Networking, Coffee, and Not Catching Fire: The Mercia Minds Origin Story
- Chris Howell
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12
So, one of the fun things I’m learning about running a business is networking.
No, not getting ethernet cables all mixed up and wondering which lead goes into which port. Or why my PC can’t see my printer which is sitting there saying ‘I’m right here!’
I mean, getting away from Mercia AI HQ and meeting people who also run local businesses. And I did just that a while ago at the Ramda Hotel in Coventry…..after going to the wrong hotel.
The event was organized by FindABiz and they and everyone who attended made me feel very welcome.
I met some wonderful people and listened to them talk about their business and the challenges and rewards they faced. I was grateful for the opportunity to listen to them, and to share my thoughts about AI. Where it’s going. Where it is now. And now it could be used to help them. Many of the people there spoke to me about how they’re already using AI in some capacity.
And why not? It can help them, and it can help you.
AI isn't just something we talk about online. It's something we need to explore together, face to face, with real questions, and real people. Not just AI Chatbots. Or just bots of any kind for that matter.
It's one of the reasons why I launched Mercia Minds. Meeting people is fun. And if I can share what I know, help people in my local community, and learn a few things myself, well, why not?
The first event for Mercia Minds is a free AI Q&A session, set for Saturday June 7th at Coventry Central Library. This is just the first of many events under the Mercia Minds umbrella.
While Mercia Minds is all about free, local learning, Mercia AI is growing too. I’ve recently launched a few new pricing plans for people who want to go deeper - whether that’s automating one task or building a bigger AI strategy.
You don’t need to be technical. You just need a problem to solve.
Meanwhile, I’m already planning my next networking appearance. So if you’re in the local area and you run a business, maybe I’ll see you there.
