Recently, I was tasked with putting together a presentation on building and maintaining a personal community. The goal was to inspire our team to step outside their comfort zones and cultivate connections that reach beyond the usual circles of family, friends, and colleagues. The deck related the benefits of building a strong network to a historical example of how Paul Revere’s network ultimately amplified his message that the British were coming far and wide, when compared with others who were less successful in attempting to spread the same message. However, I understood that if I was going to preach this concept, I had to live it.
That’s when I made the decision to join a local foundation that supports the public school system in my area as its treasurer. This role was well outside my usual routine, pushing me into unfamiliar territory. It has helped me engage with new people, build relationships, and more actively participate in my local community. It wasn’t just a networking move; it was a chance to grow personally and professionally by contributing to a cause I believe in.
The experience has been eye-opening. Not only have I met individuals from different backgrounds, but I’ve also started to see firsthand how these new connections can enrich both my personal and professional life. The role has put me in touch with passionate, driven people who brought fresh perspectives to the table. In practicing what I preached, I found that the lessons from my presentation resonated even more deeply.
This whole journey made me realize that building a personal community isn’t just about making new contacts; it’s about stepping into roles that challenge you and bring you closer to others with similar values. Now, when I speak about the importance of building your personal community, I can do so with a story of my own. It’s not just theory—it’s a lived experience, one that has brought me both growth and a sense of fulfillment.
