How do you communicate with content strategists in your network?

By joining communities, you get to know in real time, what the best practices are, what’s trending and what’s new. It’s a great way to stay ahead of your game.

By joining industry-relevant communities leadership takes on a fresh perspective. It's about inspiring change and influence through active engagement in online content communities. Tap into the influential force of community: - These hubs are treasure troves of knowledge for everyone, fostering a culture of perpetual learning. - From complex projects to innovative problem-solving, these communities offer diverse perspectives. - Forge connections with kindred content enthusiasts, often sparking collaborations and partnerships. Actively participate, mentor, share, and contribute. Enrich your skills and fuel the growth and evolution of the content strategy field as a whole.

Joining an online community, then actively participating in its activities, is a great way to get going on making new connections that can expand your influence.

Dedicated communities are bridges between content dilemma and its solution. Instead of working your way around on search engine results, you'll most likely find the best answers to your content predicaments in online communities. The interaction between you and the community members also give the sense of assurance that someone will provide you with the best resolution.

Online communities provide a treasure trove of insights, experiences, and diverse perspectives. They foster continuous learning, networking, and collaboration among content strategists. Additionally, joining niche communities specific to your focus or interest can be even more beneficial. It allows for a deeper dive into specialized areas and often results in more tailored advice and resources.

Most industries have trade associations to optimise the industry’s ability to compete internationally. Because they represent the industry, these associations usually have massive networks and will organise plenty of events for their members.

If you're unable to attend in-person events, digital workshops are a great way to network. Follow creators and brands in your industry and related fields who regularly host digital events. Often you'll meet like-minded people who are willing to network with other attendees. Feel free to post links to your LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and website in the event chat. Follow others who do the same. Break the ice by sending them a direct message noting that you are also attending the workshop and ask what their favorite moment was. Be sure to share yours as well. Regularly catch up with your new connections to continue to build relationships that last beyond the workshop.

Events and workshops do not apply to everyone since they usually require sort of payments. Conferences might work but will also depend on your niche or expertise.

In my experience, attending events where other content strategists gather together provides the perfect opportunity to pick the brains of some of these people through your interaction with them, and this will open you up to possibilities and areas that were otherwise blurred to you.

While I've always found such events inspiring, the investment in commuting can sometimes be a challenge for many, including myself. This is why online events or webinars have become such a valuable alternative. They offer similar benefits without the geographical constraints, making it easier for professionals from all over the world to participate. Platforms like Confab and ContentTECH Summit have done a commendable job in bridging this gap.

Most of the time mastermind groups are a waste of time, or outright scam potentially, compared to what can be gained by networking with individuals you've collaborated with face-to-face.

Mastermind groups indeed provide a unique synergy of energy, commitment, and excitement. Beyond the benefits of focused communication and mutual accountability, they also foster a deeper level of trust, given the smaller and more consistent group dynamics. An interesting observation from my experience is that the effectiveness of a mastermind group is often determined by the diversity of its members. Having participants from various backgrounds or industries can provide unexpected insights and solutions to challenges that might seem industry-specific at first. It's almost like cross-pollination of ideas. While starting or joining a group, considering this diversity might lead to even richer discussions and breakthroughs.

Discover the people creating amazing content. You may find them posting regularly on LinkedIn or X. Follow them, and through them you'll discover even more experts worth following. Interact with them, under their posts or via DMs - you'll be surprised how often they are more than happy to share their knowledge. Use social media to amplify the reach of your own content too. Contribute to discussions happening under other strategists' posts - this is part of sharing your expertise and building your personal brand.

Create pieces of content that will drive the audiences/readers' curiosity, especially discussing fresh topics of your niche. Make sure your content has an outlet for audiences/readers to air their sentiments and conduct healthy discussions.

Creating or consuming content is, undoubtedly, a powerful method of engagement and learning. Another layer to this is the feedback loop. Whenever you create content, actively seeking feedback from peers and industry experts can provide a wealth of knowledge and open avenues for improvement or even collaboration. On the flip side, when consuming content, active engagement — be it through comments, reviews, or direct interactions — not only deepens your understanding but also helps in building relationships with authors or creators. It transforms passive consumption into active dialogue, which, in the realm of content strategy, can spark innovative ideas and approaches.

While creating and consuming content is pivotal, the real magic lies in the engagement. Think of content as a conversation starter. When you engage with content, either by commenting, sharing, or even direct messaging the creator, you're opening doors to meaningful connections. This not only positions you as an active participant in the content strategy community but also amplifies the reach and value of the content. For instance, joining discussions on LinkedIn posts or Twitter threads, or even participating in webinars and live sessions, can lead to in-depth conversations, collaborations, or mentorship opportunities.

And if by chance, you have the opportunity, why don't you meet in person? Go grab a coffee together, talk about your projects, ask their opinion about something you're working on, exchange tastes, references, and new ideas, and of course, always be willing to listen. People think differently and that's the beauty of it. It's good to get out of the screen sometimes!

Personal outreach acknowledges the human element. While the content industry is driven by strategies, algorithms, and analytics, the heartbeat of our profession remains the connections we make and nurture. Adding to this, the ripple effect of genuine relationships is often underestimated. When you connect on a personal level, you're not only building a bond with that individual but also potentially tapping into their network, experiences, and perspectives. Furthermore, such interactions have the potential to evolve into mentorships, partnerships, or collaborations. As the saying goes, 'Your network is your net worth.' Personal touches, in an increasingly automated world, can create lasting impressions and foster enduring relationships.

Leadership isn't just about expertise; it's about connections. And one of the most impactful ways to wield influence is through personal outreach. Reaching out, connecting, and forging bonds with fellow strategists. When you send that message, make that call, or engage in a video chat, you're not just communicating – you're building cohesion and trust... the foundation for influence. So, remember, the next time you consider reaching out to a fellow content strategist, it's not just a message or a call – it's a pathway to leadership and influence.

When reaching out personally, remember to harness genuine curiosity. Everyone loves when someone takes a keen interest in their work or values their opinion. Start by highlighting something specific about their work or content that caught your attention or inspired you. Maybe it's an article they wrote or a project they executed. By being specific and showing that you've done your homework, you instantly stand out and make the other person feel valued.

One thing to consider is to be respectful of other's work. I understand being original, all the time, with the content is easier said than done, but if you happen to take another's content as an inspiration, the least you can do is mention them and their work while highlighting your own. Being respectful of others' work will not only put you in other content creators' good books but also help you gain credibility among your readers.