Unveiling the Power of Connections & Support in the SME World at the Business Show Asia 2024

On August 28, 2024, at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Nick Jonsson delivered a compelling keynote at the Business Show Asia titled “Connections & Support: The Key to Success in the SME World.” In this talk, Nick delved into the critical role that authentic professional relationships and strong support systems play in the success of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

 Building Authentic Connections for Success

 Nick began by emphasizing the importance of building genuine, meaningful connections. He highlighted that in today’s competitive business landscape, the quality of our relationships can often be the deciding factor between success and failure. Authenticity, according to Nick, is the cornerstone of these relationships, which must be nurtured over time to foster both professional and personal growth.

The Power of Safe Spaces

A significant portion of Nick’s keynote was dedicated to the concept of safe spaces—environments where individuals can be vulnerable and receive the support they need. He explained that these safe spaces are crucial for personal and professional development and categorized them into two main areas:

 Personal Safe Spaces:

• One-on-One Relationships:
    - Family & Friends
    - Life, Health, and Relationship Coache
  - Mentors
  - Therapists, Counselors, Psychologists, Doctors
  - Helplines / Hotlines

• Group Environments:
    - Women’s / Men’s Groups
    - Religious or Spiritual Communities
    - Online Communities
    - Recovery / Support Groups (Sobriety, Grief)
    - Sports Groups / Clubs

• Professional Safe Spaces:
  - Internal Resources:
  - Colleagues
  - Mentorship Programs
  - Career Coaches / Leadership Coaches
  - Human Resources (HR) Departments

• External Resources:
  - Executive and Life Coaches
  - Mentors
  - Professional Associations (Industry-Specific)
  - Mastermind Groups
  - Peer Groups

Nick stressed the importance of fostering these safe spaces in professional settings. He encouraged leaders to cultivate environments where vulnerability is welcomed, leading to stronger teams and more resilient organizations.

Insights from Leading Experts

During his keynote, Nick also referenced insights from leading experts in the field of professional relationships. He spoke about Andy Lopata, a renowned Professional Relationships expert in the UK, recommending his book Just Ask as an essential read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of how to effectively leverage relationships and connections. Additionally, Nick recommended The Art and Science of Connection by Kasley Killam, a recent book that delves into the concept of social health and the importance of human connections.

Nick also shared insights from his own best-selling book, *Executive Loneliness,* discussing how leaders can overcome the often-overlooked isolation that comes with high-level executive roles. His personal journey and practical advice resonated with the audience, offering them tools to better manage loneliness and build stronger support networks.

Taking Off the Mask: The Power of Vulnerability

One of the key moments in Nick’s talk was his emphasis on “Taking Off the Mask.” He explained that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, especially in the SME world, where deeper connections and meaningful collaborations are vital. Nick challenged the audience to reflect on how much time they invest daily in their relationships and to assess the quality of those interactions.

A Call to Action for SMEs

In his closing remarks, Nick issued a powerful call to action for SME leaders and business owners:

- Actively Seek Out and Strategically Nurture Your Networks: Building and maintaining strong networks requires intentional effort and a proactive approach.

- Build Authentic New Relationships in Both Personal & Professional Safe Spaces: Enriching your network across all areas of life creates a well-rounded support system.

- Practice Your Vulnerability Muscles with All Interactions: Embracing vulnerability in every interaction fosters trust and builds deeper connections, essential for sustained success.

Nick Jonsson’s keynote was more than just a talk; it was a comprehensive guide for SMEs looking to thrive in today’s challenging business environment. His insights into the power of connections, support, and vulnerability, coupled with recommendations from leading experts and his own experiences, left the audience inspired to build stronger, more authentic relationships that drive both business and personal success.