By Chris Heivly, Managing Director at Build The Fort and Startup Community EIR @ Techstars

I’ve written a few times about a concept that I call a positive contagion. The notion here is that we can influence others in a positive way that inspires others to share that positivity which ignites the contagion or virus effect. A contagion or a virus is something that spreads without much help or impetus. I have often pondered if we can be intentional — not necessarily engineer — a positive contagion.

In ecosystem building there’s only so much any one ESO or program or activity or person can do to help build a higher level of entrepreneurship. A few weeks ago, I wrote about you not just becoming a force, but becoming a force multiplier and the idea of a force multiplier goes right to the point about a positive contingent or a virus. 

You see what every ecosystem wants is more better entrepreneurs, more better founders, and more better high growth companies. And there’s only so much that any one person or what one organization can do to execute that mission. 

So if you’ve come this far with me then the obvious next question is, how do we do that? How do we ignite with intent, the next positive contagion in our ecosystem, one that inspires more entrepreneurship. First, let’s remember that ecosystems are complex systems. You can’t force ecosystems to thrive, but you can plant seeds, work the soil and sun, and create the right conditions for growth. This means we stop looking for silver bullets and instead start looking for sparks.

And you, yes you, might just be that spark.

A mission to ignite a positive social contagion will mean intentionally spreading behaviors, attitudes, or emotions that uplift and energize others to start new companies.

Here's are five ideas how you can do that:

1. Lead with Authentic Optimism

If you consistently show up with hope, enthusiasm, and a solutions-focused mindset, others will begin to mirror that. This isn’t about cheerleading — it’s about authentic belief in progress, potential, and people.

Try this: Acknowledge challenges, but always end with a "what can we do?" mindset.

2. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Contagion starts with you. Want more collaboration, kindness, hustle, or curiosity around you? Be the loudest signal of that behavior in your environment. People are drawn to consistency and clarity. 

Try this: Publicly celebrate acts of the behavior you want to normalize.

3. Create Small Wins & Share Them

Momentum is contagious. When people see movement — no matter how small — they want in. Share those wins. Celebrate them. Let people feel like they’re part of something growing. 

Try this: Use storytelling — on Slack, in meetings, or on social — to show how progress is happening no matter how small they may seem.

4. Design for Interaction

Contagion spreads through connection. Create intentional moments where people collide — virtually or in person. The more opportunities for people to experience positive behaviors in action, the faster it spreads. 

Try this: Host “open mic” team updates, lunch & learns, or informal mixers.

5. Be Consistent

Social contagion doesn’t work if it’s sporadic. The more you reinforce the energy — through your actions, your communication, your decisions — the more it becomes ambient and automatic.

Try this: We are trained for small bits of information pushed to us daily so plan for 3-5 interactions per week.

The magic of a positive contagion is that it spreads without asking for permission. It inspires without requiring a title. It builds the future we all want — one small action at a time.

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