Welcome to another episode of the Christian Business Advantage podcast as we continue our November series celebrating A Month of Thanks and Reflection in Your Business! In this episode, we discuss the vital role a supportive community plays in business and life. Building a community and having a network of support is super important. From encouragement to collaboration, having like-minded professionals around you can transform your journey! With over 17 years of experience in online business, I’ve learned how to connect with others, cultivate meaningful relationships, and practice gratitude to deepen those connections. I shine a spotlight on some specific groups that have nurtured my personal journey and provide insights on building your own community online. I also challenge you to reach out to one person this week who has offered support and express appreciation to them — whether through a heartfelt thank-you note or a simple act of acknowledgment. Let’s celebrate the power of community together and find encouragement in the support of others!
Finding and Nurturing a Supportive Community
Ever since I first got started in my business, 17 years ago this past month, I have benefited from being a part of a community. For me, 99% of this has been on the Internet because I have an online business. Different online communities and organizations have helped, supported, and nurtured me along the way.
Because my podcast listeners are mainly Christian authors, speakers, and coaches, I’m going to share two communities that I’m a part of and believe you would benefit from as well.
- Christian Indie Publishing Association (CIPA)
I’m actually the Executive Assistant for the CIPA owner, Susan Neal. This community has been a huge blessing to me and where I’ve learned about being an author and marketing my business. Even though I have not written a book in 13 years, it’s a very supportive community that can teach you about marketing yourself as an independent author. - Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA)
I’m a new member of AWSA, joining back in July. I attended my first awesome conference in August of this year and felt the support and the community aspect of the organization almost immediately. The ladies in the organization are called a sisterhood, and I felt that in their presence as they take you under their wing automatically. There are veteran authors, authors who are farther ahead in their journey than I am, and professional speakers. It is an amazing, supportive community where I have learned so much. - Build Your Own Community
You can also build your own community around whatever it is that you do!
For example, I’m a virtual assistant but I also have a podcast, the Christian Business Advantage. Plus I have a group community online via Facebook entitled, Christian Business Advantage and it’s for Christian authors, speakers, and coaches. I have built my own community and would encourage you to do the same because this helps to find people who are interested in what you do, what you write, speak about, or how you support others like a coach.
Tips for Connecting with Like-Minded Professionals
I’ve joined organizations that helped me to find those like-minded professionals.
Recently, I joined Word Weavers which will help me to learn how to effectively use grammar, properly structure my writing, and edit my pieces. That’s something new for me, but it is a very like-minded community of professional Christian authors. I’ve learned a lot already in the short time that I’ve been a part of it. So if you are looking for like-minded individuals, or for some professional organizations, you can Google this.
You can also ask your friends and colleagues. They will point you in the right direction to finding like-minded individuals where you can have a supportive community, build those relationship connections, and also learn from its members.
Expressing Gratitude to Deepen Community Connections
Having the opportunity to learn from and connect with individuals worldwide as a part of an online community is a huge thing to be grateful for! If you have your own community, like a Facebook group or maybe something like Groups.io, deepen those connections.
I’ve also joined a couple of communities on another platform. Remember, there are alternative platforms that you can use to build communities besides Facebook.
Be grateful for those connections and make sure you give people a shout-out or thank them for being a part of your community. Recognize them all. Support each other and build morale and connection with your community members.
Rising to the Challenge
Reach out to one person this week who has supported you and express your appreciation!
I am old school and I like to write a thank you note and send it in the mail. I know it costs more now to send a simple card than it used to. But I promise you, it’s worth it! I try to do this for all new clients, but also randomly from time to time.
Pick up a card, even if it’s just an encouragement card and send it to someone who has supported you and express that gratitude to them. I can’t tell you how much that means to someone.
It’s been a number of years because this sweet dear lady has passed away, but when I was working at a local church in ministry, there were some ladies who prayed for the younger women. The lady who had my name often sent me cards in the mail. I kept some of these, luckily. I have cherished and kept them as a keepsake. That was such an important thing to me and helped me during those years of doing ministry and being a young mom.
I encourage you to do that for those in your business and online community and give them an extra dose of appreciation and support!
Come back next week because we will be continuing the Thanks and Reflection series and discussing, How to Ask for Testimonials! Testimonials are a huge part of our businesses, so you won’t want to miss the next podcast episode!
Questions? Join the Group!
If you have specific questions about hosting a virtual summit, I’d love to get those because that would help me to make sure that I’m covering everything that you’re interested in knowing during this series on the podcast. You can submit your questions inside The Christian Business Advantage Facebook group. I look forward to seeing you there!
