Reflections on a Regional Read

Well, the Flat party is about to end. I'm well aware of all the hard work that was expended by volunteers and staff to educate others about topics in the book, as well as "how to" communicate using Web 2.0 (supposedly the new frontier we're all supposed to be crossing in the next phase of technology) to flatten our world. Congrats to everyone on their successes. Thanks to all who worked hard to direct others to a regional conversation online about topics that impact our world. However, to community leaders trying to market central New York as a Silicon-Valley-wannabe, I say, "You've got a long road ahead!" Personal opinion, not approved nor reviewed by the sponsor of the business blog. But hey, no one is reading this anyway, so I might as well say what I think.

Why did so few visitors come to the blogs? Too busy? Fear? Not interested? Don't want to be high-tech savvy? Not sure how to participate? Too complicated? Too personal? Not enough like YouTube or Ebay (the REAL internet!)? Everyone involved with the Read did a lot to remind, cajole, educate...through newsletters, faxes, newspapers, posters, multi-media advertisements, websites, e-mails, programs, direct invitation by mail and in person, across a 3 county area for two months running. Everyone praised the concept, yet only one legitimate new pioneer crossed into the business blogsite. Mid-York folks tried to generate a conversation relevant to the topics on the business and other blogs, and the business blog had a few literary comments from a faux Flatliner, but lip service to the prospect of online discussion far outpaced actual participation.

I'm disappointed. Not in the Read, because where two or three readers of the book gathered together physically, discussion about Flat topics followed. It appears that residents in Mid-York Library System communities aren't as ready to embrace technology as we had anticipated. Maybe the topics were just too boring. Maybe "The world is round, and we're the center of the universe!" Maybe the advertisements were too whimsical. Maybe no one cares about exploring how we can benefit from redefining what we do and how we do it in a flat world. Maybe the pendulum is swinging and we're all tired of technology and just want to go organic and buy local.

Thanks to the sponsors who supported the experiment. You deserve our gratitute for your attitude: being interested in thoughtful options that might carry us into prosperity and success.

Last Chance...blog away!

Are we all content to cry "Bring manufacturing back home!" instead of brainstorming about how to thrive with our own piece of the global pie? Take advantage of this last opportunity to exchange ideas, complain, and/or opine about what our region's businesses need to compete globally. While you can comment on any of the questions posted, the question for the final 2 weeks of the Regional Read is:

10/15-10/31 What does government need to do to help local businesses keep their balance in a global economy? What is government already doing?

Mid-York Library System can train businesses in Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties to use Web 2.0 (blogs, wikis, etc.) technologies to communicate and compete. Call (315) 735-8328 for more information.

Question 3 of 4 (10/1-10/14)

What do students, parents, schools, colleges, and agencies need to know about workforce education & training so your business can compete in a global economy?

Question 2 of 4 (9/14-9/30)

Feel free to continue commenting on any questions (and responses) on this blog. We could all benefit from hearing about others' experiences in taking their business beyond the local market, so we pose this week's set of questions:
What steps have you taken to succeed in a global economy?
Do you have any cautionary tales to tell?
What advice would you give to a business that wants to expand its market globally?
Feel free to mention agencies or websites you found particularly helpful.

Question 1 of 4 (9/1-9/14/07)

How have you expanded your market and how do you conduct business using audio, video, and/or web technologies? Which communications technologies would you like to learn more about to help your business succeed?

Welcome to the MY Business Blog

The Rome Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the Mid-York Library System. We encourage you to read "The World is Flat" by Thomas Friedman, and consider the impact of Friedman's 10 "flatteners". We hope it leads to meaningful dialogue in the workplace, classrooms, libraries, and at special community programs being developed by MYLS and other partners for Fall 2007.

To get you thinking: What you are doing to survive and thrive in an ever-changing global economy? What obstacles prevent you from thriving? What can your local chamber do to help level the playing field for local businesses? How has technology changed the way you do business? What issues can business organizations bring to the attention of lawmakers to help you succeed?

Starting September 1, we will post 4 specific questions about doing business in a global economy. We welcome your comments and other perspectives, and look forward to learning how we can better serve you.