
Have you ever asked yourself what it really means to build your own online community? Donāt get me wrong, Iām not here to ‘read you your rights’ and bust out as the blogging or social media police. But I do want to share some valuable tips Iāve learned along the way.Ā Networking ‘ammo’ that youāll be able to add to your own ‘arsenal’.
Undercover Networking
When I lived in the UK and worked in the Wedding Industry, weād all go to big networking events⦠āsubtextā – a big get together somewhere really fancy like Claridges or The Savoy. Weād have a couple of drinks and get to know each other, chin-wagging the night away. Around about the same time Twitter hit the scene and after nights like these, weād find ourselves sitting on the train, Tweeting each other on the way home. We’d chat about the evening’s antics and whoād met who in the Wedding World. This was the start of building a community for all of us working on the London wedding circuit.
Slow down… Pull over! Starting talking and engage in real conversations.
Building a community is an organic process. Keep that in mind and think about how youāre communicating online. Speak to people and connect the same way you would if you were standing face-to-face. You can PM someone youād like to connect with but careful not to be spammy. Connect with people you already know or are from your industry.
Local law enforcement for Facebook Groups.
Are you getting in peopleās faces all over social media?Ā If you are, then please give it āarrestā! Itās time to check in with yourself and look at how you’re coming across in the Facebook Groups youāre part of? Are you being helpful? Are you adhering to other people’s rules in the groups?
Stop DRIVE-BY Posting!
You join a new FB group, now what? Itās like being part of a precinct where you have a chance get to know the rest of the members. Be careful not to ‘drive by’; selling your services right off the bat and then disappearing into the sunset. Itās important to be genuine within your community. Introduce yourself and foster conversations.Ā Eventually, youāll naturally be able to share what you do. Think of social media as a networking event with the same etiquette as real life.
Time to go detective style and find out where your tribe hangs out.
There are so many groups out there and theyāre a great place to foster relationships, help people out and give good value. Be present, āstick-em-upā and put yourself out there. You’ll start getting tagged and recommended to others (personal recommendations are like hitting the jackpot).
Fancy a squad of your own?
Create your own group, as a way to āprotect and serveā your community or tribe.Ā Itās important to remember to be real – so create your group and do meet upās in person.Ā So much can be said for meeting people face-to-face.Ā The bonds that happen when you meet are always stronger. Then, continue to foster your relationship online.Ā Build your KNOW, LIKE & TRUST factor.
Itās time to stand up and be counted – I salute you!
Get yourself in front of your community. Really, I mean literally get yourself out there. Think about where you can physically go and network with people. Afterwards go and find them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Add them as friends and message them straight after your time together. Stay fresh in people’s minds and keep up real relationships. Itās all about positioning yourself to become a leader in your industry. Whatever you do and whatever message you put out there, make sure youāre stepping into that role by declaring what you do. The way to elevate yourself is to reaffirm that you’re the expert by helping the people who join your community.
Youāve earned your stripes.
Itās time to put it all into action and move forward. Ask questions in social media and have real conversations with people. Be genuine, share inspiring things and most importantly SHARE YOUR STORY!
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2 Comments

Chanelle Segerius-Bruce
Chanelle is a business coach/consultant and personal branding specialist with over 20 years of experience. She's been featured in Forbes, Thrive Global, Stylist Magazine and COACH Magazine. She runs a global training business and works with women helping them launch, grow and scale their online businesses and create a freedom-based life through entrepreneurship.
The Facebook group you have created is great. One of my favourite online places to hang out…. I keep adding people that I think might find it valuable.
Hi Pamela! Thanks so much, I love hearing that!