Over the past year or so, I have often used a fictional scenario to explain why and how the International Disaster Response Network will work to highlight best practices as we are reshaping IDRN to have new priorities. This fictional scenario starts with the idea of four or five different groups independently distributing food in a disaster situation. The example offered is that of the groups distributing the food, it’s likely that some are doing a better job than others… noting that when it’s done poorly, it’s possible that a riot can emerge. With pointing that out, the idea is...

I’m in the midst of a season of travel with Birmingham (two weeks ago), London (last week), Miami (next week), Turkey (mid-March). Expanding the visibility of IDRN through direct connections and networking conferences is a very different proposition than is general mass marketing. There will be a time for that, but please hear my thoughts on why that’s not the way to re-launch this network. First-hand connections and introductions are preferred, even though they do take more time and effort. The quality makes the difference and will translate into a more valuable network. When you ponder how this works, make sure...