How I Built Community In A Pandemic
We’re all adjusted to the new normal by now: face masks, six feet apart, dry hands (thanks hand sanitizer) and lots of video conferencing. But when this #panoramic started, I felt really alone. Getting used to all of this social distance required me to get really creative about staying connected.
As a solo entrepreneur, my network is crucial to my growth. Not only that, I believe in the power of community. When one wins, we all win. Let me tell you how I’ve been maintaining my relationships during COVID.
Intentional Collaboration
Work together on purpose. If you know that some of your friends have similar interests, don’t be afraid to connect them! One thing I did a lot during quarantine was start group chats. (Don’t worry, you can put them on DND if you need a break.) Since we couldn’t come together in person, group chats were the next best thing. We swap ideas, information and sometimes just jokes.
Be a resource to your circle and they’ll be a resource right back to you. One of my favorite things to come out of one of the group chats I started was a Google doc full of grants open for application. We also share tips and peer review each other’s proposals. It might feel counterintuitive to share what seems like a limited resource, but what’s for you is for you. Sharing what you know won’t change that.
Quit Lurking, Speak Up!
We’re all guilty of getting on Instagram just to see what everybody else is doing. But the point of social media is to, you know, be social. So speak up online!
Hop in a few lives of the people you love to follow, with these tips:
You never know who you’ll meet in the comment section: your next business partner, a new collaborator, maybe even a brand or two. People want to know there’s a real person behind all the pretty pictures; go ahead and show them a little razzle dazzle.
Small, Safe, In-Person
Everything I’ve shared so far has been about online connections, but seeing people in real life is important too! (Safely, of course.)
Whenever possible, I would host small get-togethers at my house for my friends. No agenda, just vibes. Sometimes it’s just good to be around your people. A little bit of food, good conversation and laughter gave us all something to look forward to and something to hold on to when social distancing got too lonely.
Moral of the story: if you can’t find the community you’re looking for, make it. Your tribe is out there waiting for you to find them so you all can make magic. Don’t let distance stop you from greatness. You can still make it happen!
