In the modern business landscape, the ‘Opportunity Economy’ isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a framework for how we create success platforms for others. Whether through business meetups, workshops, conferences or festivals, the goal is to bring like-minded individuals together to foster inspiration, education & growth.
In this recent video interview, Kunle Durojaye (Founder, The WAM Institute) & Paul Lancaster (Founder & Event Producer, PLATFORM | UK Startup & Scaleup Week) discuss what it truly takes to build a thriving business ecosystem in your town or city.
1. Curating for Impact, Not Just Prestige
Paul says that when selecting speakers for an event, the biggest name isn’t always the right choice. While celebrity speakers can grab headlines, the true value lies in ‘talent spotting’ – finding the lesser known experts & rising stars who have the power to educate & inspire.
- Regional Focus: Highlighting local talent shines a light on innovative businesses that might otherwise lack visibility.
- The ‘Wow’ Factor: Sometimes, you are ahead of the curve. Introducing an audience to an incredible speaker before they become a household name creates super-fans & leaves a lasting impact.
2. The Balancing Act: Accessibility vs. Sustainability
Every event organiser faces the free vs. paid dilemma. The key to maintaining both impact & profit lies in your business model:
- The Sponsor-Led Model: By securing exclusive category sponsors (e.g., one accounting firm, one HR firm, one marketing agency), Paul can keep his monthly, half-day PLATFORM events free to attend. Sponsors pay for the association & the opportunity to be in front of an engaged audience all year-round, both in-person & online, which enables more people to benefit from the network & knowledge that is being shared.
- Accessibility Matters: When events are priced too high, you risk alienating the very people who need that advice & support most. Keeping barriers to entry low ensures a full room vibe, which is vital for both the energy of the event & the audience that the sponsors want.
3. The Power of In-Person Credibility
In an era increasingly dominated by AI & digital communication, the value of in-person connection is at a premium.
- Trust as Currency: Online messages are easily faked or automated. Nothing beats the credibility gained by meeting someone in person, looking them in the eye & feeling their energy & vibe.
- The ‘PLATFORM’ Effect: When you give someone the opportunity to speak at a highly-regarded event (like Paul’s PLATFORM events or UK Startup & Scaleup Week festival), you provide them with instant credibility. Attendees know that if the event organiser chooses the speaker, they are worth listening to.
4. Networking: Stop Asking for ‘Marriage’ on the First Date
A common mistake people make at networking events is attempting to force a quick sale the moment they meet someone.
- Focus on Rapport: Networking is about building friendships, trust & rapport. Treat it like a conversation, not a transaction.
- The Art of Follow-Up: Relationships often crumble because of a lack of consistency. The secret is making it incredibly easy for people to connect & follow up. Don’t just suggest a meeting sometime in the future; provide a link to book a video call directly at a time that’s mutually convenient. By removing friction, you significantly increase the chances of turning a connection into a collaboration.
5. Entrepreneurial Persistence & Partnerships
Paul believes that building a business is an ‘infinite game’, not a sprint to a single finish line.
- Learning on the Job: You don’t need all the answers before you start. The most successful founders are those who are willing to continually experiment, iterate & learn.
- Find Your Complement: Bringing in the right partner can change everything. Look for someone who fills your gaps (e.g. if you are the soft-sell, marketing & community person, find someone who excels at sales, commercial deals & operations).
- “Shy Bairns Get Nowt”: A classic phrase & words of advice from the North East of England which means if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Whether it’s reaching out to an event organiser about being a potential speaker, making a phone call, requesting a follow up meeting or pitching to an investor, you have to be willing to put yourself out there & not expect things to come to you.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, Paul believes that success comes down to staying consistent & not giving up too soon. Like the legendary James Dyson, who famously went through over 5,000 prototypes before succeeding, the entrepreneurs who win are the ones who treat every setback as an experiment.
Stay focused on your “why,” surround yourself with a supportive network & never be afraid to change your mind if it helps you move toward a better reality.
If you’d like to know more about Paul’s events, business growth mentoring & investment support services, visit https://platformevents.ai & Follow him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/paullancasteruk
(You can also watch more interviews on our YouTube Channel & listen on the SuperConnector Show podcast).
