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:

1. 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
2. Getting involved in a professional community starts with building relationships and networks over time in areas that you have a genuine interest
3. Go in with a learning, exploratory mindset without set expectations and be prepared to give more than you receive and contribute value
4. Breaking large groups of people into smaller, more intimate groups leads to better conversations and connections than one large event
5. Understand who you want to help, what they need, how you can help - realize people are actively seeking community and connections

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