A perfect year to start a new business, expand the one you have, launch a new product or service, grow your knowledge, increase your profile or do something meaningful for the community. Whatever you want to do this is your year to do it – to really make a difference.
An adaption from the Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley demonstrates why we all have a part to play in making a difference this year.
A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all of these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!” The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, “Well, I just made a difference to that one!”
The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined in and many starfish were saved that day.
Take a moment to stand back and take a serious look at what you could do this year to make a difference?
Once you have an idea that inspires you it’s time to take action, to find the people, the connections and the knowledge you’ll need to help you bring this idea to reality.
The wonderful power of today’s technology can only take you so far as Google displays pages and pages of search results to your requests. An easier and faster way to make the right connections is to network and the best way to do that is through your local Chamber.
As a member of your local Chamber you can attend networking events, be introduced to other likeminded people and pretty quickly build your own profile across the immediate business community.
At the Sydney Hills Business Chamber we introduced ‘connectors’ at our events – a couple of senior members dressed in bright orange t-shirts – who are there to assist guests make a connection on the night.
When you arrive at a networking function for the first time it can be quite daunting so having a point of contact as soon as you arrive not only gives you a welcome introduction but also ensures you get the most from the event you are attending.
Tony Eades is chairman of The Sydney Hills Business Chamber. Contact the chamber info@sydneyhillsbusiness.com
