26 Feb Why we need to find our communities

Communities come in all shapes, sizes, and have different kinds of purposes. Many of us belong to multiple communities and have even joined them without much thought.

But not all of your communities may be serving your needs, even if you think they should.

We need like-minded communities

If you’re a solopreneur, a creative, or just starting to work on your dream, you’re probably working alone, a lot. It can get lonely. Hey you introverts, this applies to you too.

More importantly, you’re probably missing out on support, feedback, and assistance to help you grow. Because your like-minded community gets you. They understand your struggle like know one else. They are living it too.

Like-minded communities can also come in different forms. For example, if you’re a hand lettering artist, you may want to talk to others that are in similar creative work, other artists, etc. But also, you may be very new to starting your creative journey and want to talk to others that are in a similar place, to gain help in understanding your work focus, how to establish your voice and brand, get clear about your vision and passions, etc.

Communities may overlap, and when they do, it’s a great thing. But when they don’t we have to understand their limits.

 

Understand the purpose of our communities

Lately, I’ve had great conversations on Instagram and a couple Facebook groups I recently joined, and it’s made a lot of difference in my journey. But I was also surprised by something. Not only were people sharing experiences and advice, I was receiving support in a whole new way. These people were honestly and vocally interested in what I was creating and doing. I know, at first glance that doesn’t seem strange at all, right? Let me explain.

I am well connected to my non-business related communities. For example, family and friends. They hear me talk about my adventure and podcast. I’m passionate about my milestones and they’re genuinely happy for me. They support me and want me to succeed. But there’s something missing. They don’t really get it and can’t express interest in the way I need. And for a good while, I didn’t recognize it completely.

Then I started working with others in my industry and interests. Aha, different connections brought all sorts of benefits to my adventure and process. Then add on the recent conversations I’ve been having on the socials and even more ahas. These people were starting to see me and understand what I’m doing.

Are you looking for a community? Here’s a quick start to finding one. Start searching in these spaces:

• Meetup groups
• LinkedIn and Facebook groups
• Search for Mastermind groups local to you
• Check in with local co-working spaces
• Search Instagram and Twitter for community-based hashtags applicable to your business, industry, etc.

 

Some communities are micro-focused. Now what?

As much as I’m gelling with others and my new communities, I also started to see a gap. These folks were focused heavily in one topic or tool. That serves a smart need and I want to be part of that. But it doesn’t meet my core.

 

I’ll create my own community

Where are the dreamers and doers that want to truly be themselves? That embrace their uniqueness? The people that must create their own path, that doesn’t fit a cookie cutter model, and that want to be part of positive impacts in the world? ‘Cause that’s what I want to do.

Then I looked around me. I’m individually connected to a lot of these people. Are they being served in the ways they need? Do they want to join me in a new way to help each other?

I recently asked that question on Instagram, and yeses started to come in.

Here’s the thing: An important part of my community (or at least the start of it) is already around me. We just need a place and host to connect us all. And that’s what I’m going to create and do.

If your community doesn’t exist, make one. Find your people and build that tribe. It doesn’t have to be big or exclusive. Just start giving to others and invite them in.

 

Are you interested in joining me as I launch my community? Sign up to my list and I’ll email you when it’s ready.