Before you start looking for potential collaborators and networks, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you need from others. Do you want to conduct a joint research project, publish a paper, apply for a grant, organize an event, or exchange best practices? Do you need specific expertise, data, resources, or feedback? Having a well-defined purpose and scope for your collaboration and networking will help you narrow down your options and target the most relevant and suitable people and groups.
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I agree that having a well-defined purpose and scope for what you want to do is important, but it is also important to understand and accept that the goal is seldom to impose a preconceived idea as a solution that then needs to be justified by the process. Most often it is the process itself and the collaboration with others that will reshape the purpose and scope to be better targeted. Too often, the tendency is to seek collaborators who already agree with your opinions. Sometimes the best work comes from intentionally inviting others into the process who have a different perspective. If you ideas are too fragile to survive being tested by someone with a different opinion, it is likely that that they are incomplete.
The internet offers a wealth of opportunities to connect and communicate with other urban regeneration scholars and practitioners across the world. You can use online platforms and tools such as social media, blogs, podcasts, webinars, newsletters, forums, and databases to find and follow people and organizations that work on urban regeneration topics that interest you. You can also use these platforms and tools to share your own work, insights, and opinions, and to engage with others through comments, questions, and discussions. Online platforms and tools can also help you collaborate and network more effectively by facilitating information sharing, project management, and coordination.
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There are benefits to the almost instant ability to share information and create open discussions that engage participation, but there is a risk intrinsic to communication that depends upon people typing at each other. Without the ability to see the other person's face while they are "talking", there is a risk of miscommunication. Sarcasim in tone is not captured in typing. Sharing may be enhanced by social media, but care must be taken to avoid misunderstandings. It is important to understand that you do not control the audience to what you put into print. Something that may be amusing between friends in a group may be anything but, when read by someone not in the group. And the fact that it can live forever should give pause to anger.
Another way to collaborate and network with other urban regeneration scholars and practitioners is to join existing networks and communities that focus on your field or subfield. These can be formal or informal, local or global, academic or professional, or a combination of these. Some examples of urban regeneration networks and communities are the International Urban Regeneration Association, the Urban Land Institute, the Urban Studies Foundation, and the Urban Regeneration Network. By joining these networks and communities, you can access valuable resources, opportunities, and contacts, as well as participate in events, activities, and initiatives that support your learning and development.
If you cannot find an existing network or community that meets your needs and interests, you can also create your own network or community with other urban regeneration scholars and practitioners who share your vision and goals. You can start by reaching out to people you already know or have met through your work or studies, and then expand your network or community by inviting others who might be interested or relevant. You can use online platforms and tools to create and manage your network or community, as well as to communicate and collaborate with your members. You can also organize your own events, activities, and initiatives to showcase your work, exchange ideas, and foster relationships.
While online platforms and tools can be very useful and convenient for collaboration and networking, they cannot replace the value and impact of face-to-face interactions. Therefore, you should also attend offline events and activities that relate to urban regeneration, such as conferences, workshops, seminars, courses, field trips, exhibitions, and festivals. These events and activities can help you learn new skills and knowledge, meet new people and organizations, and establish or strengthen your connections and collaborations. You can also use these events and activities to present your work, seek feedback, and generate interest and support.
Finally, after you have established contact and collaboration with other urban regeneration scholars and practitioners, you should follow up and maintain contact with them regularly. You can do this by sending thank-you notes, sharing updates, asking questions, offering help, providing feedback, acknowledging contributions, and celebrating achievements. You can also use online platforms and tools to stay in touch and continue your collaboration and networking. By following up and maintaining contact, you can show your appreciation and professionalism, build trust and rapport, and create long-term and mutually beneficial relationships.
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