Community…Do You Like The Word?

How does it make you feel?

As we approach Spring, I want to chat to you about what building a community really feels like..

I don’t know why, but the word community used to make me want to run a mile. It used to make me think of all the things like a cult or something that only the ‘woo woo’ people related to.

Well In-fact, I've Been Involved in and Built My Own 'Communities' for Longer Than I Thought...

And they are far from a cult!

Here are some of my examples: 

• I first started a netball team when I was in my 20’s. I started with a group of friends just to get us together and meet up and it progressed to adding work colleagues, then people I had never met and went on to be coached by a world class player/coach resulting in having 4 teams in the league. Those teams are still playing in those leagues and still love the community feel a team sport brings.  

• I started a business in my 30’s which went on to have over 200 employees, serving hundreds of thousands of people and local communities everyday with joy and excitement in our products. I’m still connected by those communities and some employees have gone on to be close friends.  

• I created a podcast to build a community of listeners that related to the guests, related to their challenges, and their thoughts, wins and their experiences. Most of all to help avoid overwhelm and burnout in business - you can listen to it here. 

• I started my own business community membership in my 40’s. I wanted to create something that was accessible, not unaffordable, for the community to be free to ask those questions that keep you awake at night and to be around people that feel all the feels like I do and know that I am accessible for the community. My lovely member Suzanne says: "It's a fabulous membership to be in – I love it! Thank you for creating such a supportive friendly, inspirational space."

Finding the Right People Can Be a Challenge in Itself...

And believe me I have made some mistakes with people! 

So what can you get from being in the right community??

Support and a sense of belonging: 

Man, it’s lonely out there sometimes, in business and life right?

Communities offer a sense of belonging and support. Being connected to the right community you can find like-minded people who understand your experiences, challenges, which can lead to emotional support and solidarity.

Networking and Connections: 

Communities can also help facilitate networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with peers, mentors, experts, and potential collaborators. I have found SO many amazing people in groups that I have connected with.

The communities don't just bring professional opportunities, they bring friendships too! 

Knowledge Sharing and Learning:

Communities are hubs for knowledge exchange and learning.

How many people have you spoken to and shared insights, experiences, and expertise, helping each other to learn and grow professionally and personally?

Health and Well-being:

Being part of a community can increase your sense of overall health and well-being by offering social support, reducing isolation, and encouraging healthy behaviours.

Strong social connections have been linked to better mental and physical health outcomes.

Innovation and Creativity: 

Being in the right community can serve as incubators for innovation and creativity.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, this often ignites a spark for creativity, foster collaborations, and generates new ideas. 

Overall, Being Part of a Community Can Enhance You as an Individual...

It can also strengthen your social bonds, give you that overall sense of contribution AND enjoy being around other people when you want to be. 

Now, that’s all great right, but what about the introvert in me?! I don’t want to be around people all the time!

Well, that’s the beauty of choosing your community wisely, YOU get to choose, YOU get to be in it as much as you want to, YOU get to contribute as much as you want and YOU ultimately get to feel all the feels as you wish.

Being in a community can still be beneficial for those, like me who are both introverts and extroverts. 

You may prefer solitary activities or smaller social interactions and that’s bloody brilliant too, here are some positive ways you as an introvert can benefit from being part of a community:

Selective Participation:

(I think this is one of my new favourite sayings by the way!)

You can choose to engage in your group or community only in ways that align with your interests and values, allowing you to focus your energy on activities and interactions that you might find meaningful.

Online Communities:

There are SO many places that are online now, as an introvert you may feel more comfortable expressing yourself online rather than in person and can still provide a sense of connection and belonging without the pressure of face-to-face interactions. Although the networking group that I am a volunteer facilitate for (Jigsaw Business Women) cater for all types of people and we encourage you to try at least one face to face group as you get to ‘see’ the people-we also offer a WhatsApp group to be behind the face as well!

Observation and Reflection:

Introverts tend to be good listeners and observers.

Being part of a community allows introverts to learn from others by observing interactions, reading discussions, and reflecting on different perspectives. One of my own business members Treena Davies shows in her business how reflection is so important.

Contributing Through Writing or Creativity:

Introverts may feel more comfortable expressing themselves through writing, art, or other creative mediums. Finding the right community will often provide opportunities for introverts to contribute in these ways, whether it's through sharing written content, artwork, or ideas.

Scheduled Events or Activities: Introverts may prefer structured and scheduled interactions over spontaneous ones. Over in my group Business Balance and Growth Membership, I have both structure and spontaneity…it works for me as well as others!

Space for Solitude:

I fully respect individual boundaries and preferences, as long as you’re not hiding!

I like to give you the freedom to retreat and recharge when needed. There is NO pressure to join anything…

Personal Growth:

Participating in a community can challenge introverts to step out of their ‘comfort zones’ in a supportive environment.

Over time, introverts may develop greater confidence in social situations and interpersonal skills.

If you didn't know I was SUPER shy as a child, would hide behind my dads legs and wouldn’t speak at all but now if I am passionate about something, you can’t shut me up! 

Overall, Being in any Community Can Have a Positive Impact

It can offer both extroverts and introverts opportunities for connection, personal growth, and meaningful engagement, even if it's in a way that respects their unique preferences and boundaries.

There is no right or wrong way!!

What are your own thoughts on communities?

How many people have you walked away from in life and business that were no longer serving you?

In more recent months, for me it’s been a few…you know those ones that never respond to you, are constantly negative, or those that are just not needed in your life anymore, one thing to take away…

IT’S OK TO REMOVE PEOPLE OR DISTANCE THEM FROM YOU…

Where else can that energy go?

You need to hear how amazing you are and when you join my membership, you’ll be surrounded by a community of cheerleaders who totally relate to your journey - so what are you waiting for? 

Hels x