Networking with social entrepreneurs

A few months ago I decided that I had to make a concerted effort to get out and meet people in order to spread the yours2share word. I’ve taken up every networking opportunity I can. The very first was a networking event held by Enterprise Nation in London in early December – it was an enjoyable meeting as everyone there works from home like me and was delighted to get out and meet people. I also met several people with whom I might work in the future and some who were actually interested in sharing something.

One person fell into both categories: Tom Howat has a dog that he might need to find someone to share with him, and he works for Network2012, a networking community for social entrepreneurs. I had to look up the meaning of social entrepreneur: then I found that I am probably trying to be one! Emma Jones at Enterprise Nation is also one – and I never knew! She is trying to use her entrepreneurial skills to enable people to work at home.

Just so you know, Wikipedia defines a social entrepreneur as someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change.

Well it seems to me that we have a problem in that we don’t share enough stuff, and I’m doing my bit to change this. I’m still not sure about my entrepreneurial skills; I’m working on them. However as well as the “problem” element of not sharing, there is also the massive lost opportunity in not sharing. So many wonderful assets, property, boats, motor homes, cars are sitting idle for the vast majority of their life.

And to continue with the networking aspect of this piece, Tom was kind enough to include a mention of yours2share in his latest newsletter, which has increased visitor numbers to the site pleasingly. So networking does work.