We Are Community

In our world of 24-hour news, social media and AI it is easy to assume that we no longer need to physically gather together.

But I disagree, I believe that business is still best executed in person.

Today our business communities are more likely to be referred to as clusters where those with a common interest gather to satisfy our curiosity. These groups are broad and open looking to accommodate as large a community of interested souls as possible.

As a Scot with an interest in International business my natural home is of course to be found at a Scottish Business Network gathering and as a technologist and investor with a Scottish base, I am at home at The Scottish GovTech Cluster events.

But what is it about "sharing the same air" that is so critical to the business process?

I would suggest that we do not fully comprehend how humans learn to trust each other but spending time together certainly accelerates the experience. And trust of course is the most valuable element in any business collaboration.

For me, physical gatherings deliver five key wins that I find much harder to secure online. These are the opportunity to:

1. Deepen existing relationships.
2. Expand my network by meeting new individuals.
3. Unearth new opportunities within my target market.
4. Receive emotional support - this is so important to me.
5. Expand our knowledge.

And to optimise these opportunities to meet in person I have discovered that there is something I must "bring to the party".

And that is honesty. I try never to be selling but instead focus on trying to help another.

Through honestly answering questions such as "How are you" I have attracted incredible support and been provided with the opportunity to support others.

So why not get out from behind the screen this week and attend at least one gathering?

Trust me you will benefit from the experience.

New Opportunities

If you are in Edinburgh the week commencing October 21 then I would like to invite you along to attend the IEC General Meeting. We will welcome 1,500 leading experts to Edinburgh from some of the world's largest and most innovative companies. This unique opportunity to hear about how our world will develop over the coming years is not to be missed.

Themed days focused on AI, Quantum, Net Zero and Smart Cities promise to inspire delegates on the possible and this is not an opportunity you want to miss.

Register for a free place here: https://lnkd.in/dUSS8dTs

To hear more about what is planned for the week check out this interview with Scott Steedman Director General of the 英国标准协会 .

Articles

(simply click on the image to read the article)

1. Community

You will hear exactly why I feel the community and clusters are of such importance in this TEDx talk I recorded.

2. Community Creates Culture

One of the best examples I have witnessed of a community creating an internationally successful operation is the Scottish Design Exchange led by the inspirational Lynzi Leroy . I was reminded of this fact during a visit to San Francisco earlier this year.

3. Stop networking and start building relationships

Our goal should not be to have thousands of connections in our CRM it should be to have a group of trusted partners, suppliers, and customers. This is of course achieved over time, with effort and honesty.

The Week Ahead

I will be splitting my time between Scotland and London this week hopefully avoiding the train troubles I encountered on Friday.

How can you help?

1. Please leave a comment sharing your feedback, insight or thoughts on what you have read. This is invaluable as I ensure this publication is adding value for you.
2. Share this newsletter with those in your community if you feel they will find value in receiving a copy: https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7169668571235606528
3. Don't hesitate to DM, or email me at russell@exolta.com if you believe I may be able to assist you in moving your business forward. Helping others is my goal in life and I always have time to talk.