The Value of Community
Since the Pandemic, many of us have isolated and hibernated, even on a professional level. Working remotely has offered many advantages but it also has reduced our sense of in person community.
During my corporate career, I enjoyed a community of colleagues with whom I shared office space and, more importantly, daily time. I saw them most days and interacted more with them than personal friends or family. They provided intellectual conversation, support, and friendship. To this day, I truly miss this aspect.
As time has moved on, redefining community has taken time. Establishing new relationships and collegial friendships has required investment, both on the emotional side and the financial side. Choosing to lease commercial office space certainly comes with a large financial commitment and identifying new organizations or clubs to join that better reflect a solopreneur versus a corporate executive also takes time to research and money to join. So, are they worth it?
In the dog world, many dogs can be pack oriented. They do better with the support of other like-minded dogs. Sometimes, a toy is a dog’s best friend, but others seek the companionship of humans, canines, and even other species that might be living with them, such as cats. Their definition of pack can vary by individual dog. And for people, it can also be true at times.
Professionally speaking, joining a club, becoming a member of a business chamber, or other related business centric organization that helps you grow, network, or give you a sense of belonging can be critical to establishing a community of colleagues. For those of us who are sole proprietors, finding that sense of community may be essential to our creative growth. But it likely does not come without a cost.
Many business owners will identify future business income and sales from joining certain organizations. If the promise of future business can outperform the cost of membership,
It is a financial risk worth taking. But certain other forms that define your business community may just be an investment in your brand. Sometimes, we need to spend the money and allocate the time to truly appreciate what such such efforts do for our mental and business health. There really is no defined financial formula to gauge its success.
Identify organizations that will build the business community you and your business need. Try to attend meetings or even sample their offerings, if possible. Review what they can bring to your brand, your daily business life, and how their connection can support you mentally and socially. Sometimes, it is not all about the money.
Bringing a sense of community to your specific business should be an ongoing goal. Visit your community frequently and make sure you are constantly evaluating how to make it stronger and more supportive for you and your business. The evolution of your pack will likely correlate with the evolution of your business.
Be well.
