The digital age has offered countless opportunities for connection, but the depth and authenticity of these connections often fall short. Check out these 5 strategies for growing professional communities.
We Discuss:
- Why do these communities matter? What problem are they solving?
- What are some challenges faced by consultants when seeking to build authentic, supportive networks?
- What are some strategies for a) finding a community to be part of; b) growing one of your own?
- How much does being ‘close-knit’ matter with these communities?
Key Highlights:
- Introduction to Converge Australia 2023, a series of 32 events in 25 days across Australia bringing strategy, architecture and community professionals together (2:20-4:00)
- The motivation and goals in attending professional community events (23:27-25:52)
- How to find and get involved in a professional community (25:52-28:11)
- Expectations and mindset that drive people to attend events like this (30:32-31:47)
- Importance of quality conversations over scale (36:35-38:18)
- Keys to building community (40:25-42:16)
5 Takeaways:
- People attend these events to interact, gain new ideas, meet interesting people, and to make connections – if you’re building a community you need to understand their motivations and why people come together
- Getting involved in a professional community starts with building relationships and networks over time in areas that you have a genuine interest
- Go in with a learning, exploratory mindset without set expectations and be prepared to give more than you receive and contribute value
- Breaking large groups of people into smaller, more intimate groups leads to better conversations and connections than one large event
- Understand who you want to help, what they need, how you can help – realize people are actively seeking community and connections
Check out the Audio-only version of this episode!
Episode 67 – Audio Only
