Networking reimagined: Connecting communities and inspiring change
I have been reflecting on the letter I would write to those who seek to build communities or our charged with the responsibility of providing networking opportunities for participants or members at Conferences or off offsite meeting. This is what I would want to say:
“Dear Community Builders and Conference Planners,
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our approach to networking. Even I had to readjust my thinking after having written a book in 2018, emphasizing the importance of in-person connection. What has emerged from this challenging period has been surprising, enlightening, and transformative.
People want more than canapes and small talk. They want to connect. They have realised that time is precious and that real relationships matter. How do I know? Because when we took our business community online during the global crisis; suddenly the quality of conversation took centre stage.
We discovered that empathy and authenticity weren't just buzzwords but necessary qualities to foster meaningful relationships and people sought connections based on shared values, genuine support, and empathy.
Isn’t that something you want for your community or conference to be more human, more connected.
Building a value driven Community: A New Era of Networking
What you hopefully have experienced, is that businesses have become more conscious of value-driven connections. Connections that bring tangible value to personal and professional lives are now prioritized over mere transactional moments.
Conversations have shifted to include personal well-being, compassion, and understanding, mirroring a broader societal movement towards mental health.
It’s time to create meaningful dialogues!
Let's face it - the old way of networking, where canapés and business cards were shared more readily than real connections, feels outdated. It's time for genuine dialogue that can transform lives.
My business community, known as Your Time Matters (YTM), has demonstrated the power of real conversation to:
Inspire Change: Fostering personal and professional growth.
Build Communities: Creating support networks, collaboration, and friendships.
Drive Success: Facilitating meaningful partnerships.
So how can you transform your community or conference?
Embrace Authentic Networking: Focus on meaningful conversations, genuine relationships, and shared goals.
Cultivate Strong Communities: Build trust, understand different perspectives, and foster creative collaboration.
Leverage Conversations for Transformation: Inspire growth, empower voices, and drive shared success.
Enhance Sustainability and Growth: Encourage continuous engagement, spark innovation, and build resilient bonds.
Find Your “Sandbox”: Create or join an environment that is engaging and rewarding.
The networking landscape is transforming, and community building is at its core. You don't just need members; you need connected, engaged, and invested individuals.
If this sparks your curiosity, and you are invested in serving your group or members, helping them to form better and stronger relationships, solving their problems, let’s arrange a time for a conversation.
Work with me to redefine networking, turning it into an experience that truly connects, and get your community having conversations that count.
I can also provide you with a checklist of the things you need to build a community.”
Let's make it happen. Connect with me, and let's begin this exciting journey!
Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. I am a connection strategist, conversation starter who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.
I draw on my diverse career portfolio, experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.
Since 2013, I have provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in real life and online events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a discovery call TODAY, and let’s have a conversation to see how I can help you .