The magic and wonder of professional communities during strange times
Isolation doesn’t have to be a solo act.
As we shift in and out of lockdown and the seemingly never ending dramas of the year past, professional online communities have been a lifeline on many levels. To sing the praises of grassroots communities, whilst also indulging in list making, I’ve gathered some saving graces that I hope you’ll find tantalising enough to inspire you, maybe there’s a community you will join. Perhaps you will even start your own niche community if you don’t find what you’re looking for.
The good news is the re-imagining of what a professional community can be, is currently having a golden age and awakening. A growing void left vacant by traditional institutions, like organised religion, civil society institutions, and mass media have created space for grassroots communities made with members in mind and often powered by members. What can a professional community remedy for you?
Staying sane!
Probably a key topic of 2020 has been how to maintain sanity when all else feels insane. Endless amounts of articles and podcasts inform us it’s about balance. Let me guess, you’re super busy right now, but joining a professional community can add a sprinkling of sanity into your day, and help in ways you won’t anticipate. Communities are often built on the premise of creating a safe space to practice getting vulnerable. It’s surprising how relatable and familiar others’ ‘insane’ thoughts and experiences are.
Feel a sense of belonging
At some points this year you have likely felt lonely. Regardless of whether you’re someone who feels energised after spending time with a motivated bunch, or if your idea of recharging is uninterrupted time spent alone. Online communities create and offer space we feel comfortable in. You could join an accountability circle, get inspired at a speakers event, or share updates in an ad hoc manner via a Slack group.
Be part of a diverse group
Are you someone who thrives when given the opportunity to learn something new? Being part of diverse groups is a steadfast way to regularly exercise how you listen, communicate and share. Whilst we are likely more isolated than usual, professional communities are spaces we can engage in first hand conversations and stress test our views. Communities by nature are a work in progress, it’s up to us to consider and practice ideas that can lead to diversifying the communities we are a part of. What could communities you’re part of do differently to be inclusive, welcoming and responsive to overarching needs?
Hear perspectives outside of your usual bubble
Whether bossing it, employed, furloughed or unemployed, sometimes we can feel deflated or stuck in a rut. Professional communities break our feedback loop and offer opportunities to access ideas, conversations and people we wouldn’t otherwise have access to.
Find meaning, purpose and accountability buddies
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, become a mentor, or be a mentee the options are there. Accountability circles with regular check-ins may be just what you need to reach your next milestone, develop a venture or launch a product. Maybe you feel too busy to commit to something regularly? Seek out one-off workshops for your sector and network with others after online events.
Have something to look forward to in the diary
It’s a small thing, but having a virtual event on your calendar is an inspiring way to spice up your routine. Challenge yourself to meet and listen to wonderful strangers often.
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You probably have some favourite communities but in case you’re community curious, below are some valuable and insightful favourites. Many are super diverse and flavourful melting pots, with a handful being female focused:
Found & Flourish
Kicking off with a female focus, dive into podcasts, articles and events covering all the bases to empower female entrepreneurs to develop their best professional selves.
Great for: Advice for entrepreneurs, female leadership networking.
AndCo.Life
A Slack community for freelancers, remote workers, startups and small businesses. An international community, with a concentration of London members.
Great for: Finding collaborators and brand partners, sharing news and peer learning.
Triangirls
A community for lock hosting events. Covering “F*ck ups, masturbation & pay negotiation” (in their own words).
Great for: Inspiring speaker events, sometimes from large brands. Lighthearted, relaxed networking.
Jacuzzi Club
Created by the founders of Poolside FM and Death to Stock, Jacuzzi Club is a private members club (apply via their homepage). It’s an internet hangout for the new wave of business owners & operators, with a regular newsletter and great resources directory.
Great for: Being the first to hear about inspiring side hustles, new ventures and often independent community focused startups.
Thrive
Catering to professional females based in East Sussex. Thrive is founded by Clare Griffiths, one of life’s kind and generous people, but also a cross sector start-up and growing ventures expert. They’ve recently launched Huddles, offering a series of facilitated small group check-ins within a curated group, tailored around business types and goals.
Great for: Professional females based around Sussex, looking to nurture/expand a local network.
Girls Network
A volunteering opportunity for professional women across the UK to mentor the next generation of girls. Many of whom don’t have access to professional networks or an opportunity to meet women in management and C-Suite roles.
Great for: Women in leadership roles, who would like to volunteer and inspire the next generation.
Design Calendar
An online design community and print magazine for creatives who believe in the power of ideas and the joy of making them happen. Design Calendar magazine is created and crafted by founder and editor-in-chief Anton Wade, and DC members showcasing global talent. Catch-up and check-in via the Slack community.
Great for: Creatives who want to connect and collaborate with global talent.
The Futur Pro Group
A diverse, global community of creative entrepreneurs. The Pro group offers exclusive content, tools and coaching to take your career or business to the next level. It’s a paid membership. Check out YouTube and their podcast to see if it’s for you.
Great for: Creatives looking to grow and take their business to the next level.
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Thoughtful newsletters with community followings:
Dense Discovery
A weekly newsletter helping you be productive, feel inspired, and think critically.
Great for: Anyone with an interest in ethical tech and future thinking news.
The Driftime® Desk
Shameless plug! In our monthly newsletter we check-in with a high and low from our practice and drift through inspiration.
Great for: Lovers of future lifestyle brands, a sustainable mindset and conscious travel.
Sara is co-founder of digital design practice Driftime® Media. Build loyalty, brand advocacy and amplify your business growth through ethical design.
