7 reasons why building a community is essential if you run a business 

Lara Sheldrake

'Community' isn't merely a buzzword but rather a means of establishing genuine connections and fostering a know/like/trust relationship with individuals who can evolve into your biggest fans.

‍“Community building is going to be one of the most important, if not the most important, skill set for future Founders across industries. You need a community and you need it as early as possible for whatever product [or business] that you’re going to build.” - Morgan Beller, Co-founder of Diem [Source]‍

If you've ever thought about setting up a community or building one around an existing business, but you're on the fence. Here are 7 reasons why building a community is essential if you run your own business.

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1. Connect & collaborate: Communities bring like-minded individuals together, fostering collaboration, idea-sharing, and support. Build meaningful connections that amplify creativity and innovation.

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‍2. Amplify your reach: A community is a living network that expands your influence beyond traditional boundaries. Leverage the power of collective voices to reach new audiences and grow your impact.

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‍3. Cultivate a hive mind: Communities are hubs of diverse skills and knowledge. Build a community to tap into a wealth of expertise, creating an environment where everyone can contribute and learn from each other.

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‍4. Build brand advocacy: Engaged communities create loyal advocates. Strengthen your brand by building a space where members feel valued, heard, and part of something meaningful. Happy community members become super fans.

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‍5. Accelerate growth: A thriving community propels your growth. Whether you're a business, a cause, or a passion project, a supportive community acts as a catalyst, helping you achieve your goals faster.

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‍6. Feedback & adaptability: Communities provide a safety net and a sounding board. Test your ideas with your community and together overcome obstacles.

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‍7. Create Lasting Impact: Communities have the power to make a lasting impact on individuals and society. Be a force for positive change by rallying a community around shared values and goals.

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If you're looking to build your own community aligned with your values, join our 3-day community building challenge here.

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About the Author

Lara Sheldrake

Lara is a speaker, business consultant and the founder of Found & Flourish, an online network for women and non-binary people in business. Lara consults on the topics of community, business and entrepreneurship. She is on a mission to make business accessible and less lonely. Through the power of community and collaboration, Found & Flourish empowers women to upskill, connect and truly flourish.

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