Network vs. Community
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Network vs. Community
What is the difference between a network and a community? It can be hard to tell the difference. That’s why we’ll explore how they are different. And why both are important for you and for your business.
How They Are Different
The easiest way to remember the difference between a network and a community is this:
A network consists of people you want to be connected to.
A community consists of people that want to be connected to you too.
Think of your network as your acquaintances, and your community as your friends. Both are valuable for you and your business!
Let’s explore each one more in depth.
A Network
Remember, these are the people you want to be connected to. Growing your network is incredibly important. It’s the beginning step: making connections that are useful for you and your business.
Good ways to grow your network are:
Using social media to seek out like-minded companies and individuals.
Attending social events to remain visible and to come in contact with people in the same field as you.
Being aware of opportunities to share your skills and to advertise yourself and your business.
Having a solid, expansive network is crucial to succeeding in business.
A Community
As we established, these are the people that want to be connected to you. Creating a community that cares about you and your business is the second step. For your business to succeed, people need to care about it. Strengthening relationships with selective people in your network can do wonders for your business’s growth and success.
Look to strengthen relationships with like-minded colleagues. You can learn from their insight and expertise in the field, and you can help keep each other on track. Try to add clients to your community as well. By strengthening your relationship with them, you can gain loyal customers and you can learn what they want and expect from your business.
Network and Community
Having both a network and community can do wonders for your business and career. When you know individuals who can help you grow (a network) and a group of people who are looking to support you (a community), that’s a recipe for success!
One important thing to keep in mind whether you’re in a network or a community environment is: Try to always be generous and grateful. If you seek to help others, more often than not, they’ll help you too. And whenever someone does help you, make sure to thank them promptly.
Takeaways
A network and a community are different things. A network is the people you want to be connected to, and a community is the people who want to be connected to you. Your network can be the beginning phase of your community. Both a network and a community are helpful in making your business successful, so strive to have both!
Now that you know the difference, you can continue to seek out and create both!
Happy Connecting!