Communities must understand the global economy.
With ‘tunnel vision’ and ignorance, it is challenging to see the possibilities and opportunities of how communities work in a modern global economy and how external forces, such as the internet and technology in general, are impacting them.
Local businesses and organisations must take the time to look around and see what is going on. Making assumptions based on the past is extremely dangerous. Instead, they need to look at communities that offer new opportunities outside their sphere of influence. Taking a ‘three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view is essential if surprises are to be avoided.
As you become more connected with the global economy, it makes sense to look outside the square (your backyard) to move forward. Recognise that there are endless opportunities and possibilities. You must look outside your community for innovation and be prepared to cast a wide net.
The old saying, “she’ll be right mate”, has lost relevance. It will only be right if you don’t get stuck with how things used to be done. Be prepared to embrace change with an open mind. Don’t have your business and community bypassed and left to the history books.
High pricing structures across regional communities is no longer an excuse. Pricing needs to be consistent with sound business practices. Communities should become more intolerant of external businesses, like supermarkets, oil companies, insurance companies, overseas businesses, and organisations like Lotteries and other gambling organisations. This is because the revenue, cash flow and profits don’t circulate and fly straight out of the community. Instead, communities must continue to encourage buying locally, where everyone benefits.
Are the ‘engines of change’ impacting your town or village?
You can’t stop the engines of change or the population ageing. People are not going to stop researching tomorrow to make a difference. So, what are the people in your community good at? Where are their passions?
What do they like doing? And what are their strengths? Creating opportunities for your community can be challenging, but great things can happen by having and developing an ‘opportunity mindset’. Appreciate everything you have, engage with your community members, and enjoy your community even more.
Quotable Quotes
“Corporations, academics and governments tend to discuss how global forces shape the choices we must make about our communities, rather than the needs of the people who live and work there”. Peter Sergeant
“If you continue doing the right things and applying sound business principles, you can create exciting and competitive opportunities in most places in the global marketplace”. Peter Sergeant.