Reflections and Resolutions: A Journey of Writing, Networking, and Community Building

Tis the season of new year resolutions; many will reflect on lessons learned and successes achieved. While I'm certainly reflecting on my own journey, I'm choosing to focus on something even more meaningful: the incredible community I've built on LinkedIn.

After a hiatus of a few years, I reignited my passion for writing in 2024, publishing four newsletters. This experience has been deeply fulfilling. My approach to writing is unconventional – I rarely plan my content. Instead, ideas often strike during unexpected moments: while cooking, doing laundry, or even half-asleep.

One of the core themes I've explored is the distinction between networking and community building. Networking often feels transactional, focused on exchanging contact information with the hope of future favors. Community building, on the other hand, is about genuine connection and mutual support. It's about creating a space where individuals with shared interests can learn from each other, collaborate on projects, and grow together.

In my own experience, I've witnessed the transformative power of community. By actively engaging with others, sharing my knowledge, and supporting their endeavors, I've built meaningful relationships that have opened doors to new opportunities and enriched my professional journey.

Here are some key principles for building a thriving community on LinkedIn:

• Focus on Value: Share insightful content, offer helpful advice, and engage in meaningful discussions that add value to the community.
• Build Trust: Be authentic, transparent, and reliable in your interactions.
• Support Each Other: Celebrate successes, offer encouragement during challenges, and provide honest and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate: Seek out opportunities to work together on projects, co-create content, and refer others within the community.
• Give Back: Mentor aspiring professionals, share your network, and contribute to the larger LinkedIn community.
• Embrace Diversity: Value diverse perspectives and experiences, and create an inclusive environment for all.

“A quality comment on another member’s post can spark meaningful conversations, open doors to opportunities, or help someone secure a project”.

"Quality engagement is the key".

How My Community Thrives

Our community thrives on collaboration. We:

• Engage actively with each other’s content.
• Freely share ideas and experiences.
• Conduct online events and participate in discussions.
• Support each other in finding mentors, coaches, projects, and learning opportunities.

Many members have found incredible opportunities simply by being part of this collaborative ecosystem.

My Personal Journey in Community Building

My journey started when I stumbled upon content from a LinkedIn coach. Engaging with that content led the platform's algorithm to show me more similar posts, which in turn opened up a new world of possibilities.

I began attending online events and discovered valuable lessons on using LinkedIn effectively, building communities, and leveraging collaboration. These learnings have shaped how I approach professional growth and networking today.

Celebrating My Community

I’m incredibly grateful for my dynamic, thriving community. To share the benefits, I’m taking this opportunity to highlight some amazing individuals in my inner circle.

Below, you’ll find a list of experts who excel in their fields. By following them, you can gain access to valuable insights, find mentors, and collaborate with true professionals. Finding genuine coaches and experts is often challenging, but this list will give you a head start in connecting with the right people.

Without further ado, here are the people you should follow, connect with, and learn from:

HAMMAD SIDDIQUI A master LinkedIn guru & coach

HAFIZ ABDUL MANNAN A master data guru & coach

Ayesha Afridi Coach with unique & lively personality

MUHAMMAD ADEEL Video guru, coach and dear brother

SIDRA FAISAL Keeps the community organized and shares collectable content

Haroon Ur Rasheed A keen eye on social media trends and open with advice & support

Yasir Waheed Leadership & management coach

Doreen Fernandez Brings us fresh perspectives from Canada

Bahroz Abbas Hussain Finance Coach & Guru

Wali Khan Personal Finance Guru and popular pod cast host

What is stopping you from building a thriving community? Need help

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