I initiated a discussion on LinkedIn's "Kitchener-Waterloo Entrepreneurs" Group a couple of months ago asking members where the centre of entrepreneurship was in Kitchener-Waterloo. The responses I received from some members may surprise you.
One person concluded that it is not so much a question of having people let you into their networks as building your own network. If you build your own network it will naturally intersect with other networks that can bring you the resources that you need. If you are building a business, attend as many social functions as you can and fine-tune your business idea, then "lather, rinse, and repeat."
Another person pointed out that we should not be dismissive of Communitech or the K-W Chamber of Commerce when it comes to promoting entrepreneurship. If you are looking for resources from these groups or from social events associated with them you have to be clear about what it is that you need and ask for it. Attending grass-roots events is also useful to build your network as are business networking groups such as LeTip, BNI, and the Business Executive Network.
Most people providing comments felt that "the movers and shakers" of Kitchener-Waterloo were not out of reach of the average person as they felt that K-W had a flat hierarchy of business leaders. They also felt that if you want to meet "movers and shakers," you should become one yourself.
One career coach felt that the secret to success was to find out where the people you want to meet hang out and then meet them. The main problem entrepreneurs need to overcome is to "enlarge their vision of what's possible, and then get creative about making the necessary connections."
There was also a consensus that giving before receiving was a big help in enlisting the help of others. Efforts should be made by entrepreneurs to see how they can serve along others who can help them on a voluntary basis.
The culture in Kitchener-Waterloo seems to be a "let's get things done" culture where if you know what you need you can find it. Admittedly, the leadership within Kitchener-Waterloo is fragmented. Associations with or volunteering for major philanthropic organizations in Kitchener-Waerloo is also a great way to meet movers and shakers. They include the K-W Art Gallery, the Symphony, and the Centre in the Square.
Others felt that the Davis Centre at the University of Waterloo was a Centre of Entrepreneurship. When it comes to getting grants from government for entrepreneurial projects, association with the local universities is critical.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Inaugural meeting of Kitchener-Waterloo Executives LinkedIn Group a big success
On April 30th, the first meeting of the Executive Committee of the Kitchener-Waterloo Executives LinkedIn Group was held at the TechTown BoardRoom at 340 Hagey Blvd., University of Waterloo.
The group has some 140 members and the Executive Committee meeting was very well attended.
After meeting for about an hour, all attendees concluded that there was a firm foundation to build the group to meet the needs of its members.
Some brainstorming was conducted and it was determined that the group would provide a great forum for speakers on current business issues. Others thought the group could be used to source individual mastermind groups for their businesses, while yet others felt that the group, once trust is built up, could be used to solve practical business problems being faced by members. It was also felt that the group could be used for business networking.
Karen Toth suggested http://www.ceospace.net/ as a potential model for the group and I invite readers of this article to visit the site and provide commentary as well as to provide their ideas as to what Kitchener-Waterloo Executives could do for them. I would be very interested in learning what the interests of the group members are. It was further suggested at the meeting that Harp Arora of Sedona Communications be asked to do an Internet poll of the group if she would volunteer to do same.
Lastly it was suggested that the K-W Executives LinkedIn site be used to provide educational content meeting the needs of its members.
The meeting concluded with a round of handshakes and the desire to meet again in the future.
Commentary on this article is welcome.
The group has some 140 members and the Executive Committee meeting was very well attended.
After meeting for about an hour, all attendees concluded that there was a firm foundation to build the group to meet the needs of its members.
Some brainstorming was conducted and it was determined that the group would provide a great forum for speakers on current business issues. Others thought the group could be used to source individual mastermind groups for their businesses, while yet others felt that the group, once trust is built up, could be used to solve practical business problems being faced by members. It was also felt that the group could be used for business networking.
Karen Toth suggested http://www.ceospace.net/ as a potential model for the group and I invite readers of this article to visit the site and provide commentary as well as to provide their ideas as to what Kitchener-Waterloo Executives could do for them. I would be very interested in learning what the interests of the group members are. It was further suggested at the meeting that Harp Arora of Sedona Communications be asked to do an Internet poll of the group if she would volunteer to do same.
Lastly it was suggested that the K-W Executives LinkedIn site be used to provide educational content meeting the needs of its members.
The meeting concluded with a round of handshakes and the desire to meet again in the future.
Commentary on this article is welcome.
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