How do I access the "movers and shakers" in Kitchener-Waterloo?

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.