What does “Community” mean?
In days gone
by, “community” was viewed as a geographical area, usually residential where
there was a sense of belonging. This was a time when we were less mobile, if we had a car it was one only. Not everyone had a landline phone and information
was gained from the morning and evening newspapers. Neighbours talked about the
goings on in the community and the world, sharing opinions and information alike.
Increased
mobility and the growth in communication technologies has in part contributed
to the breakdown of the traditional community.
We talk
about on-line communities, the connection of like minded people with
similar interests often communicating over the back fence that is the chat
room, website or "App".
But, I
wonder if it is swinging back just a little to offline communities, or personal
connection.
In a
discussion last week, it was put to me that freelance or independent artists,
photographers, writers and other creatives are a community. Irrespective
of our particular field of endeavour, we should see ourselves as a
community, come together formally and informally and share resources including ideas,
referral networks and distribution channels.
Last night I
participated in another community when I was one of 1200 attending an event at
the Triffid in New Farm.
The event
was hosted by the Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur for “Start-Up”
Founders, would be Founders and Venture Capital Enterprises.
As with the traditional
focus of “community”, there was a strong sense of interaction, communication,
support and sharing. There was also wide diversification of gender, age group, ethnicity
and industry.
The Office
of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur was established in 2016 with the founding
Chief Entrepreneur being Mark Sowerby of Blue Sky Alternative Investments
Limited fame. Its purpose is to encourage Queensland Entrepreneurship,
stimulate local, national and international investment and showcase start-up
and entrepreneurial talent throughout the state.
Arriving some
30 minutes before formalities commenced, a creative vibe was immediately
evident. There was the buzz of positive and engaged conversation. Significantly,
as much as people were talking enthusiastically, equally they were listening
with the same engagement and intensity.
People are
the essence of “Community”. One consistent stand out message from the nine presenting Venture
Capital Groups was not about money, return on investment or how much money the
founder would make. It was about investing in good people, honest people with passion,
commitment and values. All signs of a good community.
I am not
claiming to have joined the Queensland Entrepreneur Community, well not yet
anyway. However, visiting was rewarding, interesting and educating.
It was also
exciting to see, meet and talk to the innovators of the moment and the
movers and shakers of the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment