The power of professional communities

I noticed something interesting when I looked at the numbers: the number of entrepreneurs in Europe and around the world changed a lot before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, the global entrepreneurial activity rate increased from 11.3% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2021. In Europe, countries like the UK, Germany, and France saw a rise in new business registrations by 20% during the pandemic.

Before the pandemic, more and more people were starting their own businesses. Many wanted to follow their passions and be their own bosses. But when COVID-19 started, things changed quickly. As many lost their jobs and remote work became common, a lot of new entrepreneurs started looking for other ways to earn money and found new opportunities in the digital world.

Even before the pandemic, I often heard from friends and colleagues about feeling lonely in their work, especially those who worked from home or were freelancers. A 2018 Buffer report showed that 21% of remote workers felt lonely. When COVID-19 hit, these feelings got worse. A 2021 survey by Mental Health America found that 76% of workers felt lonely, stressed, or burned out.

During these tough times, I saw that people needed community more than ever. Both online and offline communities became very important in helping people feel less alone. This made me think about why people join communities and how beneficial they can be.

From what I have seen and experienced, people join communities because they want to belong. Being part of a community gives emotional support, networking opportunities, and a shared purpose. I have seen how these connections can lead to new partnerships and career advancements. People in communities share their knowledge and experiences, and I have learned a lot from the stories and advice shared in my own networks. Also, being part of a community helps with stress, anxiety, and loneliness, especially in difficult times.

Online communities have been very helpful. They are flexible and easy to access, allowing us to connect with people worldwide, share resources quickly, and join discussions anytime. Connecting with people from different parts of the world has expanded my view and improved my professional network. Having quick access to documents, videos, and other learning materials has been very useful. It's also convenient to engage in conversations and networking opportunities whenever I want.

Offline communities, like local business groups, clubs, and networking events, provide face-to-face interactions, which can feel more personal and impactful. Meeting people in person helps build stronger relationships. Connecting with local professionals and businesses has strengthened my ties to the community. Participating in hands-on activities and events has given me a sense of belonging and purpose.

Take a moment to think about your current professional and personal life. Are you part of any communities? If not, you might be missing out on some benefits. Think about which communities you belong to and how they help you grow personally and professionally. How has being part of a community helped you during tough times, like the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you see social media platforms like LinkedIn as a community? Why or why not?

Being part of communities, whether online or offline, can greatly improve your professional life. Join groups that match your interests and career goals. Remember, communities are not just for networking but also for building lasting relationships and finding support.

In today's connected world, communities are very important in our professional and personal lives. They offer support, help us grow, and reduce feelings of isolation. Reflect on your involvement in communities and try to engage more actively. See platforms like LinkedIn as more than just networking tools; they can be vibrant communities that help you thrive.