As a professional, you know the value of networking and learning from others in your field. But where do you find the best online and offline communities to connect, share, and grow? In this article, we'll explore some of the criteria and sources you can use to find and join relevant and engaging communities for your field.
Joining a community of like-minded peers can offer you many benefits, such as access to valuable information, opportunities to showcase your expertise, support and motivation from others, exposure to new perspectives, and potential collaborations. You can gain insights and feedback, build your reputation, find inspiration from those with similar goals and challenges, and discover new ideas and trends. Joining a community can open up possibilities for referrals and partnerships.
For students, a community is more than just for connections, it’s for the companionship. Learning a new skills can be challenging so it’s natural for us to feel tired or like a failure. During such hard times, a community can help you to look beyond the difficulties and motivate you forward. This is basically the concept of peer support where everyone in the group helps and motivates each other. In high school, we used to study in groups after classes ended. Back then, this was an easy way to go back home late but we only realised how effective our study sessions were when everyone in the group did reasonably well. I would say the best thing about a community is that we can have fun while we learn, grow and build towards our dreams.
Joining a community is simply the best way to learn in the flow of work. It's a brilliant way to learn from people who are just a step or two ahead of you (rather than an expert who might feel inaccessible). Sometimes you are the learner, sometimes you are the teacher. And you develop yourself just by being there! A well-run community provides a psychologically safe space. You can ask the 'stupid' questions anda s you listen to other questions and answers you pick up useful stuff that you didn't even know you wanted to know, so you stay up to date. Plus there's the social aspect which is so very important if you work on your own. Engage with your community regularly and you will make friends as well as learn. I should know :-)
The reason why I find communities helpful is because they give you these three things for free: 1. Resources to build products/services as communities always share resources that one can use to ease the process of development. Alongside you get insights and feedback on the developing thoughts. 2. Referrals for your next job. I have seen people referring community members to jobs in a microsecond and this trust comes because they have collaborated with an individual because of community and trust their work enough for a referral. 3. People to network. Ease of access to people from the same field to network and collaborate with.
Online is obvious - you are already on the platform. ? On LinkedIn you can start building a community around your thought leadership topic today. No need for a Nobel prize, just an authentic view that resonates with a community. For offline communities you check what is available in your local city or area. I find best to combine the two worlds.
When deciding which community to join, there are a range of factors to think about. These include the size, diversity, and activity level of the members; the purpose, vision, and values of the community; the format, frequency, and quality of the interactions; the rules, norms, and expectations of the community; as well as the benefits, costs, and requirements of joining.
From my experience as both a community builder and an active member in various communities, I’ve noticed a common pitfall for newcomers is expecting a single community to fulfill all their needs. In reality, our connections, friends, and social groups in real life serve different purposes. Online communities operate similarly. When I’m considering joining a new community, I focus on understanding what purpose it serves for me and what value I can contribute. Instead of overwhelming myself by expecting it to meet all my needs, I take a more balanced approach. It’s about finding what I can contribute in a small way and what I can gain in return. At the same time, I explore other communities to fulfill any unmet needs.
Seek recommendations. Communities have a personality as well as a purpose, so you need find one that feels right. If you don't feel you can engage and be yourself, you're never going to get maximum value from membership. Ask questions of the community manager. Ask to speak to existing members. Join and throw yourself into it for a few weeks. You'll soon see if its the right place for you. If it isn't - leave!
Every community have some common traits because all of them are a group of people itself. But understand the goals of a community is necessary while choosing it. Check whether the goals, vision and mission of the community go along with your passion and vision.
While joining a community, consider these things: 1. Time you are willing to spend in a week in that community. 2. What purpose does it serve in your life, goals, and development? 3. What expectations does the community have from you? Will you be able to complete that commitment? You can consider the opportunity cost, the cost of joining, and the requirements for the community after you have decided that the community is a great space for you to be.
Online communities are abundant and diverse, ranging from social media groups to blogs and podcasts. Finding online communities for your field can be done by searching on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, Quora, Medium, or Clubhouse; following influencers, thought leaders, and experts in your field; subscribing to newsletters, magazines, and journals related to your field; asking for recommendations from your existing network or contacts; or using tools like Meetup, Eventbrite, or Skillshare to discover online events and courses.
