Being part of a small business community/ networking group can offer kindred spirit connection (if it’s a good match), new insights, and new referrals. I’ve got some tips for making good use of your group membership, without the overwhelm or hustle feeling.

I’m going to keep this simple, with a quick list of ideas for where it’s most worth focusing your limited time and energy. As an introvert and HSP myself, these are ideas I can endorse for our kinda people, and they are worthwhile for others too.

These tips below are based on my experiences and those of others I know who have enjoyed their business communities.

I am a member of two business communities now, both full of kindred spirits I enjoy. I’m active there in genuine ways (like the ways listed below). Each group fills a different need for me, thus the two groups.

I have indeed gained new clients, event participants, subscribers, podcast and speaking opportunities, and more. Plus I gain a lot simply from the camaraderie and shared knowledge.

15 Ideas to Make the Most of Your Small Business Community

You don’t have to do it all. In fact, don’t try to do it all. Say no to overwhelm.

Follow what feels best and easiest to start with, and see what happens from there. Of course stay within the group guidelines, so some of these might not apply.

Most Important Starting Places

1. Look through the orientation materials and follow the guidelines and recommendations.
2. Fully complete your online profile in the group member section of the online platform. (Pro tip: include a photo and information about what you’re most passionate about.)
3. If there’s a public directory you can be part of, fill out that profile fully too.

Next Most Important Things to Do

1. Attend one of the live events (online or in-person) right away so you can start to feel connected.
2. Attend a different type of live event they offer, even if you didn’t like the first one. They are probably all a bit different.
3. Get to know the group leaders and ask them to help direct you to where to focus for the best ways to get engaged, or to introduce you around.
4. Share knowledge and insights freely as you interact. Being helpful is key.

To Build Genuine, Meaningful Connections

1. Look around the member list for your kindred spirits. Follow their posts, check out what they’re doing.
2. Read and comment on a few online posts that genuinely interest you. Keep the conversation going if it feels right.
3. Ask questions in the online forum and at live events.
4. Respond to others’ questions that are in your areas of interest.
5. When you notice a resonance with someone, even if their work might not seem “relevant” at first, consider inviting them to a one-to-one chat. It’s not about sales. It’s about getting acquainted and building connections.
6. Find a way to contribute something inside the community — from helping at a registration table at a live gathering, to leading a small group gathering for members on your topic of interest.
7. Think of something you enjoy doing or offering, and offer it to group members. You know that workshop you want to host but don’t know how to get people there? Try offering it inside the community and they’ll get people there.
8. Offer discounted or free consults to members.

You don’t have to stay in a community you dislike!

If you’re just not feelin’ it with the community you’re in, after giving it a little chance, you don’t have to stay! Find a place where it feels easier to connect and you find the conversations have depth and understanding. Connection should feel good, for introverts too.

When I originally tried going to broad-based Chamber of Commerce events and the like, because “everyone suggested it.” But they just didn’t feel like me, over and over. I let it go. Then I tried a women in business group, and started feeling more at home.

Eventually I ended up focusing more of my networking community energy on small niche groups, like soulful solopreneurs. That’s working for me as a source of support and business referrals.

I heard someone suggest that having 5 people who know and trust you and who send referrals is better than kinda knowing 500 people who don’t really know you or don’t send referrals. Quality over quantity.

Kindred Spirit Communities You Might Like

If you’re looking for a new business community, consider finding one that is especially for people like you, such as communities for highly sensitive people.

You’ll gain both moral support and a powerful kind of networking where people get you from the start and are excited to help send people your way.

A few ideas:

1. I facilitate small groups and communities that are especially geared for introverts and/or highly sensitive people (HSPs).
2. The Sensitive Empowerment Community is an online community that has a subgroup inside for business owners. There are opportunities to share your expertise, join a valuable directory of HSP providers, and connect with kindred spirits.

Summary of Business Community Tips

1. Stay within the group guidelines.
2. Start with what’s easy and things will grow from there.
3. Be helpful, which you’re already good at.
4. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step back, choose something shorter and easier to do.
5. If you are simply not resonating with the group after trying it out, let yourself move on to a better fit. You only have so much energy.
6. Consider choosing a community that is already geared for like-minded people, like fellow sensitive professionals.
7. Focus on quality of connection over quantity of connections.

What’s one idea you’ll choose to do next? I welcome comments below.