Building relationships within your professional community can seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most rewarding investments you can make for your career and personal growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your connections, there are several ways to ease into the community and leave a lasting impression.
During this month’s CMA Marketing Group Chat, we spoke with community leaders Kristen Hosman and Kate Coffey-Bacon about the importance of building authentic relationships in your professional space. In addition, we had other community members Kelsey Kashluba, Anya Ciecierski, and Tania Konczynski weigh in on their thoughts on the Microsoft communities.
They shared the following tips and advice for getting your name out there and making a lasting impression.
Fake It Until You Make It
One of the most common hurdles people face when trying to get involved in a community is the fear of rejection or being out of place. But it gets easier after the first time, and the best thing to do is put on a brave face and fake it until you make it. You can’t wait until you feel confident (because you might never feel confident, especially if you’re an introvert). All you can do is take the first step.
“If you feel shy about meeting people, know that others feel that way too. Find someone who is standing alone and go talk to them. Ask them about themselves, because people like to talk about themselves. So just ask questions and smile.” – Anya Ciecierski
If you’re unsure about how to make your first move, start small by meeting people who are also standing alone. It’s a bit like making friends on the playground. Say hello and see where you go from there. Starting with simple connections and creating your community of like-minded people can go a long way.
Be Consistent and Build Relationships
One simple yet powerful tip for making a lasting impression at an event is to follow up. This thoughtful gesture demonstrates that you value their time and attention and are genuinely interested in staying connected. From there, try to engage with others on a deeper level, such as by setting up webinars or group meetings, and surround yourself with influential thought leaders.
“Maybe you are not ready to make that BIG, BOLD step. What you can do is be genuine, learn names, take cards and send a personalized follow up afterwards. From there setup events, webinars, groups - surround your self with influential thought leaders in the space and you yourself will become one.” - Kelsey Kashluba
Participate! (But Don’t Be Afraid to Start Small)
Being a part of a community goes beyond networking and meeting new people. Oftentimes, this means participating or hosting in collaborative, educational efforts such as webinars, podcasts, joint blogs, or speaking engagements. By doing this, you share your expertise and position yourself as a thought leader.
If you’re not ready to host your own session, there are ways to start smaller, such as joining or organizing a panel session or volunteering at community events. These actions still make you a valuable part of the community.
Build Authentic Personal Branding
Do you know what all community leaders have in common? They have a strong, authentic personal brand. It could be something about them that makes them unique and memorable, or many years of subject matter experience. Whether you become known for your thought leadership or subject matter expertise, developing a reputation will make you a go-to person in your community.
“Give don’t grab! Be known for something but always be authentic.” - Kate Coffey-Bacon
Stick with One Community
It’s tempting to jump around from one community to another, especially with many available channels and opportunities. However, focusing your energy on one community ultimately leads to more opportunities. Building long-term relationships within a single group can often lead to more significant and sustainable growth than spreading yourself too thin.
Final Thoughts: Getting Involved
Getting involved in a professional community doesn’t require grand gestures or perfect confidence. It’s about taking small steps, being authentic, and offering value to others. When becoming a part of a community, it’s about “giving” not “grabbing.” Being a part of a community goes both ways. Participate and offer the community value and insight, rather than simply sit on the sidelines and take knowledge from others. Whether you’re volunteering, or following up with new connections, there’s always somewhere to start and places to go – especially in the Microsoft Community.
“Get involved by volunteering at a local meetup or even at the big conferences at the Medic Desk. Submit sessions to a speaker, or organize a panel discussion.” Kristen Hosman
A few of the best places to start connecting with others in the Microsoft Community are:
These companies host online forums, webinars, in-person meet-ups, and some of the largest annual community events. So, if you’re looking for a place to start, choose one of them.
We wish you the best of luck!
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