3 Things That Suck About Orange County

If you know me, you know that I’m not a fan of negativity, naysayer’s and pessimists (I’ve worked with my fair share of them and they are toxic.)

I like to do stuff that matters. When people tell me it can’t be done or I’m crazy, I know I’m onto something good…

Instead of focus on what’s wrong with Orange County, Let’s talk about solutions to things that prevent you and me from doing (more) business in Orange County and with each other:

Problem: There’s NO community or collaboration in Orange County…

Some say: “Newport Beach thinks it has more class than Huntington Beach…It’s too dangerous to drive thru Santa Ana…Costa Mesa is played out…I refuse to drive on the 22 or 57 frwy…It takes an hour just to get to Timbuktu (aka North Orange County…)”

Fact or fiction, the truth is we’re splintered into pocket bedroom communities with unique subcultures so it’s hard to unite as “one Orange County.”

But I believe it can be done…

Our monthly meet ups are designed to bring us together in person, not virtually or hiding behind some online avatar…
http://linkedoc.com/events/

True story…

I founded Linked OC ( http://LinkedOC.com ) because I was frustrated with the lack of community, old school networking, politics and self-serving Chambers and professional organizations that had become complacent and weren’t delivering on their promises.

At first I didn’t know exactly what I was doing, I just knew something had to be done. No one else seemed willing or interested in sticking their neck out so I decided to do something about it.

I have truly been stunned by the rapid growth of Linked Orange County (15,000+ members in 2 years) from those humble days when I felt like I was doing this alone.

The real credit belongs to so many of you who have jumped in and grabbed an oar with such willingness and helped row the boat to amazing destinations.

If you’re not on board yet, you’re invited to join us here:
http://linkedoc.com/become-a-member/

Problem: Everyone ONLY cares about themselves…

Yes, and this should come as no surprise because we continue exacerbate the problem when all we do is show up to an event http://danielpink.eventbrite.com/ and pitch.

No wonder no one cares about your (stupid) idea…Everyone’s talking and no one is listening. Are you friends long with the person who won’t shut up?

What if we all came to these events to make friends? Don’t you do business with people you know, like and trust?

What if you didn’t try and attend 20 different groups, but focus on one or two with the best people, delivered the most value and return on your investment of time and money?

“But I haven’t found any new clients at Linked OC…”

What if you tried a little harder? Are you hoping to close your eyes, put out your hands and for opportunity to land on you?

Are you looking for ROI in 20 minutes? I’ve had it happen in 5 minutes but it’s more often a product of “you get what you give.”

What if you just committed and showed up? You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take…

Problem: There’s NO start-up community or INNOVATION in OC…

There are a few people out there taking risks and trying new things, but too many of us are hiding. I do understand how scary it is out there. After all, I created my start-up in 2008 ( http://thegoodbrain.com ), arguably the 2nd worst timing in the history of the economy.

But we need to support and encourage new start-ups. We need to make trying new things and failing acceptable-as long as we fail fast, fix it or try something new. Why is there such a stigma to trying new things?

I like what Seth Godin said about this: watch the video here: [http://youtu.be/JecJzrIfdHg ]

We can make a difference in Orange County and do more business if we pull together. We don’t need a million members, just the right number of people who care.

Are you in?