The power of a LinkedIn post - Russell hosts festive gathering in London

Whilst visiting London this December, amidst the train strikes and heavy snow, ever-optimistic Russell Dalgleish put out a LinkedIn post openly inviting people to join him for drinks and conversation. "Nothing formal just a chance to meet some new faces and old friends, share a glass or two and enjoy some festive company. Plenty of subjects for discussion from snow to 'fitba' but also the chance to make some new connections and perhaps turn a challenging week into one of new opportunity. Dress code I suggest is to wrap up very, very warm :)". The response was remarkable with people coming from far and wide to enjoy some festive cheer. Here is Russell's recap of the evening and the original post can be viewed here: Russell Dalgleish - LinkedIn - Festive Gathering

Christmas in London in the age of Social Media

By Russell Dalgleish

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This time of year is rightly famous for parties and fun but with the good help of LinkedIn, I hosted simply the most amazing festive gathering in the city of Dickens tonight.

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Attendees joined us from as far afield as the USA and Jordan, investors mixed with entrepreneurs and marketers and actors added a dash of sparkle to the evening.

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Our guests came simply in response to my LinkedIn post, and overcame arctic weather and transportation chaos to join us in the city for a drink, a laugh and in good Scottish Business Network tradition some world-class "opportunity spotting".

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We shared stories that inspired, experiences that defined us and all delivered heartfelt memories of Scotland.

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"My granny was from Moffat" was one memorable quote topped only by "yes we were on Civtech 6".We heard from those who had lost their countries and those who had chosen the UK as their new home. I was humbled to hear of the challenges overcome and the unbelievably tough decisions made.

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But the memory that will live longest was hearing one young, female entrepreneur, explain her incredible journey to escape Russia and the warmth, support and opportunity she found in Scotland.

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Christmas is definitely a time for stories and the greatest stories to tell are those that formed us.

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My chosen career of "international connector" or "community builder" can for many be hard to qualify but if you were in that room tonight and listened to the collision of ideas occurring perhaps you too would understand.

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Love was definitely in the room tonight and I reckon new connections which will lead to opportunities, projects and perhaps hopefully lasting friendships were created.

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Thank you all.

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- Russell Dalgleish

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