The Power of a Community Vertical
In every thriving community, there is a focal point—a "vertical" that defines its identity, drives its economy, and shapes its future. This vertical could be an industry, a cause, or a shared vision that unites people and resources toward common goals. But identifying a community vertical is not just about economic development; it's about creating a sense of purpose and direction that can galvanize your community, attract new opportunities, and ensure long-term resilience.
This is a call to action. Whether you’re a community leader, business owner, or active resident, it’s time to think critically about what makes your community unique and how you can leverage that uniqueness to build a strong, flourishing, and sustainable future.
A vertical serves as the foundation of a community’s identity. It provides focus and clarity, helping to align efforts across sectors and disciplines. When a community identifies its vertical, it sets the stage for coordinated action, allowing for the pooling of resources, talents, and ideas.
Without a clear vertical, a community can struggle with direction. Efforts become fragmented, resources spread too thin, and potential opportunities are missed. Conversely, when a community rallies around a shared vertical, it creates a powerful gravitational pull, attracting talent, investment, and innovation. But identifying a vertical is just the first step. The real work lies in building around it, engaging the community, and turning that vertical into a driving force for growth and development.
Some Questions to Take Back to Your Team
As you consider a potential vertical for your community, here are some working questions you can take back to your team. These questions are designed to spark discussion, generate ideas, and help you move from concept to action:
1. What Makes Our Community Unique?
- What industries, traditions, or cultural assets are already strong in our community?
- What are our community’s historical strengths, and how can we build on them?
- What are the untapped resources or opportunities that we can leverage?
2. What Are Our Shared Values and Aspirations?
- What do our community members care about most? What values unite us?
- How can our vertical reflect these values and aspirations?
-When is a time that our community rallied together…and what was it around?
3. Who Are Our Stakeholders? (hint…everyone…you should be asking everyone from the mayor to the local dentist to the grocery store clerk to the Superintendent of Schools)
- How can we engage local businesses, educational institutions, and civic organizations?
- Who can be champions of this vertical, helping to drive its growth?
Identifying and building a community vertical is a journey that requires commitment, collaboration, and creativity. But the rewards are worth the effort. A strong vertical not only drives economic growth but also fosters a sense of pride, unity, and resilience within the community to help it flourish.
Gather your team, ask the questions, and start the process of identifying your community’s vertical. Remember, this is not just about choosing an industry or focus area; it’s about defining the future of your community. With a clear vertical, your community can attract new opportunities, retain talent, focus on workforce skills training, and create a lasting legacy of growth and prosperity.
If you’re having trouble setting aside the human resources to do this or you have a vertical and don’t know how to build on it for your community, reach out. We’ll help you set a plan in action.
info@innovationcollective.co