The Power of Human Connection

As my planned jury service didn't materialise this week I found myself with the opportunity to attend several events and to plan several more.

The opportunity to gorge myself on the pure delight of human engagement was invigorating both physically and mentally while the unexpected opportunity to plan future events got me a little "ahead of the curve".

First a confession, I don't attend events simply to sit in the audience, I believe these are unique opportunities to make new connections. I research attendees and exhibitors in advance, I promote my attendance (to attract engagement) and I follow up afterwards - I work the opportunity!

So huge thanks go to those who bravely planned, executed and met with me this week. I made some great new connections, and the opportunity to deepen existing ones. I also benefitted from hearing some great speakers.

• OutBritian delivered their inaugural OutConnect conference in London - an unparalleled day of inspiration, connection, and empowerment, exclusively designed for trailblazing LGBT organisations and forward-thinking corporates committed to supplier diversity.
• We celebrated the 10th anniversary of the launch of the .Scot domain at the Scottish Parliament.
• I visited and toured the superb new Glasgow University, Advanced Research Centre (ARC) - the ARC will catalyse and advance collaboration, teamwork and innovation, drawing from all sectors and disciplines inside and outside the University.
• Celebrated the connection between Africa and Scotland at the Africa Scotland Business Network gathering in Glasgow.
• Spoke on BBC Radio 5 on behalf of the Business Community in Scotland as the General Election debates kicked off.

Energised from these meetings I felt invigorated to support and plan gatherings in London, Silicon Valley and hopefully a global gathering for SBN in February 2025, see more information below.

“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”—Michele Jennae        

Articles

1. The General Election

There is something surreal about sitting in a dressing gown at 5.35 am being interviewed by the BBC. But based on the feedback I survived the experience :)

2. Lessons on Entrepreneurship from Taylor Swift

The largest gathering of the year in Edinburgh takes place this weekend as the phenomenon that is Taylor Swift hits town. Reading about this creative genius, with her incredible ability to engage with millions inspired me to write this article.

3. The glamour of events

We are experiencing typical Scottish Weather this summer and I was reminded that organising events isn't about the glamour the audience sees it's about the graft that goes on in the background.

Every one of you who puts on an event I'm sure will identify with this article.

What's next

If you would like to meet in person I will be attending these events this month.

What Now

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