Building networks can help and save us all

The networks we create bring people closer and recognises that what we do, feels right.

These are unprecedented times. There, I said it. I won’t say it again, I promise.

These are times where we need to have others around us to get through the impact of the Coronavirus. There is a nuance in there that also means we have to be around others, to reach out and be part of their circle and not just expect everyone to flock to us for our own safety and comfort.

I hope one positive outcome from this period is we reset our thinking, some of our behaviours and some of our bad habits. The way that collaborations have occurred, the way that some businesses have just provided for free, how they support with the pure desire to just stand up and help out, shows how we can be.

There was never the thinly veiled layer of marketing intent. Then the marketers came in to say this is the best time to market, by being helpful.

My One Network

The networks I have built up, around where I live in Southbourne and through the digital, creative and marketing bubbles in Dorset, are generally not the customers for the products and services of my businesses.

These are the networks I enjoy being part of and participating within. They are a positive contribution to my own well-being and I try to reciprocate through being as helpful and supportive as I can be.

I am no personal branding strategist. A few years back, aligning myself with some form of personal branding would have been laughable. I did what I did, and I can see the effects on both my profile and reach, even if small.

Action Made

The self-isolation was wearing thin on the people of Southbourne. People were doing great things to keep the community spirit alive against a negative backdrop on what people should or shouldn’t be doing.

A church leader approached me and asked to help change the narrative. I thought I would give it a go, so created a Facebook Live event.

The output was delivering two live streams with over an hours of combined content.

What was rewarding was reaching out to people and say, “Hi, it’s Gordon from Southbourne. Would you take part in…” and people instantly said ‘yes.’ This included our local MP Tobias Ellwood; Martyn Underhill the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner; Jimmy Cregan from Jimmy’s Iced Coffee who did a hilarious video in his garden with his children having a one-sided pillow fight; along with contributions from local residents that included a food writer showing recipes, a bartender showing how to make cocktails, a language teacher and a singer.

Going live, clicking around unfamiliar broadcasting software and being the host was not easy for me. However, the outcome was very rewarding.

On Facebook, under my guise of The SoBo Mile, the two videos amassed 4,000 views and a reach of over 7,000 people. Now I know that social media volume should not be seen as a true measurement of success, but for a first attempt, the audience was there.

Here is the video that features the clips from the participants.

Stepping Up To Support

Within our community Facebook group, a local resident had their work tools stolen from his van.

The Community Interest Company, that I am a co-founder of, agreed to purchase a new set of tools for him. The response from others was extremely positive.

It goes back to a place we call home as said by Stewart also.

I wholeheartedly believe in the virtuous circle of doing good helps you reach those that you can ask to help and do good in return. But, that begins with you making a stand and being known. This makes the ask, even easier.

By being active in various networks you become a real-life Venn diagram. My hope is there will come a time where the overlaps start to encompass my business and potential clients. If I become a conduit for others and their businesses, then that is fine too.

Let’s Conclude

Coming back to a point I mentioned earlier about not being a master strategist. This is just a gut feeling, finding my own way and connecting the dots.

In fact, those various networks that I nurture are important to what I want to achieve for my future. That goes beyond where I live and what my businesses do. That involves scaling up those circles higher up.

When it comes to building your network and people around you, it’s good to be trusted, recognised as someone who believes in the truth and create a positive cycle for the better. This can be done.