Kickstarted By The Crowd
It is easier to make something happen when others are encouraged to take part too.
I’ve started many side projects such as the Cyber Security Awareness events and the SoBo Mile videos highlighting foodie businesses around where I live. It takes a lot to organise, to encourage participation and to manage and deliver what was promised.
Sage advice around content creation says to be consistent and to persevere to gain traction and a return. Sometimes it’s OK to cut things loose, or at least to put them on pause when it’s a lot to take on one’s shoulders. Consistency shouldn’t become a bind.
In leadership and team dynamics systems parlance, it could be I am a ‘visionary’, although that sounds very grandiose. Someone that does come up with ideas, that needs to take on the ‘integrator’ role when it’s a solo project and ends up being less of a ‘completer finisher’. Apologies if I’ve mixed my trademarked metaphors.
For the Cyber Security Awareness events, I succeeded in getting a local MP, the Dorset Police and Crime Commission, local businesses and the student cyber security club to get involved and participate. I wanted it to be worthwhile for everyone attending.
During Covid, I progressed an idea to hold an online music event to showcase local acts who were no longer able to play and shine a spotlight on a different part of where I live. This morphed into a song and video about the need for accessibility at a local train station, which was promised lifts. This made the local news with the singer-songwriter being interviewed on TV, radio and featured in the press. I happily ducked out of the media coverage as the hard work and recognition was also for the community groups and councillors.
Having been in a position where I was coming up with ideas and trying to drag people along with me, people are now pushing me forward and wanting to join in, step up, and help.
I had previously organised social gatherings to help introduce newcomers to the region. Many people have moved to the area or were in the process of doing so whilst owning a holiday flat. A bar crawl or a group walk around the streets enabled new friendships to form. People found out about other clubs and activities available, and fun was had.
Some of those people that benefited from the initial events have pushed me to do more and they will take part and help with the introductions. The details of the next Walk and Talk event have been posted and interest was immediate.
Why do I do all this? I have my local community angle and I also have my business community angle as well around the Dorset Innovation Park and Defence BattleLab.
I do this through wanting to be a positive contributor to what’s around me in my business and personal life.
I share what I do. I share what else is going on. I believe I have hit the consistency mark on that front, which affords me the trust of those looking on to then step forward and get involved.
Anything that needs action, there comes a time when it can be elevated by others wanting to join in. This starts to change the whole dynamic when it isn’t about the hard work of a few, or in isolation, but the involvement of those who want to make a difference.
Roll on Dorset Fizz Week.
