Time to Get Back Out There
If you’ve been paying attention, you know that the startup ecosystem in the Midwest is booming right now. With incubators, accelerators and startup communities popping up in markets of every size, it seems like the region is poised for major growth in the next five to ten years. In Columbus specifically, we have seen rapid growth amongst startups, especially in healthcare and insurance, with three companies reaching the coveted billion-dollar unicorn status in the last five years. In Columbus alone, 45 businesses made the INC5000, including our own client and friend, Emblem Athletic, at 324!
While it may seem on its surface that it was damaging and destructive to small business, the pandemic spurred a lot of growth and new companies due to changing habits, new needs and unpredictable circumstances (think about how many more masks, gloves and disinfectant were sold in 2020 than 2019!). Companies that rose out of the fire that was COVID were successful because they were able to move fast and break things, and then fix them and move on at breakneck speed. This newfound nimbleness, coupled with employees saving time not commuting, reduced meetings (and improved communication via Slack, Zoom and more), created a meteoric rise for some stand out brands.
With the unofficial end of summer behind us, most of us are now starting to think about heading back to the office, at least part-time. And with that comes the return of the watercooler, the conferences and events and other in-person get-togethers. Whether you’re in sales or software, or anything in between, there is no time like the present to meet new people and continue learning. We think now is the time to jump back into networking head first. Dust off those business cards (or order new!), and get yourself out there meeting people at conferences, events and networking opportunities. Even if it’s virtual, people are looking to reconnect!
Want to start networking in Columbus or Ohio? Our Events page has a lot of local events for you to check out. Or, look to local coworking spaces for them to help you find relevant events for you to attend. Many are free or open to everyone, and all are sure to teach you something or connect you to someone you didn’t know.