How to get the most out of the communities you're part of
One of the most effective ways to grow your network, achieve your career goal and build meaningful relationships is by joining a community.
Nowadays there are so many to choose from that you may find yourself in several.
There are communities for people with a common interest, hobbies, demographics, career goals, religious beliefs, industry, neighborhoods, country of origin, etc. This list could go on and on.
The problem however, is getting the most out of them.
A common statement I hear from clients is, “I did join a community but it didn’t work for me. I didn’t get what I needed.”
The thing about these communities is that the value is not by just being a member. It’s by being engaged with that community. On a consistent basis.
It’s that cliché saying that applies to this situation, "you get what you give."
Whether you’re looking for a new job, switch careers, build a product, find a co-founder, or make a new friend, it requires some level of energy and effort from you.
You have to literally show up. Nothing happens by being another name listed on the Slack channel. You have to talk to people. Comment on what people are discussing in the channels.
If you’re at an in-person event, you have to talk to people. Introduce yourself. Ask questions. Offer something that may be helpful to that person once you learn what they're interested in learning or doing.
In other words, you have to make a move.
Sometimes you have to make the first move.
Here are some ideas of what a first move looks like:
Offering to connect with them on LinkedIn and make a warm introduction to someone you know.
Offering to share resources, tools, or introductions to experts in your network.
Offering to show them around if they just moved to the neighborhood, city, country.
Offering your time to conduct a mock interview and provide feedback.
Offering your perspective and advice when someone shares a workplace issue they’re dealing with.
Offering to help the event organizer at the next event or volunteer with the organization.
Taking action and offering something is how you can engage with the community. Showing up and doing this consistently is when that community starts to work for you.
About the Author
Leang Chung (she/her) is a Career First Coach and Founder of Pelora Stack. She helps people navigate their career first. She works with first time early-stage founders, career changers, people managers, and solopreneurs.
Are you new to people management or a first-time early-stage founder? Let’s chat about how one-on-one coaching can help.
