when they're in town and my musical friends Sofi and Tukker when they’re not on tour (NO they're NOT a couple). BTW everyone mentioned moved here from NYC.
The world has a lot of people now, as of Nov 15th 2022 there are an estimated Eight Billion people on this planet, yet with so many of us WE STILL FEEL SO ALONE. We live in a world where every second is ruled by our phones and social media, so it's easy to feel isolated and disconnected. Are we forgetting how to interact and connect in person? Sometimes I feel so uncomfortable interacting in person that I say the stupidest most outrageous things just to break the ice. What if there's a way to combat the loneliness and build a support system that aligns with your values and interests? The solution lies in choosing your own super community and building bridges instead of walls.
By choosing your own super community, you can surround yourself with like-minded individuals who uplift, inspire and support you.But how exactly do you build your own super community? Identify what you're looking for. Do you want a group of friends who share your passion for music? Or do you want a network for artists? Whatever your interests are there's definitely a community for you.
Having a starting point, once you’ve identified what you're looking for, start your google search to find it. I usually do out reach on my social media with stories almost in the form of ads, “looking for artists in the Palm Beach area to collaborate with” please let me know if there’s anyone who has some contacts. It helps to join clubs or organizations, and take advantage of your online access through platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Reddit communities or physical places like Soho house and co-working spaces. I joined a local community center and had most of my friends here join too, we started playing around with pickle ball and so far I love it. I know it’s Uncomfortable but you have to put yourself out there and make the first move. You never know who you'll meet and the connections you'll make.
The most important way to build your own community is to be open and have low or no expectations so you won’t be disappointed. It’s not only about finding friends, it's also about creating a safe space where you and others can be yourselves. It's about building a network of individuals who you feel good around and trust have the best intentions for you and the community.
I have so many communities that I really love being a part of and have made a few amazing friends who I genuinely enjoy spending time with. Building a community definitely takes time and effort, but once you build it you’ll say it was worth it. I’m grateful that I know I can call Nolan from Thursday Boots and ask him for advice on an e-com platform or just hang out and go for a dinner when he's not too busy building our Blue Scorpion portfolio company Thursday Boots into the next supernova global footwear brand.
So, the next time you feel isolated or disconnected, remember that you have the power to choose your own community. Build bridges, not walls, and watch as your life becomes so much better by the connections you make.
Choosing and building a strong community is not just about finding friends, it's about creating a network of people who uplift and support each other, and become the family that YOU choose...Jamison
Also if you have suggestions of the best ways to build communities and you want to help the people in this community please leave your suggestions in the comments area, I know people will greatly appreciate it.
Improving Human Interactions and upgrading communication through Public Health, Social Wellness, Business & Property Development, & Advising.
2 年Isn't it interesting how digitally we're "connected" and wouldn't one assume we'd feel less alone with all our technologies and capabilities. We forget that they're merely tools and being human is fundamental to conversation and physically sharing space. Moving spaces affect our natural order of knowing and familiarity, but also allows us to grow and make new, unexpected, cosmic if you will, connections to others we wouldn't have if we stayed in our tribe and geography. Here's to solving a deeper and larger problem; the loneliness pandemic. It starts with how we listen and hear, how we observe and see each other; and how we can do the same to ourselves so that we can articulate what we feel and can express to those we find ourselves talking to... friends, family, lovers, colleagues, and strangers.
Co-Founder at Thursday Boot Company
2 年Great post!
Owner and Director: bodyART Training Studios
2 年Awesome post! Community building is truly the process and practice of relationship building as life happens at the speed of trust. Often, people look for community without realizing that showing up for others is an intrinsic part of them showing up for you. Authentic community is a place where you contribute, not just consume.
Chief Executive Officer at Finishing Touch Floors, LLC
2 年Very true when I moved to florida I had no connections so when I opened my business in florida I joined a group called BNI (business networking international) and not only did I meet some great business people but I made a few friends worth having in my life.