HEADING OUT BEYOND YOUR BORDERS

Gordon Fong
X-Net since 1999
Published in
3 min readNov 12, 2024

We always colour within our lines, sometimes it’s good to step outside them.

Lately, I’ve found myself venturing beyond where I originally focused. To push ourselves, it means we have to be part of a bigger conversation to be seen. You can then be seen in a different light, in new places that still align with what you do and your values.

Whether you are a solopreneur or a larger company, there’s always the chance to join something bigger. This can lead to new opportunities, as well as being part of something that you can lend you support to.

That’s what I tapped into with the Great South West and Tech South West, where I’ve been shortlisted for the Spotlight Award. Entering awards wasn’t something I’d considered before, but when I saw it as a recognition for the business and the team, it gained a new sense of purpose.

With Chris Grubb

Meeting new people can be challenging, but it’s easier to start locally and gradually build a network of business friends. Yet, staying local can sometimes get too comfortable. Some people may want to expand further, which means starting the process over, this time with the added effort of traveling.

We need to disrupt our routines to break out of the safe and familiar.

Now that I’ve started thinking further afield, I’ve just completed an interview with the co-founder of an Estonian cyber security software company. It was fascinating to learn why Estonia has evolved so rapidly as a digital leader — the mindset, the government’s role, and its global outlook.

Lauri Almann, co-founder of CybExer

There’s no reason I can’t reach out to others worldwide who I’d like to learn from. I just need to improve on managing video call recordings and ensure I have the right software and subscriptions.

If you want to further develop your profile, and understand the of value personal branding already, then seek out any regional organisations that are interesting to you. It could be a national organisation that has regional events too. Connecting with and sharing in these spaces can reach a broader audience and help expand your network.

Be seen with, be associated with, the positive.

Even if your business thrives on word of mouth, consider how you want to be seen when people search for you.

When faced with open space, do you run toward it or pull back? Realising there are no boundaries anymore can open up so much.

Me and Interim COO of NATO DIANA, Jyoti Hirani-Driver

--

--

X-Net since 1999
X-Net since 1999

Published in X-Net since 1999

Blurring the gap and merging my approach to personal and business worlds.

Gordon Fong
Gordon Fong

Written by Gordon Fong

Lives in Southbourne, business locations in Bournemouth and Winfrith. Web, hosting and consultancy.

No responses yet