When you are in a small town, how do you build relationships and beat that feeling of isolation? I asked that question at SXSW, and here are some suggestions from other attendees.
Blog the local
If you blog or podcast, talk about local events. It’s a way to hopefully connect with other local folks interested in technology or your niche.
Have lunch together, online
Several people mentioned having lunch with a distant friend via Skype. Grab a brown bag, and enjoy some time together.
Hold meetings with video
Use any one of the online meeting tools, like Operator 11, BlogTV or ooVoo to get people together. I’m thinking of trying to start this one within Oklahoma. Let’s see, I know a techie guy in Elk City with a web cam, so there’s one …
Make your town the center of the universe
Why not make your town the location for a major gathering in your field? Plenty of exciting events happen in out of the way places. All it takes is work.
It goes without saying
Or at least it does at SXSW, that Twitter, Facebook, blogging, etc., are all terrific tools for keeping in touch.
What do you recommend? How do you beat isolation from your small town or rural area?
[Photo: Creative Economies roundtable – the closest thing to a rural discussion as can be found at SXSW.]
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
Hey Becky,
I’m that guy in the front left that went – YAAY, I hear ya! – from that other small town. Actually, mine is THAT small, when it rains, they put it inside!
Still not out on the “staying connected” thing, and really thinking about getting a second place in a more connected town. If I get the money together, that is. But there you have it, that’s my new target! :-) Stay in touch!
Howdy, Kenneth! I’m so glad you came by!
I’m actually a little envious of you because Belgium is fairly compact, compared to spread-out Oklahoma. I hope you can either get that second place, or find other ways to feel connected.
I think my own strategies are to attend more industry events, and try to host some events locally.
Stop by anytime!