“Being a little bit nicer in each interaction can result in a network of broad and strong connections over time.” - James Clear

The March edition of our newsletter welcomes in a season of renewal and reaffirms our commitment to Connectivity, the core of the OPUS community.

This issue features insightful articles emphasising the significance of connectivity and community support for entrepreneurs on their paths to success, a cornerstone of what OPUS stands for. We spotlight recent community achievements, vibrant events, and insightful OPUS Talks recordings. Plus, we're excited to introduce two new standout members to our family.

 With love,

The OPUS Team

Top Picks: This Month's All About Connectivity

Why Business Relationships are the Key to Successful Growth

- SuperOffice (10 min read)

In the feature from SuperOffice, the spotlight is on the indispensable role of building strong business relationships for achieving growth, a concept closely tied to OPUS's connectivity theme. The article delves into how cultivating positive connections with customers through effective relationship management can dramatically enhance business growth. It illustrates the significance of calculating Return on Relationship (ROR) and employing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to foster loyalty and retention, underscoring the power of connectivity in the business realm. 

Analysing The CEO–CMO Relationship and Its Effect on Growth

- McKinsey & Co (12 min read)

McKinsey's reveals a crucial insight for our theme of connectivity: the dynamic relationship between CEOs and CMOs significantly influences growth. Companies integrating marketing into their strategy often see double the chances of exceeding 5% annual growth. This finding emphasises the power of internal connectivity and strategic collaboration at the leadership level, resonating with OPUS's vision of leveraging interconnectedness for enhanced impact. 

Combating Entrepreneur Loneliness: 10 Actionable Tips

-Shopify Health & Wellness (7 min read)

Shopify's article offers practical advice for entrepreneurs struggling with loneliness, emphasising the importance of community and work-life balance. Tips include finding like-minded individuals, prioritising health, and embracing networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering a supportive environment that resonates with OPUS's vision of connectivity and community support .

OPUS Pulse

Stay up to speed with all that is happening in our community.

SWITCH by OPUS: Our Secret Weapon

Nearly 2 moths after the official launch of our new SWITCH by OPUS App, we've been attentively listening to our members' feedback. In response, we've rolled out new versions with enhanced features, ensuring this app truly becomes the one-stop-shop for everything OPUS!

Let's pause to celebrate and acknowledge the remarkable accomplishments of various members in our community.

Popp AI: Leveraging The OPUS Network for Breakthrough Success

In a striking demonstration of the OPUS effect, four members from three ventures have leveraged the power of collaboration to drive remarkable success. James Cochrane-Dyet  and Sam Dhesi  of Popp AI were introduced to the OPUS network by Saalim Chowdhury , former MD at Techstars and an early backer, alongside Leo Rogers , the innovative Founder of Solace Digital. This leading design agency, known for its expertise in elevating startups, has been instrumental in transforming Popp AI's vision into reality, significantly speeding up the product's development and market entry. This dynamic partnership has not only enabled a swift launch but also facilitated a £1.2M pre-seed investment. With Solace Digital now an essential part of our team, their unparalleled design and development support continues to drive our growth.

Holly Simmons: Recognised Finalist in the SeedLegals Startup Awards

We are delighted to spotlight Holly Simmons  for her exceptional achievements, landing her as a finalist in the 'Young Trailblazer' category of the SeedLegals Startup Awards. Holly's significant contributions to Niya  have set her apart as one of the top three founders under 25, showcasing her extraordinary leadership and impact. We are proud of you, Holly!

Michael Blakely & Martin Mason: Champions of Inclusive Interviewing

Michael Blakely  and Martin Mason  are at the forefront of advocating for a more inclusive and fair interview process. Their recent webinar proved to be a treasure trove of insights for enhancing interviewing skills with a focus on equality and fairness. This collaboration exemplified the strength of shared knowledge within our community and a commitment to improving professional practices. Those who caught their session on the 28th of February had the opportunity to deep dive into inclusive interviewing practices. Well done Michael and Martin!

 

Moe Hanafy & Alan Furley: Enhancing Startup Hiring Practices

In a compelling episode of the Good For Profit podcast, Moe Hanafy  joins forces with Alan Furley  to shed light on effective strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. This partnership highlights the crucial role of strategic people management in the success of a startup. Through a candid discussion about lessons learned and expert insights, they offer a guide to transforming hiring processes and building a positive workplace culture. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on elevating hiring and team development strategies - give it a listen here.  

 

Gary Izunwa: Recognised for Shaping the Future of Work

Gary 's inclusion in the 2024 Pioneer Awards by Flexa is a notable recognition of his efforts towards creating a more inclusive, flexible, and people-centric work environment. Celebrated for his initiatives in promoting social mobility and tackling socioeconomic disparities, Gary's work is paving the way for more equitable corporate practices. His dedication to driving awareness and change through Tangent is making a significant impact on the corporate landscape, inspiring a brighter future for work culture.

Latest Events: Our monthly breakfast with George Kruis and the fourfive team featured productivity-boosting gifts for members. We also enjoyed an OPUS Talks Workshop on AI Essentials by General Purpose , and early access to the 'Future is Female' exhibition.

Discover the expertise and 'superpowers' of OPUS members Onyinye Udokporo and Zubair Junjunia in our OPUS Talks series. Their insightful sessions, brimming with knowledge and passion, are a must-watch for our community. Tune into our social channels for a sneak peek of their talks!

New Member Spotlights

Let's pause to to extend a warm welcome and acknowledge some of the newest members in our community.

An OPUS Member...

Is an entrepreneur, a leader, a founder, a builder.

Believes in the power of serendipity.

Is bold and ambitious.

Has grit,

Is driven to build something new.

Is energetic,

Has disruptive ideas,

Wants to challenge themselves.

Is hungry to learn and curious about the world.

Is generous with their time and ideas,

Is striving for change and wants to make things better.

Join The Waitlist

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