Reflecting on my recent trip to the United States as part of Tartan Week with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Scottish Chambers of Commerce, I’m left with a wealth of insights that can directly benefit our approach to business. From the fast-paced streets of New York City to the corridors of Washington DC, the lessons learned during this trip are invaluable not just for those of us engaged in international business but for anyone looking to strengthen their networks and expand their reach.
Tartan Week is always a great celebration of Scottish culture, but it also provides a unique platform for learning and building relationships. This year, I had the privilege of engaging with some truly inspiring organisations, including the New York City Economic Development Corporation, NBCUniversal, and the British-American Business Association, as well as connecting with cultural societies such as the St Andrews Society of New York. Here are the key takeaways I’ll be implementing in our business, and that I believe can help others grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Collaborate for Greater Impact
One of the strongest lessons from the week was the sheer power of collaboration. In every meeting, it became clear that when organisations—whether in business, culture, or community—work together, the outcomes are far greater than the sum of their parts. From engaging with the Greater New York Chamber to participating in the Tartan Day Parade, it was evident that building strong, strategic partnerships can create lasting impact.
Tip: Look for opportunities to collaborate, both locally and internationally. Whether it’s through industry partnerships or cultural exchanges, working together can help businesses access new markets, share resources, and drive innovation. In our own case, we’re actively seeking more ways to partner with like-minded organisations, broadening our reach while supporting shared goals.
Stay Adaptable in the Face of Global Uncertainty
The trip also underscored the importance of adaptability, especially when navigating the unpredictable global market. I had the chance to be in Washington DC during a time of considerable uncertainty regarding international trade. Despite the challenges, I witnessed firsthand how businesses continue to thrive by staying flexible and open to change.
Tip: In today’s fast-moving world, businesses need to remain agile. Whether it’s adapting to new regulations or pivoting in response to market shifts, being open to change and willing to evolve will keep your business competitive. For us, this means regularly reviewing our strategies and processes, ensuring we are ready to adjust as needed to respond to both challenges and new opportunities.
Leverage Cultural Connections for Business Growth
Tartan Week highlighted how cultural ties can serve as a foundation for building robust business relationships. Participating in the Tartan Day Parade and connecting with cultural organisations reminded me of the value in fostering relationships beyond just business transactions. People are more likely to engage with you and your business when they feel a personal or cultural connection.
Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of cultural engagement. When you understand and appreciate the cultures of the markets you’re entering, you can build deeper, more meaningful relationships. It’s something we’re focused on incorporating more into our own business strategy, whether that’s through hosting cultural events, celebrating heritage, or simply being more attuned to the values that drive the people in the markets we serve.
Embrace Innovation and Constant Improvement
I had the chance to meet with institutions like NBCUniversal and the Smithsonian Institution, where innovation was at the forefront of every conversation. These organisations are continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The lesson here was clear: in order to stay ahead in today’s world, we must always be innovating—whether that’s in terms of our product offerings, customer service, or internal operations.
Tip: Never stop innovating. Regularly assess your business practices and explore new ways to improve. This could mean investing in new technologies, experimenting with fresh ideas, or streamlining existing processes to enhance efficiency. For us, this has meant a renewed focus on technological advancements that can elevate our customer experiences and make our internal processes more efficient.
Strengthen International Relationships
Tartan Week is a perfect example of how valuable international partnerships can be, and it served as a great reminder that global networks are vital for business growth. The meetings I had with the British-American Business Association and the Scottish North American Business Council highlighted the importance of fostering cross-border relationships in driving mutual success.
Tip: Expand and nurture your international network. Strong, trusted relationships across borders can open doors to new markets, investment opportunities, and business ventures. We’ve taken this to heart and are focusing more on developing our international partnerships, understanding that a strong global network is essential to long-term success.
Moving Forward: Putting It All Into Action
As I reflect on these lessons, I’m already thinking about how we can incorporate them into our business strategy. Whether it’s through stronger collaboration, embracing change, fostering cultural connections, or pushing the envelope with innovation, the key is to remain open to learning and adapting. Tartan Week has reminded me that business is not just about numbers: it’s about people, relationships, and the continuous pursuit of growth.
If there’s one thing I’ve taken from this incredible week, it’s this: The future belongs to those who collaborate, innovate, and remain adaptable. As we move forward, I’m excited to see how we can continue to apply these lessons and build a business that thrives not only locally, but globally as well.
Let’s keep moving forward, together.
