This week, we are learning from a mistake.
From today, HK heartbeat is developing into a private network.
I started HK heartbeat in 2001 when it was difficult to meet people with whom we could have real conversations. My idea was to connect people I met in the real world so we could support each other. I hacked technology and taught myself new skills along the way so we could stay connected and share with each other.
Over the years, I was seduced by social media and the idea of marketing by numbers and I caved to the belief that businesses would not invest in my niche market because it was too small. Before I realized the actual cost of giving without receiving, I often published ads, paid or not, out of my desire to include useful information I knew would be appreciated. I worked for free to grow the numbers even while I trusted the quality of my own local network.
The time has come to return to our roots (before social media) and let go of the idea that we need to reach everyone and include everything.
A new trend is emerging as more people avoid or leave social media. Forward-thinking companies who recognize the importance of engaging with loyal customers are beginning to invest in authentic, content marketing solutions.
The network has grown steadily and quietly and now I have decided to re-focus my outward attention inward.
Membership is now available by invitation and members are welcome to invite trusted connections into our private social network.
I am choosing sustainability for our community.
In our world of social enterprise, corporate responsibility, healthy living and conscious choices, we share a passion for sustainable decisions.
Our members are savvy to fear-based hype and green washing.
We will continue to create and curate and connect and collaborate and share. We will support individuals with an emphasis on privacy and promote businesses who share our values and appreciate our hand-crafted services. We will share our insights and content with the public and raise awareness about the exciting positive changes our members are contributing to our world.
Eventually, we will develop the technology to manage a payment system so we can offer levels of personal membership to suit your interests and tastes. In the meantime, I welcome your contribution in exchange for the value you have already received.
With a grand vision to change the world, many of us choose serving others over helping ourselves, worried about being judged selfish or greedy or commercial, words used to describe harmful corporate practices prioritizing the bottom line over everything else.
Doing too much for too little for too many for too long is as unsustainable in the business world as it is in our personal life. Ask any mother and she will tell you her children suffer when she does not receive the essential support she requires.
I have watched time and again as a spark of enthusiasm ignites a new business fueled by passion that quickly burns out in the face of our current reality. The vast majority of people choosing to live as consumers are just not ready to trade in today’s convenience for other options with a positive impact on tomorrow.
Personal passion can fuel growth but it cannot be converted directly into cash for the supermarket or the utilities company or the landlord. Some of us have a greater ability to do more with less, stretching time and resources with maximum creativity, innovation and stamina. But, we must meet our basic human needs before we can serve others.
When we serve without asking for an exchange, we teach people it’s okay take without giving in return. We feel good about ourselves when we help others, even when they have not asked for our help, because we are making our world a better place. We pay the price of working to change the world at the expense of our own needs.
Our community knows this all too well, especially at a time when personal privacy is easily exchanged for free technology. We cause confusion when we begin asking for a fee from those who have happily received services they love at no cost.
But, there comes a breaking point and something needs to change in order to continue. We learn to trust our own intuition and make the difficult decision. Many of us wait until we have passed that point before reaching out for help. The trouble with waiting too long is that ‘no’ becomes very painful to hear and the silence of ‘no reply’ is deafening. Business rejection becomes a personal hurt.
Miracles happen but only when we learn to ask for what we need from those who want to support us.
I am taking this risk to share openly so anyone with new ideas and fresh energy can learn from my mistakes.
What price do you put on lessons learned?
Naturally,
Founder & Publisher
www.heartbeat.com.hk
natural life in the fast lane
Everything is connected.
Listen to your own heartbeat.
“Wikis and social networking are just tools.” Jimmy Wales
Community Events in Hong Kong this week
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17 (7pm) Films 4 Change | details
18 (7:15pm) Ride of Silence Hong Kong 2016 | details
19 (9am-12:40pm) Walk21HK Public Forum | details
19 (12:30-1:30pm) Design for Social Change | details
19 (6:30-8pm) The Art of Choosing | details
19-21 Ontological Coaching | details
20 (12-1:45pm) Taking CSR to the Next Level | details
21 (10am–4pm) 2047 Vision for Hong Kong | details
21 (2-5pm) Coastal Watch Ocean Seminar | details
21 (3-5pm) Urban Farming Workshop | details
21 (3:30-5pm) Soul Sustenance | details
21 (6-9:30pm) Starry Night Run for Change | details
21 (6-7:30pm) Full Moon Gong Meditation | details
21-22 Yoga Workshops with Gokulacandra | details
22 (2:30-4:30pm) Meatfree Meetup at Pure Veggie House | details
23 (9am-1pm) Community First Aid Course | details
24 (10:30am-12:30pm) Stretching Asuke Exercise Workshop | details
More: visit the May calendar
Coming up …
events
More: visit the 2016 calendar
Schedules often change without notice — contact organizers to confirm details.
Meet our New Business Members
Please extend a warm heartbeat welcome to our new members.
The Maya Institute – Dr Sonal Hattangdi-Haridas, Homeopathic Physician > details
Rhoda Choi – Hypnotherapist – addressing self-confidence, stress and sleep > details
Angela Hancock – Health and Wellness Coach – organic nutritional program > details
- Visit our Member Directory for more business profiles.
- Visit the website directory for everything natural in Hong Kong.
- Our Natural Concierge can help you find what your looking for.
- Register for a listing to include your details on the directory.
Fresh content and connections for conscious everyday choices since 2001
Hong Kong’s only natural network connects individuals, businesses and organizations, shares fresh content and authentic connections for clean, green, healthy living products, services and programs. With everything from acupuncture to zero-waste solutions, our members have everything you’re looking for — even when you’re not sure what you’re looking for — chemical-free health and beauty, lifestyle services, whole food, sustainable fashion, eco-style, green gadgets and more … naturally.
Photo by Kinzie
