Why Travel?
Russell Dalgleish
Scottish Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Ecosystem Builder and Keynote Speaker
With the likes of Zoom, MS Teams and GoogleMeet is there still a need to travel?
This was a question high in my thoughts this week as I visited Mumbai, Bengaluru (Bangalore) in India and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to promote the work of The Scottish GovTech Cluster , Net Zero Nation and to meet with Scottish Business Network supporters.
Couldn't the meetings I held in these cities have been just as easily accomplished while sitting behind my desk in Linlithgow?
Is there a difference between communicating with each other through a digital device in comparison to "sharing the same air".
In my experience, the answer is a firm yes! meeting in person is hugely valuable. Here's why this trip reconfirmed this for me.
Make new connections
I have met so many new people on this trip that I'll be sending thank-you messages and following up on actions for a few days yet. What we must never forget is that being present in a market encourages people to reach out and engage and is something that would never have happened online.
Deepen established relationships
This is perhaps the most important reason to travel to have the opportunity to spend dedicated time in the company of "contacts" and to engage in actual human interaction. The exchange of ideas, market intelligence family stories, and shared experiences all lead to stronger, trusted relationships which will last a lifetime.
Build partnerships
When working internationally partnerships are critical. Due to language, culture, legislation and time zone, we need trusted "brand representatives" who can act independently to carry the message. Constructing valuable partnerships takes time, investment and a need to understand "what is in it" for the partner. Meeting in person accelerates this discovery work and thus allows opportunities to be realised more quickly.
On this subject it is humbling to hear Ambassadors and Supporters of Scottish Business Network explain that they simply wish to give something back. What a tam we have :)
Understand culture
Regions like India and the Middle East need to be experienced in person. I find I need to walk in my local colleague's shoes to understand how best I can support them. Sitting in on meetings with them, meeting prospects, illuminating local sales culture - a glimpse of this can be achieved even on a short visit.
Develop trust
Business operates on trust, without trust there is no deal to be made. Trust that the product supplied will work, trust the invoice will be paid, trust that the order will be met and most importantly trust that any issues (there will always be some) will be resolved together. Trust is enshrined in the hand shake, the physical commitment to see through the actions agreed.
Identify new opportunities
I never return from a trip without identifying new opportunities and this trip has been no different. But what I couldn't have expected was the generosity of the British Deputy High Commission team in laying out for me the opportunities they recognised for Scotland. Never underestimate the value of these "British representatives in far of lands" their market insight is unmatched. If you plan to work internationally ensure you familiarise yourself with the services offered by the Department for Business and Trade and Scottish Development International they are a highly valuable partner for any business.
A time to think
Travelling economy across the world is exhausting but it also gives you time to think, to imagine what could be possible. And nowhere is this truer than in Dubai this city constructed from a desert village in the 50's which is a stunning example of what humankind can achieve if we have a clear vision.
Now please don't interpret this note as an attack on video as a communication medium. It certainly has its place and is a superb way to maintain connections and to push projects forward but in my experience if you want to succeed internationally you need to buy a plane ticket and at least make one visit to each of your target markets.
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Articles of the Week
(simply click on the image to read the article)
1. A love letter to India
In this article, I share my enduring affection for India this incredible country, especially its people.
2 . Scotland's man in Bengaluru
Our Scottish Business Network Ambassador Tom Thomas and I first met online perhaps five years ago but this is the first time we have met. And what better way to mark the occasion than a 6.30 am run around the city?
3. Thoughts on flying
The travel I have completed this week comes at a cost. A cost in terms of my time, a cost in financial terms (critical when running a non-profit) and most importantly in terms of my affect on the environment. I try to explore my thinking on this subject here.
What's next on my agenda
Today, Sunday (first day of the working week in the UAE) and Monday I will be holding meetings in Dubai and attempting not to fry my Scottish skin in 40-degree temperatures.
Tuesday I'm in London participating as a judge in the Real Deals Growing Business Awards.
Wednesday is a recovery day then I end the week in Denmark and Sweden.
The following week is split between Scotland and London so I hope to see you about.
How can you help?
Impact Entrepreneur and connector. #tv4good #ai4good #music4good, #inclusion #diversity #neurodiversity #sustainability #community #collaboration Founder at 6W2X, Mentor at MassChallenge UK and Level39.
5 个月I agree with you, Russell. I have been involved in many collaborative projects and have found that the people by far the most likely to help are people I have met. On the subject of India, no amount of viewing it on video will compare with actually being there.
Leader | Sustainability | ESG | Environment | Safety | Chair | Trustee | Director | VP |Non-Executive Director | ENDS Power List 2023 - Private Sector Pioneer | Board Advisor | Fractional Executive
5 个月The power of the handshake should never be underestimated Russell Dalgleish
Passionate about optics and photonic technologies and their transformative power to create and shape a better world.
5 个月In business, when the “model” is relationship vs transactional, nothing can replace in person meetings to forge long lasting partnerships - “Constructing valuable partnerships takes time, investment….”
Member, BoD at D-Link (In); Global Technology Marketing Officer at D-Link; CEO/Founder, TeamF1, Inc.
5 个月Well said, Russell Dalgleish! Nothing beats 'sharing the same air' (and maybe some local chai or shawarma) when it comes to building trust and deepening connections. Although Zoom and Teams have their perks (like not needing to battle jet lag, or even traffic), it’s the in-person experiences that truly seal the deal. Plus, let’s face it—Dubai beats desk views any day! ?? Safe travels and may your suitcase always find its way! ??
I absolutely agree with the need for face-to-face meetings but the same holds true for the general work environment. I wouldn't advocate a return to a full working week in the office. However, I have real concerns for those entering the world of full time, traditionally office based employment but who may be expected to work from home for a significant portion of their week. In particular, I worry for the new graduate who may be settling into a new town or city but doesn't benefit from the social networking which employment brings in a face-to-face setting. In particular, I fear for the mental health of those who are less outgoing and more reserved and how this will impact on society in the not too distant future.