Description

In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie speaks with Bob Dalton about the power of neighbor-to-neighbor connections, community building, and mission-driven entrepreneurship in the digital age. They explore how fragmented local digital spaces can be transformed into meaningful micro-communities rooted in real-world interaction. Bob shares his journey creating LOCL, a social network that amplifies IRL human connection, prioritizing people over profit, and creating movements through moments with groups and gatherings.

Key Takeaways:

• Check out LOCL, the digital platform Bob created, that uses tech to get people together in person, weaving a social framework based on geography, trust, and shared interests
• Local digital platforms often fail because they’re fragmented and impersonal. Building stronger, interest-based micro-communities can make online engagement more meaningful. True innovation mirrors real-world connection.
• Mission-driven entrepreneurship prioritizes people over profit and fosters long-term impact. Transparent career growth and flexible work environments nurture genuine development. Meaningful change begins with aligned values.
• Technology should deepen human connection. Local, bottom-up solutions work best when they understand real community needs. When platforms focus on people, social impact follows naturally.
• The best ventures start with personal passion and evolve through listening to communities. Entrepreneurs must be adaptable and purpose-driven. Every successful product carries the heart of a movement.
• Empowering teams and honoring dynamic career paths creates sustainable growth. Great leaders design environments where people thrive together. The goal isn’t just efficiency, it’s shared human connection.

"Community will be more important than content in this next 10 years, and because of that, community builders will be the new influencers." — Bob Dalton

"You really tap into somebody's joy when you tap into the nerdiness part of who they are." — Bob Dalton

"If you can get people bought into a vision and a mission that they all feel really passionate about, once again, kind of sharing in a similar interest, it becomes fun." — Bob Dalton

About Bob Dalton: Bob Dalton is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and social designer working to reclaim human connection in the digital age. As the CEO & Founder of LOCL, he’s using technology to help people discover and engage with their local communities and events. Previously, as the founder of Sackcloth & Ashes, he donated hundreds of thousands of blankets to homeless shelters through a buy-one-give-one model. Named a Forbes Changemaker and CNN Champion of Change, Bob has traveled to 50+ cities, uncovering a core issue: local communities lack a digital space to connect and be seen.

Connect with Bob Dalton:

Website: locl.com 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobxdalton 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locl.community/ 

Connect with Kristine:

Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/ 

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