3 Ways Your Network Can Help You Flex Your Innovation Muscle Surrounding yourself with the right people helps you come up with more and better ideas. Here are three ways to build a community to help you be more innovative.

By Debra Kaye

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

I was in Madison, Wisconsin recently to give a speech. One of the things I noticed right away is that it's a really social, lively, connected place. It's easy to talk to your neighbor and bring your solutions and even your challenges to the business next door. That's how organic, authentic innovation really happens.

Community-oriented innovation can happen anywhere -- from Manhattan to Madison and even in the smallest of small towns. All it takes is creating a culture of sharing within a supportive business community. You become more willing to take risks and go outside of your business for fresh insights and answers to your toughest problems. The cross-pollination of ideas is extremely powerful.

Individuals who demonstrate an active interest in the people and places around them actually grow brain grey matter, improve cognition and become better innovators. Entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to reach out to others. They aren't tethered to corporate schedules and hierarchy, and they have the flexibility of both time and infrastructure to allow for more fluid business relationships. Here's how.

Get together. Do things as a group and you'll be surprised how much inspiration will come from, say, something as informal as a weekly walk through a local park or farmers' market or as organized as a community business event.

I know a group of storeowners in a cozy New York City neighborhood who get together for a weekly stroll and coffee before opening time. It's a relaxed 45 minutes where they can swap customer stories, sales strategies and resources for professional services.

Towns and cities have been organizing formal regular events to gather community members and tourists and promote business. Lancaster, Pa. sponsors First Fridays, a popular arts extravaganza held on the first Friday evening of each month. Art galleries, local boutiques and restaurants, artist studios, museums, performing groups and the art college open their doors and get involved.

Broaden your knowledge. Continuing educational opportunities are and should be a robust part of your business life. For instance, restaurant owners can gather to sponsor an expert on Umami flavors and learn more about how to apply that knowledge to their menu selections.

Going back to school for an MBA can be a daunting process -- it's expensive and time consuming and you likely don't need one anyway. Many community colleges, private organizations and institutions offer certificate or vocational programs, which require less time and money and enable you to broaden your expertise and widen your audience in a particular field. You'll also meet like-minded people and grow your network.

For example, I have a friend who manages the television careers of health and wellness experts. She recently told me she's getting a certificate in Positive Psychology at Kripalu, a yoga retreat center in Lenox, Mass. to expand her business and make her even more effective at her job.

Become part of the solution. How can your business solve problems in the community? This may not be a direct money-making idea, but it certainly helps pull a community together and forge important relationships with the people you serve or aspire to serve.

For example, Richard Branson's South African health club branch of Virgin Active launched a youth development program called Future Crew to help local high schools get physical activity back into the school day. It's been a success and the club plans to work with other schools in South Africa to train teachers and help students become more active.

That's the sort of community building that provides an actual healthy, safe place for people to meet and interact. Imagine if you could find a way for your business to become such a hub?

Even sponsoring local charitable events and becoming a visible presence helps cement a positive relationship between you and the local community. Those are the building blocks to help you build a strong and successful business.

Wavy Line
Debra Kaye

Brand Strategist and Partner at Lucule

Debra Kaye is a brand and culture strategist and partner at Lucule, a New York-based innovation consulting firm. She is author of the book, Red Thread Thinking (McGraw-Hill, 2013).

Editor's Pick

A Father Decided to Change When He Was in Prison on His Son's Birthday. Now His Nonprofit Helps Formerly Incarcerated Applicants Land 6-Figure Jobs.
Lock
A Teen Turned His Roblox Side Hustle Into a Multimillion-Dollar Company — Now He's Working With Karlie Kloss and Elton John
Lock
3 Mundane Tasks You Should Automate to Save Your Brain for the Big Stuff
Lock
The Next Time Someone Intimidates You, Here's What You Should Do
5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health and Regulate Your Nervous System for Sustainable Success

Related Topics

Business News

After Being Told They Could Work From Home Forever, Employees Made Major Life Changes. Then, a New CEO Ordered Them Back to the Office.

Farmers Group CEO Raul Vargas is facing backlash for the change, but he says being in the office brings more "collaboration" and "innovation."

Business News

Hedge Fund Pays NYC Interns $20,000 a Month on Average, Sent to Lavish Palm Beach Kickoff

Citadel is known for its over-the-top parties and company retreats.

Business News

'I've Got the Bug for Business': See All of Mark Wahlberg's Entrepreneurial Endeavors, From Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch to Wahlburgers

Mark Wahlberg owns businesses in several categories, including entertainment production, apparel, fitness, and nutrition.

Business News

Uber Eats Deliveries Are Flooding a Los Angeles Neighborhood — Except No One Knows Who Placed the Orders

Residents of L.A.'s Highland Park neighborhood are once again the target of dozens of unsolicited Uber Eats orders. The "annoying and somewhat disturbing" mystery is gripping the city.

Business News

Pete Davidson Says He's 'Figuring It Out' After Buying a $280,000 Boat While 'Very Stoned'

The former "Saturday Night Live" star purchased a used Staten Island Ferry with Colin Jost in January 2022.

Money & Finance

3 Secrets to Streamlining Your Accounts Payable Process

Not all AP automation software is created equal. Leveraging the right AP solution that aligns with your unique vision and available resources will ensure your business grows without compromising its individuality.