We really enjoyed the conference that the International Downtown Association put on in Walnut Creek, California. While there were many things we learned regarding urban place management, revitalization, and improvements, there was one thing that really stood out to us. The power of networking. While there are those who can say they network all the time, there are others who have never put networking events on their schedule because “they don’t have time”. I can honestly say the latter group of people misses out.
Here are 3 Reasons You Need be NETWORKING!
(click here to watch a quick video )
1. GET FRESH IDEAS
Networking will keep you current and keep you and your district from being old and stale! Too many times we can get caught up doing the “same old thing” and expecting things to change. Networking infuses fresh ideas and new thought processes about changing and improving spaces. For example, we met Geoffrey and Colleen from Street Graffiti Solutions. Guess what they do?? They cover your “assets” . Ha ha…no really. Street Graffiti Solutions literally covers street poles in your district so no one can tape anything at all on it. Think garage sale signs, band or concert fliers, community event collateral – all of it – that people attach to poles in your district. Whatever their magic material is, NOTHING sticks on it at all- we tried! Click here to see for yourself! And if someone tries to tag the pole, it literally washes off with soap, water and a little bit of muscle. That is a fresh idea!
While were were at this conference we met so many people who are truly vested in this industry of “improving spaces”. For many it’s not just a job that they do, it has become a part of who they are. These are the people who are behind the scenes. They are responsible for doing things like taking an abandoned parcel that was overgrown with weeds and attracting unpleasant situations, and turning into a fantastic community space that brought commerce & a community feeling into their neighborhood. A great example is “The Lot” in the Downtown Oakland Association. Check out the pictures below of what Steve, Andrew and their team at DOA did by turning a formerly blighted parcel into a vibrant community space:
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2. BE ENCOURAGED
Networking with other districts will remind you that you are not alone in the battle to change your community. It will give you the encouragement you need to see that if you don’t quit, things will change. There are districts that were struggling with the same challenges you are facing everyday. Networking with those districts who have already been where you are and have been through the same issues, will help you see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
3. GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT & MENTORSHIP
Throughout our time in Walnut Creek it was pretty amazing to see the districts sharing their ideas, best practices, their successes and even their failures. Everyone there was genuinely there to either be better or help someone else be better. The more established districts shared “next steps” and advice with the newer districts. Information sharing was abundant. Connections were made for more mentorship in the future. Networking will allow you to give others encouragement in areas that you already have had a success in and the more people you help get to where they want to go, the faster you will get to where you want to go!
Networking will create a synergy with others that you will never achieve just staying in your district. Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it worth the investment? Absolutely.
We plan on heading out to Pittsburg, PA for the IDA East Coast Forum. Hopefully we can see you there!
Hope this helps!
Emily
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