Community is the buzz word of all buzz words at the moment. It’s running groups, it’s networking breakfasts, it’s parent forums, it’s a dreaded slack channel, it’s neighborhood whatsapp groups. It’s across every part of our lives. And it makes sense. We are constantly trying to make a million decisions a day both at home and at work and we no longer have the time to do the research needed to know we’re making the right call on everything that’s thrown our way. And that’s why communities are so important in today’s landscape. They are an invaluable source of advice that can be tapped into whenever needed, the only barrier is the fear of asking for help. I’m sure many of you reading this will be part of some community or other. But for those that aren’t, or those of you who worry about the perception of asking for help, this piece might just change your mind.

What are the tangible benefits of a strong network

So, what are the benefits of joining a community? Knowledge sharing, support, problem solving, relationship building, education, inspiration, innovation…the list goes on. In fact, studies have shown that 80% of people say communities improve their skill development. So what do these benefits look like in practice? A marketing manager at an agency is trying to work out whether sponsoring an event is going to be worth it. The event contact says it will but naturally they’d say that. Someone in their community went to the event last year and has real life experience of what it was like and so can give them trusted advice on whether they should go for it. Or a Founder of a start-up has just raised funds and is struggling to make a final decision on allocating their budget. They’re part of a founders community which has a group of people that have already been through this and have learnt the lessons so can share their advice. As long as you’re in the right community, the chance to innovate, learn and grow is right at your fingertips. Of course, being part of a community means reciprocal support and giving back where you can, but this has its benefits too, allowing you to help others and put your learnings to work. A community is a safety net. Yes mistakes will still be made, but why not reduce the risks if you can?

So, a community sounds like a good place to be. But won’t people think I'm failing if I’m asking for help?

It’s a feeling that most people have, if I ask for help I’ll appear incompetent. Think back to the first day at your job. “No question’s a stupid question”. “If you feel unsure about anything, just ask”. Yet I bet most people spend hours trying to figure something out before finally asking for help. And that’s because we don’t want to come across stupid in our first week. However, look at it from the other side. If there is someone new in the office and they ask you for a better understanding of a recent case study, let’s say, you see them as wanting to learn and grow. We need to practice what we preach because the reality is that all of us, even the most successful, rely on other people for support. In fact, the most successful people are always on about how they couldn't have got to where they are without the people that surround them. It’s a bit cliche but it’s true. They talk about how people in their community are the people they have the closest bonds to and attribute most of their success to. They’re all mentees and mentors and rely on their peers for support. So block out the voice that tells you it’s a stupid question, and just ask.

So how is a community going to help me or my business grow?

Engaging within a community of similar businesses or professionals can catalyse significant growth for organisations and individuals alike. 

For businesses, these networks serve as vital hubs for strategic partnerships, industry insights, and collaborative innovation, as well as problem-solving. Sharing best practices, navigating market challenges, and exploring new opportunities with peers allows for continuous improvement and resilience. Access to a diverse pool of expertise allows businesses to adapt rapidly to evolving market demands and gain a competitive edge. 

Professionals within these communities benefit from expanded networks, mentorship opportunities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. You gain access to industry trends, develop critical skills, and build relationships that open doors to new career paths. By actively contributing your expertise and seeking guidance, you can establish yourself as a thought leader in your space. Professional communities provide a supportive environment for problem-solving, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 

Ultimately, participation cultivates an ecosystem of mutual growth, where businesses and professionals thrive through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared advancement.

To conclude

In short, community is an essential part of professional growth so if you are someone who is currently neglecting it, take some time to make a plan. The benefits far outweigh the risk of not nurturing the relationships around you and missing out on the support and expertise of your peers. Join a WhatsApp group, attend an event, organise a breakfast. And to those in leadership roles, encourage your team to find their community. When people had a sense of community at work, they were found to be 58% more likely to thrive¹. Embrace the power of the collective and you’ll find that true success is a shared journey.

¹ - Christine Porath & Carla Piñeyro Sublett, 2022: “Rekindling a Sense of Community at Work”