In Pursuit of Intimacy..

In an age where our social network sizes are often compared to small nations, we find ourselves paradoxically disconnected. On platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook, the sheer volume of connections can dilute the very essence of what it means to connect. I have 27,000 first-level connections on LinkedIn. But, let me confess; I do not know most of them.

The value of relationships on big social networks is diluting. The attempt to reach out directly often hits the wall of non-recognition, a silent acknowledgment that while someone may be a 'friend' on Facebook, they are a stranger in essence. The platforms that promised global connectivity have inadvertently engineered a paradox of isolation. 

Let’s accept; there’s a cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable relationships. These platforms have long ago surpassed that threshold, rendering the idea of a close network obsolete. The result is a noisy marketplace where almost everyone is selling something.  It’s hard to trust anyone if you do not know them personally.

As these networks turn into broadcast platforms, the original intent of fostering relationships has been overshadowed. Personal milestones compete with ads, and genuine updates are lost among self-projection propaganda. The platforms have become a megaphone for companies, and the quiet voice of real relationship-building is drowned out.

There's a growing need for niche networks where a sense of belonging and intimacy can prevail. In these smaller communities, faces are familiar, and names are known. They offer a feeling of warmth and personal touch that big networks cannot.

Digital communication is convenient, but it lacks the vibrant energy of an in-person interaction. A handshake, a shared laugh, the subtle communication of body language; these are the fibers of social bonding that screens and keyboards cannot replicate. The human desire to socialize is only truly fulfilled in the company of others, not in the virtual meeting rooms.

The virtual connections can best serve as a safety net, a repository of potential contacts. However, a smaller, closely-knit group provides a sense of connection. A few hundred meaningful relationships from school, work, or professional affiliations can yield more strength and opportunities than tens of thousands of shallow contacts online.

 Several niche community networks are gaining popularity as individuals and professionals seek more meaningful connections and specialized content. Here are a few examples:

Circle: Circle provides a space to start and grow a community with a focus on deeper engagement.

Guild: Guild is a platform for creating private, GDPR-compliant communities. It’s a space for professional networking and thought leadership, without the noise of larger networks.

Doximity: A professional network for U.S. healthcare professionals.

Mumsnet: A forum for parents in the UK to discuss everything from pregnancy to childrearing, offering support and advice on a wide range of parenting topics.

ResearchGate: A network for researchers and scientists where they can share papers, ask and answer questions, and find collaborators.

 In 2012, anticipating the future of social media trends, I founded MECA CFO Group in Dubai and Riyadh. At that time, the networking opportunities for finance professionals were mainly limited to the platforms created based on their professional institute's affiliation. MECA provided a common platform for all finance professionals irrespective of their professional affiliation.

 Since 2012, MECA CFO Group has conducted 15 major CFO conferences in the Middle East and New York besides hundreds of virtual events and an ongoing flow of strategy and leadership programs aimed to help develop aspiring CFOs. The group has now expanded to 40,000 followers around the world comprising of CFOs and other senior Finance Professionals. 

We believe in personal connections built on strong relationships. Our in-person events provide the platform to initiate such connections and build into compelling close relationships.

Our next MECA CFO Summit 2023 is scheduled on 3rd December 2023 in Dubai. If you are a senior finance professional (Manager & and above), please accept my invitation to join us at this event organized by MECA Alumni Group. You can check the full event details here: MECA CFO SUMMIT 2023

To appreciate your willingness to become part of our global community of strategic finance professionals, I offer you a welcome discount of 20%. Use the coupon code EARLYBIRD20 on the checkout page. This will reduce the ticket price to $156 only.

For those facing hardship to pay this amount but still keen to join the event, we have reserved a few seats as complimentary. Please fill out this form to REQUEST FOR INVITATION and someone from our team will get back to you. 

I hope you can join. Looking forward to meeting you at the event.