I’ve found some valuable communities in a few specific places. Firstly, LinkedIn has been a great for me in terms of connecting with new people and expanding my global network. Additionally, Slack communities have been a pleasant surprise. They provide a more focused and interactive space for discussions and networking. I’ve also had the privilege of being part of some private online groups, often through invitations. These smaller, more exclusive communities have allowed for deeper connections and discussions on niche topics. However, if I had to choose a go-to platform for community building, LinkedIn would undoubtedly be my top pick. It’s the place where I’ve made some of my most meaningful connections and gained invaluable insights.
If you are looking for a casual community, social media has it's groups and themed chats. This is a great place to start. Whatever social media you prefer to use is the best place to start looking. If you have to use a platform that you aren't in a the habit of using, you are less likely to engage. Communities that offer specific and regular support tend to be closed and are paid (running a community is very time consuming and the community manager can rarely give that amount of time for free) But they can still very very cost effective if you compare to enrolling on a course, or buying in 1-1 support.
Finding suitable online communities in your field involves exploring a variety of platforms and resources. Utilize social networks like LinkedIn as well as specialized platforms like Medium to discover groups and discussions. Following influencers and experts in your field on these platforms can lead you to active communities. Additionally, subscribing to relevant newsletters, magazines, and journals provides insights and connections. Leverage your existing network for recommendations and explore tools like Meetup, Eventbrite, or Skillshare to find online events and courses that align with your interests.
LinkedIn has been great in connecting with like minded people and also finding common interest groups. For specific topics , some Facebook groups discuss good content.
Offline communities are more limited and localized than online ones, but they can offer deeper and more meaningful connections. You can find these communities by attending conferences, workshops, seminars, or trade shows related to your field; joining professional associations, clubs, or chapters; volunteering for causes or organizations that align with your field; reaching out to alumni, mentors, or colleagues in your field; or creating your own offline community by inviting people you know or meet online.
Search Facebook or EventBrite for local networking groups and meetings, especially if you work in particular field or have interest in a specific thing.
Local groups through BookMyShow, Paytm Insider, Facebook, and other event portals work magic in India to search for offline community meetups. Going to these events will get you to know about the community and how to join them.
Once you find a community that interests you, you need to take some steps to join and participate in it. This includes reading the community guidelines and rules, introducing yourself and your background, engaging in conversations and discussions, offering value, support, and feedback, building relationships and trust, and respecting the community culture and etiquette. Taking these steps will help you become an active member of the community.
Sometimes you just need to jump in. If it's not the right fit, you're free to move on. But, if it's a good fit, you can go as slowly or quickly as you prefer. At first, if you don't want to be active, you can start by reading others' posts and getting a feel for the language and messaging tone. If the vibe still resonates, contribute when it feels right. Every member brings a unique perspective to the table, and that's what makes these interactions so enriching.
I agree with Kineret's advice - give a community 3 months. Many people prefer to be an observer initially. The community owner should connect with you and provide an orientation and help you to get the most out of the community discussions, events and any courses or resources that are provided. After that, dive in. Give it a go. You'll know after around 3 months if it's the place for you or not.
Being a part of a community is not enough to gain the full advantages. You must be proactive, consistent, and genuine in your involvement. Establish clear objectives and expectations for yourself and the community, contribute your expertise, seek feedback and advice, learn from the successes and failures of others, recognize and honor the accomplishments of others, and investigate new opportunities and collaborations.
These are insights I gained from tapping into the power of a community: 1?? Collaboration and Advice: Sharing openly, involving others and being receptive to support can prove invaluable. 2?? Purpose and Presence: The drive to solve problems and make a lasting impact can infuse purpose into every step. But you need to be involved, build relationships and be persisent. 3?? Adapting and Flexibility: Adapting to reality is crucial. Listening to your audience, partners and community members, adjust your approach while staying true to your vision. 4?? Embracing Uncertainty: Navigating the unknown is part of the journey. Embracing ambiguity and celebrating each victory, no matter how small, is essential.
Discovering the right networking and learning communities is like embarking on a treasure hunt. Online, you'll find gems on platforms like LinkedIn, industry forums, and specialized social groups. Offline, conferences, workshops, and meetups act as valuable chests of knowledge and connection. Don't forget to explore the nooks and crannies of your industry – there might be hidden gems waiting to be uncovered. Whether you're mingling in pixels or in person, the key is to seek places where fellow professionals gather to swap insights, share experiences, and collectively raise your knowledge ship on the tide of growth.