Beyond Malls: The secret to vibrancy and success | Alissa Adams | TEDxFargo | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Focusing on community energy rather than solely pursuing financial growth can lead to success and vibrancy in any setting.

Key Insights

• ❓ Energy is essential for growth and success, both personally and professionally.
• 👨‍💼 Community energy, focusing on people, art, creativity, and intentional work, is vital for the success and vibrancy of malls and other businesses.
• 🥺 Investing in community energy during challenging times can lead to unexpected successes and record-breaking achievements.
• ⛔ Community energy is not limited to a specific industry; it applies to all sectors, creating a sense of belonging and purpose for customers and employees.
• 💪 By embracing community energy, businesses can differentiate themselves, attract customers, and build stronger partnerships.
• 💍 Individuals can contribute to community energy by actively engaging with their local communities.
• 🤗 Prioritizing community energy can lead to a larger purpose and open doors to new possibilities.

Transcript

energy you get out what you put into it it's true in life and it's true in your work as well but what so easily happens in life both personally and professionally is we go on autopilot we lose sight of the things that make us unique the things that keep us moving forward we cruise and that works for a while until it doesn't because disruption and c... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How did West Acres differentiate itself from other malls and overcome challenges?

West Acres differentiated itself by putting a deep focus on community energy, embracing art installations, partnering with local artists, and providing unique experiences. They didn't cut back during difficult times and instead doubled down on investing in community and the customer experience.

Q: Why is community energy important for businesses?

Community energy fosters connection, engagement, and loyalty. By focusing on the community, businesses can create a vibrant environment that attracts customers and enhances their sense of belonging. It also opens doors to new partnerships and unexpected successes.

Q: Can community energy be applied to industries other than retail?

Absolutely. Community energy is applicable to any industry. By focusing on community, businesses in any sector, from technology to healthcare, can create a positive impact beyond themselves and foster a sense of belonging and purpose among their customers and employees.

Q: How can individuals contribute to community energy in their daily lives?

Individuals can contribute to community energy by actively participating in local initiatives, supporting local businesses, volunteering, and engaging with their communities. They can also bring community-focused values into their personal and professional lives, making a positive impact on those around them.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Many malls have lost sight of the sense of community and gathering space that made them successful from the start.

• West Acres, a local shopping center in Fargo, has prioritized community energy and maintained its success by focusing on people, art, creativity, and a deeper purpose beyond financial growth.

• Despite facing challenges, such as the "retail apocalypse" in 2017 and the uncertainties of 2020, West Acres doubled down on investing in community, partnerships, and collaborations, leading to record-breaking success.