This past week I was poignantly reminded of why I’m on social media in the first place.
You put a signal out there through the things you share. Then you connect and maybe message back and forth with people who care. Over time that builds a kind of relationship. But it’s the real-life interaction, face to face, that creates the magic, the fulfillment, and the unexpected friendship and camaraderie – the true value we’re all looking for.
Social media is an invitation to real relationship. Not a substitute for it.
I just got home from Columbia, Missouri, where I attended Main Street Summit & Capital Camp for the first time.
Let me tell you about it.
Over 1,200 founders, investors, artists, athletes flew in from all over the country for this 3-day event. As a hospitality nerd, I couldn’t help but marvel at the orchestration of every detail and the genuine warmth radiating through every person. I’ve spoken at a dozen events this year alone, and this one was hands-down my favorite.
The talks were incredible. Actionable, from-the-trenches business insights mixed with faith-filled admonitions about what really matters (Tim Tebow made me want to jump through a wall). I gave a couple talks on hospitality, building beautiful spaces, and being an artist with your work. Sessions were spread across cinemas, theaters, coffee shops, and university lecture halls throughout the gorgeous downtown. Plenty of walking & talking in the crisp fall air.
Columbia itself was stunning – a perfect frame-breaker for anyone who thinks the Midwest is boring. (Let me repeat what I’ve said so many times before: Rural America is a goldmine of untapped beauty and untold stories. We should be building cool stuff here – and redeeming old stuff – not despite the location, but because of it).
But it was bumping into strangers and friends alike, and getting lost in both business-building and deep, soul-nourishing conversations that impacted me most.
takeaways
Here are a few distilled insights I came away with from the whole experience:
- People crave real connection like never before. Build accordingly.
- In the age of AI, the pendulum is swinging hard towards analog, simple, human (obviously a core premise of my work – more on this in upcoming letters).
- Companies should be media first (trust at scale), product second.
- Happiness is all about expectations. Know what is “enough.”
- Taste is everything, and it’s not about personal preference. It’s about understanding the underlying truths of beauty. Acquire good taste, acquire good judgement. (Kristian’s incredible talk reinforced so many beliefs I hold dearly).
Thanks Clayton, Brent, and team for an unforgettable event. I can’t wait to be back.
Tomorrow I’m off to New Zealand for a micro-resort charrette and consultation. Then finally home until Christmas.
Speaking of events, we’re now in full-swing prep for our biggest event of the year: the Homestead Fair here in Waco over Thanksgiving weekend. We have an incredible lineup of talks on intentional community, craft, and sustainable living (I’ll be giving one with my siblings on family entrepreneurship and education). Plenty of fantastic food, hands-on experiences, and concerts filled with beautiful, wholesome music. I’ll also be giving orchard tours for those interested. We’ve had up to 20,000 folks in previous years – and there’s a reason for that 🙂
You don’t want to miss it, but if you must, consider coming either of the two following Saturdays for Christmas markets, festivities, and an evening concert. Let me know if you’re coming, and I’d love to see you!
