Our elders will tell us that it was so different in their day and that it's all so different now.
Really? I don't believe that the world is a bad place and I don't believe that modern society lacks a sense of community either.
New Zealand has just had a major earthquake and shaken the lives of almost everyone that lives here.
Excuse the "shaken" pun but it was deliberate.
 We are only a little country, but our communities and the people around us mean a lot to us.
I'm not saying that this is not true of other countries - certainly not! I am just speaking of what I know.
Christchurch has been hammered.
But, as any crisis, tragedy or disaster - people rally.
This community has demonstrated decisive, compassionate and strong leadership in very trying times.
So, what's my point? Well.
Many more people are choosing to work from home (where the opportunity exists).
This also means that people are limiting there sphere of "people contact" and possibly losing the same sense of community they may have felt working 9-5.
But, this does not have to be the case.
Great organisations and small businesses benefit from fostering a sense of community.
Whether your business is just you or you employ 5000 people, it doesn't matter.
If you can create a sense of community for your business and yourself online then you will be streaks ahead of your competitors who focus on profit.
Working from home, in isolation or not does not prevent us from having a sense of community.
For example, a sense of community can be gained from interactive online communities/forums or from interacting with your favourite blog, social media or any other form of communication that you regularly use online.
If you are feeling isolated or not having enough physical people comfort, then it is in your best interest to develop your online presence.
It is not that difficult even to create a forum on your site.
But, if you are thinking of creating some sort of membership site then don't lose site of the reasons for developing it or the benefits that it should have for those who join.
The main thing is to be compassionate, help others and work together towards a win-win situation for all and greater success in the long term.
Show great leadership and foresight by supporting others and developing a sense of community online before pimping out your products.
Don't forget to be human and remember to foster a sense of belonging - for yourself and those that choose to be a member of your site.
Really? I don't believe that the world is a bad place and I don't believe that modern society lacks a sense of community either.
New Zealand has just had a major earthquake and shaken the lives of almost everyone that lives here.
Excuse the "shaken" pun but it was deliberate.
 We are only a little country, but our communities and the people around us mean a lot to us.
I'm not saying that this is not true of other countries - certainly not! I am just speaking of what I know.
Christchurch has been hammered.
But, as any crisis, tragedy or disaster - people rally.
This community has demonstrated decisive, compassionate and strong leadership in very trying times.
So, what's my point? Well.
Many more people are choosing to work from home (where the opportunity exists).
This also means that people are limiting there sphere of "people contact" and possibly losing the same sense of community they may have felt working 9-5.
But, this does not have to be the case.
Great organisations and small businesses benefit from fostering a sense of community.
Whether your business is just you or you employ 5000 people, it doesn't matter.
If you can create a sense of community for your business and yourself online then you will be streaks ahead of your competitors who focus on profit.
Working from home, in isolation or not does not prevent us from having a sense of community.
For example, a sense of community can be gained from interactive online communities/forums or from interacting with your favourite blog, social media or any other form of communication that you regularly use online.
If you are feeling isolated or not having enough physical people comfort, then it is in your best interest to develop your online presence.
It is not that difficult even to create a forum on your site.
But, if you are thinking of creating some sort of membership site then don't lose site of the reasons for developing it or the benefits that it should have for those who join.
The main thing is to be compassionate, help others and work together towards a win-win situation for all and greater success in the long term.
Show great leadership and foresight by supporting others and developing a sense of community online before pimping out your products.
Don't forget to be human and remember to foster a sense of belonging - for yourself and those that choose to be a member of your site.