2011 ND Travel Conference
I recently went over to Fargo to attend the annual ND Travel Conference. Many different people from many different businesses and attractions in North Dakota were there. Obviously, much of the focus of the three day conference was about how we can attract visitors to the state. There were a lot of great ideas flying around, the whole time. Many of them involved the use of social media… Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
There was also a lot of invited speakers and other people at the conference talking about teamwork. Not only teamwork within our various companies and organizations, but teamwork with other people in our communities and around the state. The idea of “teamwork” was actually transformed into a need for “networking” with people in North Dakota who understand the things that are so great, here in our state.
What I learned at the conference, I will be using to connect with people in Jamestown. Rather than seeing different businesses as competing with each other, I will view them as partners in the same goal. That goal is to focus on all of the good things about our town (and our state) and help get the word out to others, so they can come see for themselves.
The truth is, no matter where you work, it is in your best interest to highlight all of the positive things about our community. This is where we live. This is where we want people to come visit. And, yes… this is where we want people to spend their money. The more people that are here… either visiting or moving in… the better place it will become for everybody.
Acknowledge the negatives, but highlight the positives. There are definitely more positives than negatives, anyway.
If you would like to connect with me, you can follow me on Twitter @JTownCentral.
