The ROI of Community

Since joining the Austin Technology Council, I have had the pleasure to talk one-to-one with 100+ CEOs and other business leaders to discuss Austin and the future of our tech ecosystem. We are a very fortunate community, in that we have a plethora of visionary leaders who care deeply about our region, the people who live here, and everything regarding cutting edge technology.

In these conversations I often ask about the “ROI of Community” and what that means to them and their company. Most are deeply committed to making Austin even better tomorrow than it is today (and it is pretty great).

There are lots of points of view about the “ROI of Community”, but our region is filled with people who care deeply and want to see Austin thrive. I believe that we all need to find a way to add to the greater good and set Austin what is next.

The Austin Technology Council is looking to help all tech companies in our region find their paths to continued success. We are a community organization and we are looking for the best ways to serve all constituencies.  As the ATC looks to grow, expand, and change as we look toward the next decade – our organization needs to get back to the grassroots beginnings of tech leaders sharing ideas. This is where we need you and the leaders in your company. Without the enthusiastic sharing of voices, Austin cannot stay ready for the future. We need you!

Supporting your community (through ATC or in many other ways) can bring a range of benefits to a company and the individual employees. Engaged companies stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, regulations and best practices, which can help them to make informed business decisions and remain competitive.

Additionally, participating in community events provides valuable networking opportunities, allowing people to connect with other industry professionals and build valuable relationships. Human connections are the secret weapon to business success.

ATC can help companies to increase their visibility and establish themselves as leaders in the community. By participating in events, committees, the podcast, and our think-tank style leadership conversations, members can showcase their thought leadership and inspire others.

Supporting ATC (and other community groups) can provide a range of benefits to a company and help to enhance its reputation and success within its industry. By participating in business associations, companies can gain valuable knowledge and connections, increase their visibility, and establish themselves as leaders in their field.

There is a reason that over fifty cities and regions around North America have active technology councils. When a community comes together for the common good, the community will find more success than if the leaders are in silos or working separately. ATC is currently partnering with several of these groups in other cities to find best practices, share resources, and to introduce our members to peers across the United States and beyond.

It is through community, collaboration, and conversations that we can come together to create roadmaps for a sustainable business environment in Austin.

We invite you to help us recruit the most active leaders in our area to lend their voice to shaping the future. Are you the missing link for explosive growth for our community? We want to hear from you.

Have a great weekend.

Thom Singer

CEO – Austin Technology Council